The wealth of information about terpenes, their uses, and how they work with other components of medical marijuana may confuse the medical marijuana newcomer. In this article, you will learn:
- What terpenes are
- How myrcene can produce unique effects
- What the “entourage effect” may mean for your medical marijuana experience
Though it’s not necessary to have a complete understanding of terpenes to have a great experience with medical marijuana. Those who have been part of the medical marijuana community for a while may want to delve a little bit deeper into questions about terpenes and strains that they might have had for a while.
For example, why do certain strains produce a more effective high than others? What is the so-called “entourage effect,” and does it really affect how you feel when you smoke or consume medical marijuana? And, above all, do terpenes truly matter to your medical marijuana experience?
What Are Terpenes?
It may surprise you to know that terpenes are not unique to medical marijuana. Terpenes are simply botanical compounds that produce an aroma, and they are found in many plants. Cannabis does contain many terpenes at a high level, but so do many other popular herbs and plants. If you’ve ever wondered why so many products are scented with lavender, orange, lemon, pine, or a combination of the above, it’s because their terpenes are highly concentrated and very aromatic. Plus, they smell great!
Terpenes are commonly used in synthetic and natural fragrances, and they can be found as ingredients in air fresheners, cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and more. Other terpenes you may have heard or read the names of are:
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Pinene
- Eucalyptol
- Humulene
Cannabis terpenes may offer physical and mental health benefits. Scientific research is continually learning more about cannabis; perhaps you’ve heard that a particular strain will make you less anxious, while another strain may calm inflammation. There’s truth to many of these statements, but like with medical marijuana itself, terpenes can also produce different effects in different individuals.
How Is Myrcene Unique?
At 20% of aromatic compounds in medical marijuana, myrcene is the most common and most aromatic terpene in the medical marijuana plants we consume today. If you’re smelling a scent you recognize as marijuana; it’s more than likely myrcene in the plant that’s triggering this mental identification. It’s famous for its calming effects, and many people seek out strains that have the highest concentrations of myrcene.
Are Terpenes the Same as Cannabinoids?
No. Though both chemical compounds comprise your favorite medical marijuana strains, however, these are two different things. Terpenes are aromatic compounds, while cannabinoids like THC are responsible for most of the health effects of medical marijuana. You’ve likely also encountered, if not sampled, products made from CBD extract or CBD oil as well.
CBD is a common non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and because it doesn’t produce a “high,” it’s currently legal in many more states as an isolated extract; however, many people believe that using full-spectrum medical marijuana products, including CBD, provides more significant benefits for mental and physical health than isolates. If you’ve heard of the concept that terpenes can also have health benefits when combined with cannabinoids, read below to discover the entourage effect theory.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a truly fascinating concept that interests researchers and laypeople alike. While it’s long been known that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids can stimulate the body’s endocannabinoid system to create the trademark medical marijuana high or even soothe musculoskeletal pain, these benefits may be enhanced by the addition of certain terpenes.
For example, pure CBD may help many people, but others may experience additional benefits when the CBD is combined with terpenes like myrcene to work synergistically. This effect uses terpenes to essentially bring out, heighten, or amplify the effect of cannabinoids.
Get In Touch
The world of medical marijuana may seem ever-changing with its increasing amount of products, research, and information available to you. Perhaps you need to know which products are available in your area, or maybe you’re looking for something more specific. If you have questions, or if you simply need a recommendation for a product that’s perfect for your lifestyle, let us know. Reach out to us at Fluent today!
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