Diem Blog

It’s 2019, and if you’re still choosing your weed based on the THC content alone, you’re doing it wrong. We’re steadily seeing a rise in interest and education when it comes to tasty, tantalizing terpenes.

What are terpenes and why does my budtender keep talking about them?

Terpenes are the organic compounds that give plants their scents and flavors. You read that right – all plants, not just cannabis plants.

However, cannabis terpenes are unique in that, while known for adding distinctive scent and flavor profiles to your weed and dabs, they also heavily influence your high. 

If you’re a regular smoker, you may have noticed a lot of cartridges, even those with 90%+ THC, seem to never get you quite as high as you like. Even if they do, it’s only a couple of minutes until you’re back for another puff to keep that buzz going.

That’s because most cartridges on the market are filled with THC distillate, which is cannabis oil concentrated down to create the highest THC content possible. The problem with that is that when you do that, you’re essentially removing the remaining elements from the plant that contribute to the “entourage effect,” therefore limiting your overall experience. (If you haven’t seen us talk about this before, the entourage effect states that all of the elements of cannabis combine to create the most complete experience with the plant possible).

How do terps change your high?

While we have no problem helping you hunt down the most potent stuff on our shelves, you should know that THC isn’t the only factor when you’re trying to get high. Cannabis terpenes pack a ton of crazy scents and flavors into your weed, but they also have a range of effects on their own that can modify and alter your experience.

There have been multiple studies examining the relationship between various cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids, and the results have shown a spectrum of positive effects. One of the most notable effects was a decrease in THC-related anxiety spikes. While lots of smokers use THC to reduce stress, many feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety from products with high potency. A combination of THC with CBD and terpenes can mellow out that feeling, keeping you feeling cool and relaxed.

So what terpenes should I be looking for?

Much like cannabinoids, cannabis terpenes have shown an affinity to receptor sites within the brain and central nervous system. There have been over 200 terpenes found within cannabis plants, but there are 5 primary terpenes that show up most often and have the most potent effects:

Limonene

• Found in most citrus fruits
• Evidence suggests it could reduce anxiety by increasing serotonin and dopamine production
• High concentrations have resulted in apoptosis (cell death) of breast cancer cells
• High bioavailability

Myrcene

• Found in hops
• Used in Germany for sleep aids
• Experimentally proven as a muscle relaxer and mild sedative in mice
• Common to indica cannabis strains

Pinene

• Most commonly found terpene in nature, contained in many plants
• Proven bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory
• Broad spectrum antibiotic
• Most notably found in Jack Herer in high concentrations

Linalool

• Found in lavender
• Considered a strong aromatherapeutic compound
• Works for sedation and anxiety

Caryophyllene

• Found in black pepper
• Mild anti-inflammatory
• Not noticeably psychoactive
• Good for digestive health

We know that’s a lot of information to take in all at once, so we’ll leave it here, but you can bet that we will be back soon to dig deeper into a whole bunch of terpy goodness. Until then, follow your nose and, if you need help, ask our budtenders for their tastiest recommendations. 

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Shop online or in person with Diem. We have locations in Oregon (Salem & Portland) and Massachusetts (Worcester & Lynn). 

 

Disclaimer: 

*Statements made on hellodiem.com have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.