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Just when you started to master cannabinoids and understand the roles they can play for your health and wellbeing, here come the terpenes, another category of naturally occurring chemical components of the cannabis flower you’d probably never heard of with its own set of physical and mental health benefits.
Terpenes aren’t unique to the marijuana plant, they’re organic compounds responsible for the unique smells and tastes of your favorite plants, flowers, and fruits. Terpinolene gives sage its signature scent and terpenes produce the olfactory experience when you slice into a lemon (limonene) or rub a piece of fresh rosemary between your fingers (pinene).
They’re also responsible for the signature scents and flavors of your favorite cannabis strains. Terpenes exist in far higher concentrations in cannabis flowers than in other plant species, contributing to the special healing powers of your favorite plant medicine.
Terpene profiles are like a plant’s unique fingerprint, “fingerprints” that vary between cultivars based on the strain’s genetic makeup as well as the growing conditions.
Together with their better-known sister compounds, cannabinoids like CBD and THC, terpenes contribute to the myriad health benefits of the magical marijuana plant. Secreted by trichomes, the tiny resin glands of cannabis flowers, there are thought to be at least 150 of these aromatic molecules, each with its own medicinal effect.
Myrcene (MEER-seen) is one of the most common terpenes found in today's cannabis strains and is often the 'dominant terpene', the one found in the highest concentration. It's also found in hops and lemongrass. It has a spicy, earthy smell. Myrcene contributes to feelings of relaxation and can calm anxiety. It also has benefits as a sleep-aid. If this sounds right up your alley-hole, try our Budzilla with the highest myrcene content of all LAKEGRADE strains. You'll want to smoke it on or near the couch because that's where it'll take you!
Caryophyllene (cary-OFF-i-leen) is a terpene found in many of your favorite spices like pepper, oregano and more. It has a potent, spicy smell. It's a terpene that's also a cannabinoid, making it unique. It works with our endocannabinoid system which has two receptors, CB1 and CB2. Caryophyllene binds with the CB2 receptor, which research suggests regulates inflammation in the body, giving it anti-inflammatory benefits. Caryophyllene can help with depression and anxiety. LAKEGRADE's Banana Kush is a caryophyllene-dominant strain with a lower myrcene profile than other strains making it a great choice for those who want to reduce inflammation but don't want to end up in-da-couch.
Limonene (LIM-on-een) is a terpene found in lemons and other citrus plants and fruits as well as in many of your favorite cannabis strains like Lemon Sour Diesel. It can calm gastric issues like acid reflux and is also a mood elevator, offering a non-pharmaceutical alternative to those suffering from anxiety and depression.
Pinene (PI-neen) is another common terpene in today's cannabis strains. It is found in pine needles, as its name suggests, as well as rosemary and eucalyptus. And, it has a strong smell like a Christmas spruce. As you might expect, it's a bronchodilator that can help to clear blocked sinuses and congested lungs. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory and provide pain relief. It can help counteract the short-term memory issues associated with cannabis consumption. If this sounds like your jam, try LAKEGRADE Budzilla.
Ocimene (OH-si-meen) is often a secondary or tertiary—i.e. the second or third most abundant—terpene in cannabis strains. It is also commonly found in perfumes due to its sweet floral, citrusy scent. Like many terpenes, it can ward off pests and is thought to provide antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, decongestant, and antibacterial benefits when consumed in cannabis products. Ocimene is one of the top three terpenes in our Banana Kush proprietary strain.
You’ve probably read that CBD works better with a small amount of THC. This is an example of the ‘entourage effect’ in which different cannabis compounds interact with one another to magnify the benefits of a single compound on its own (also known as an isolate). The same is true for terpenes.
Cannabis strains featuring broad-spectrum terpene profiles like those found in LAKEGRADE’s proprietary strains are thought to provide greater health benefits than those in strains with fewer individual terpenes present. Another factor is the total terpene load as well as the concentration of individual terpenes.
Terpenes and cannabinoids like THC and CBD as well as minor cannabinoids like CBN and more likely work in concert to provide powerful benefits greater than the sum of their individual parts.
More research is being done every day to better understand the roles that terpenes and cannabinoids play along with their interactions. We promise to bring you more information as it becomes available and will also continue to bring you the highest quality, sun-grown cannabis with optimal terpene and cannabinoid profiles for maximum enjoyment and health benefit.
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