Let us pause to take a moment and smell the cannabis.
By Rebecca Victoria Olmos
Those yummy smells you’re inhaling when you open up a new 8th of your go-to strain are called terpenes. They are active in cannabis plants but are also present in herbs, fruits, and flowers. By definition, terpenes are molecules found in the essentials oils of plants that give them their unique aromas. For example, lavender exudes the terpene called linalool, and lemons produce the terpene limonene.
In their natural state, terpenes help the plants to thrive and survive, according to a Medical News Today article. They attract pollinators while simultaneously repelling predators. They can also help the plant recover from damage and keep away infectious germs.
When terpenes are extracted and isolated from the plant, you can add them to items like perfumes and lotions. In the cannabis world, products like vape cartridges and edibles are infused with isolated terpenes to enhance the flavor profile or the desired effects.
That’s because, according to medical studies, terpenes are bioactive and can have therapeutic effects on the body (i.e., aromatherapy). For example, linalool tends to invoke a feeling of relaxation, and limonene can help elevate your mood.
Terpenes work simultaneously with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, and can affect your body’s endocannabinoid system. This synergy creates, what scientists call, the “entourage effect,” the enhanced psychoactive experience of consuming cannabis rich in both cannabinoids and terpenes.
So when you’re searching for your next cannabis product, inquire about its terpene profile. You may find the perfect aroma to elevate your ideal vibe.
