Fragrant Flowers: The Scent of Weed
Can you smell that smell? What marijuana user hasn’t been out for a stroll and sniffed someone smoking some dank weed nearby? Suddenly you’re looking all over like a meerkat, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. Is it wafting outta that parked car? Is it the house you’re walking by? What kind of cannabis is it? Do they want to share? We’ve all been there.
The pungent perfume of pot is recognizable whether you’re into the ganja or not. There’s a general skunkiness that toked, dabbed, or vaped cannabis has. But there are also subtle differences in the odors of different strains. The reason for these various fragrances is that weed flower is full of different compounds. The tastes and smells of cannabis come from chemicals called terpenes.
So what are the different terpenes? How do they affect the taste and smell of what you’re smoking? What effects do terpenes have on your high? Let’s find out.
Talkin’ About Terpenes
Terpenes! what are they all about? Terpenes are chemicals that give weed strains unique flavors and odors. They also boost the effects of cannabis compounds like THC and CBD in what is called the ‘entourage effect’! So, these kickass chemicals give your weed a boost and make it taste and smell terrific too!
There may be some confusion between terpenes and terpenoids. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. Terpenes are natural, while terpenoids have been modified chemically. We want to focus on terpenes naturally found in cannabis and hemp plants.
What are the different terpenes? Myrcene is a major terpene that is found in all pot plants. That’s the one that gives the skunky smell and earthy taste. So pretty much all weed has a bit of this vibe and it’s the ‘general smell’ associated with your plant. But wait, there’s more terpenes! Some of your salad has a pine tree smell. That comes from beta-pinene, sometimes called just pinene. It has what can be described as a woodsy flavor, like chewing sweet bark. Not something many people do, but go with it. Another common cannabis terpene is limonene, which is lemony. Think of lemons, limes and oranges and you get the idea. This chemical is also found in the rind of citrus fruits.
Now, there’s literally hundreds of different terpenes in marijuana. Each of them can affect the way weed tastes and affects you. That’s why when you go to a dispensary or your grower there’s so many different strains to choose from. That, and varying amounts of THC and CBD – but that’s a tale for another time.
But there’s more to terpenes than taste and smell. They also do some important things, as mentioned above. So what do each of these chemicals exactly do for you?
Explaining Terpene Effects
Terpenes aren’t just in weed. They are found in a lot of different plants and essential oils. These compounds have some definite medical benefits, whether they’re smoked within your weed or burned with other essential oils.
Different terpenes have different benefits. Pinene, for example, is anti-inflammatory and helps aid better breathing. This compliments similar effects in cannabis. The compound called myrcene can promote stress relief and good sleep. And citrusy limonene has multiple plusses including anti-viral and even anti-cancer properties The list of terpenes and their different health boosting benefits goes on and on.
Terpenes and cannabinoids are a powerful combo. That’s why weed is such great medicine. It’s chock full of goodness!
There’s more to discuss. Terpenes are themselves so effective that they are even added to cannabis products. They are also sold solo as isolates.
Terpene Powered Products
Many marijuana enthusiasts are familiar with THC and CBD isolates. Terpenes come in their own solo concentrates too. These are often concocted to target specific symptoms. Thus, you could isolate myrcene and similar terpenes for a before-bed sleep aid. Or find some pinene for reducing inflammation. With hundreds of terpenes available, there’s no end to the benefit combos that can be created.
Because of the entourage effect, terpenes work best with cannabinoids. Thus, they are sometimes added to pot-based products for better benefits. Plus, boosting terpenes can enhance the flavor and odor. Tastier weed is a wonderful thing! More terpenes are a win-win situation. Terpene enhancement makes pot products more powerful and improves the user experience!
Weed is already packed with potency. Isolating and concentrating cannabinoids and terpenes helps consumers. This allows for superior symptom management. That’s a boon for medical users. Recreational rips and tokes can taste better and smell stronger. Research continues in how to use the various components of cannabis more effectively.
Bringing It All Together
One thing that many marijuana fans love about the weed they smoke is the strong taste and smell. And we crave cannabis effects medically and recreationally. Terpenes are a big part of that. Concentrates without these compounds will still make you feel better. Pure CBD and THC are, after all, things. But terpenes make the good even greater!
The chemicals can be found naturally in cannabis, or they can be added. Adding terpenes can highlight certain benefits. It can also strengthen the flavor and fragrance. Isolating terpenes apart from cannabinoids makes their medicinal qualities shine. And that’s fine if that’s what you’re after. But combined with cannabinoids they can really rock your world!
Research is ongoing into all parts of pot plants. Terpenes show a lot of promise treating a number of conditions, mental and physical. We know a great deal about how well they work in weed. We likewise know enough to understand how they function all on their own. Discovering even more about all the various terpenes will definitely reap benefits. Users will find more and more options about how to get the most out of their ganja!
With your next puff or dab, think about the wonderful terpenes that give weed flavor and fragrance. Then just sit back and enjoy the benefits! And really smell that smell.
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