Tales Of Terpenes! To Burn Or Not To Burn. That Is The Burning Question!
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, that contribute to their distinct smells and flavors. In marijuana, terpenes influence the plant’s scent profile and may also affect the user’s experience, possibly interacting with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This interaction is referred to as the “entourage effect,” where terpenes may modulate or enhance the effects of cannabinoids.
A General Terpene Molecule. The general chemical formula for terpenes is (C5H8)n(C_5H_8)_n, where “n” represents the number of repeating isoprene units (each isoprene unit is C5H8C_5H_8).
In English, that tells us that that the terpenes are chemically similar. They are built from carbon and hydrogen atoms. The long chain at the bottom of the picture varies in length, giving us different terpenes. Here is a list of the major terpenes present in marijuana. Note that they are present in many plants, providing the smell of the plants. Let’s look at what they do and how to keep them intact when we consume marijuana.
Major Terpenes in Marijuana. There are actually over 100 different terpenes in marijuana, and these are the most important ones.
1. Myrcene: Produces an earthy, musky, and somewhat fruity aroma and is thought to contribute to the sedative effects of some strains.
2. Limonene: Has a citrus scent and is believed to have mood-elevating and stress-relieving properties.3. Caryophyllene: Known for a spicy and peppery aroma, it is the only terpene that can also act as a cannabinoid and may influence inflammation.
4. Pinene: Recognized by its pine-like scent and may promote alertness and respiratory benefits.
5. Linalool: Known for a floral, lavender-like aroma and is thought to have calming and anti-anxiety properties.
6. Terpinolene: Carries a woody and herbal scent with some citrus notes and is considered mildly sedative.
7. Humulene: Features an earthy and woody scent and may act as an appetite suppressant and anti-inflammatory.
Consider that there are many more terpenes in marijuana along with 105+ cannabinoids. The complexity of “whole plant” marijuana compared to using one or two, THC and CBD is dramatic.
Obviously the terpenes play critical roles in the physiological efficacy of marijuana. Are they destroyed by combustion? Do we get to smoke herb and still benefit from the terpenes? Generally, NO we do not!
Terpenes in marijuana are responsible for much of the plant’s aroma and flavor, and they may also play a role in shaping the effects experienced by users. Beyond simply making different strains smell and taste distinct, terpenes are believed to interact with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, potentially altering the overall experience. This interaction is often referred to as the “entourage effect,” where terpenes and cannabinoids together may enhance or modify the effects felt.
In other words, once again, smoking a joint is not the best way to consume marijuana. As you know, I favor making oil from the whole flower and adding CBD. Consuming the oil in a tablespoon or in coffee (much cooler than a burning joint) provides the best of both worlds.
So the next time someone refers to Lemon Haze, known for its strong citrus and lemon-like aroma, or Blueberry, named for its sweet, berry-like scent and flavor you’ll understand the significance and source of the strain names.
These strains, like Strawberry Kush, often have terpene profiles that contribute to their distinct, odor-based names.
Lenny Lensworth Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!
