Terpenes occur naturally in plants and living organisms, including fungi. They provide the distinct smells and flavors of various plants, including cannabis. Today, various practices and products such as aromatherapy, cosmetics, and some cleaning supplies use these aromatic compounds.
If you shop around the shelves of our Hudson Valley dispensary, you’ll find a wide selection of terpene-rich flower offering a variety of unique aromas, flavors, and effects.
Explore the most common terpenes in cannabis to gain a better understanding of how the plant can help you reach your preferred state of relief, relaxation, or bliss.
Where Are Terpenes Found?
Terpenes are everywhere – in fruits, herbs, and flowers. They help protect plants from pests and harsh weather while attracting pollinators and other organisms into their environment. Imagine the fresh scent of pine forests or the zesty aroma of citrus fruits – that’s terpenes at work!
Understanding Terpenes in Cannabis
In cannabis, terpenes are a big contributor to the overall effects and experience you’ll feel. Not only do they create the unique aroma profile of each strain but also work with cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) to shape the overall effects. This teamwork is known as the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect: More Than Just THC
When imagining the overall ‘high’ experience of cannabis, cannabinoids are the fuel and terpenes are the driver. When combined, they create a symphony of effects. Because of this interaction between the hundreds of different cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, each strain offers a unique profile, or ‘fingerprint,’ of its aroma, flavor, and effects.
Meet the Most Common Cannabis Terpenes
Let’s introduce you to some of the most common terpenes you might find in our cannabis in Hudson Valley.
Myrcene
Mangoes, lemongrass, cloves, and hops often contain this terpene. It smells musky and earthy with a hint of sweetness and spice.
The terpene myrcene is known for its well-rounded combination of effects, with a twist – when mixed in with the right combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, a smaller amount of myrcene can bring on bursts of energy and euphoria. Larger doses of myrcene are more sedating, soothing, and relaxing.
- Strains like Tangie and White Widow commonly contain myrcene.
Limonene
Most citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges, contain limonene. The scent is similar to the fruit you’ll find this terpene in – think of the sweet and tart taste of lemonade or the smell of freshly squeezed lemon zest. This terpene is known to be uplifting and energizing, with some studies recognizing its therapeutic properties to relieve overwhelming feelings of stress.
- Strains like Super Lemon Haze and Durban Poison contain limonene.
Pinene
Reflecting its name, pinene is a terpene found in confiders and pine trees. Imagine what you’d smell walking through a fresh forest of trees – a woodsy, earthy, musky scent with a hint of spice. In aromatherapy practices, pinene is used in essential oil blends to help with respiratory issues. Other common effects of pinene have been shown to increase focus and mental clarity.
- Pinene is common in strains like Blue Dream and Jack Herer.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Found in black pepper, beta-caryophyllene is a well-known terpene with a spicy and peppery aromatic profile. The interesting part about this terpene is how it acts differently to others – instead, beta-caryophyllene acts like a cannabinoid because of how it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body the way THC or CBD does. This triggers a whole different range of effects and responses compared to other terpenes in cannabis. Because of this, it’s a terpene great for pain relief and relaxation.
- Beta-caryophyllene is found in strains like Bubba Kush and Gelato.
Terpinolene
Found in lilacs, nutmeg, apples, and tea tree, this terpene is known for its perfumy, fresh aromatic profile. With a combination of a bright floral scent and woodsy edge, terpinolene drifts more on the less common side of the terpenes found in cannabis.
Known for its sedative and calming effects, it often appears in strains intended for deep relaxation and sleep.
- Terpinolene is found in strains like XJ-13 and Trainwreck.
Linalool
This terpene is found in lavender. Floral and sweet. Great for stress relief and relaxation, found in strains like Zkittlez and Grandaddy Purple.
The smell and aromatic profile of linalool are practically identical to laying in a field of lavender…sweet, dreamy, and relaxing. Although over 200 plants, fruits, and spices contain linalool, people commonly associate it with lavender because of its similar perfume-like scent.
In aromatherapy, people commonly use lavender and linalool for their calming and anti-anxiety properties. In cannabis strains, this terpene induces deep relaxation and sedation.
You’ll find this terpene in common cannabis strains like Lilac Diesel and Grandaddy Purple.
Shopping By Terpene at Grounded
Terpenes are a significant source of what you feel and experience with cannabis. At Grounded, we’re here to be your guide in accessing the many unique terpene profiles of our cannabis flower and products.
Before you’re ready to explore terpenes at our Hudson Valley dispensary, consider these dispensary shopping tips:
- Read Product Labels: Look for terpene profiles on the label or ask for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
- Know Your Goals: Decide what effects you’re looking for, whether it’s relaxation, focus, or pain relief.
- Ask Questions: Our knowledgeable budtenders are here to help you find the perfect match based on the effects and experience you’re looking for.
Understanding terpenes empowers you to make informed choices and enhance your cannabis experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, relieve stress, or just have fun, find the cannabis terpene profile that works for you!
Check out our Instagram for the latest updates and education around cannabis in Hudson Valley, NY.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*
