Types of Terpenes and their Effects

What are terpenes and why should you care? A terpene isn’t just a word that weed nerds use; terpenes are what give marijuana its delicious smell and many additional stony effects! Terpenes are the fragrant oils found in the glandular trichomes of marijuana flowers. There are approximately 140 known terpenes, and they all have different effects on the human body. This article will introduce you to some of the more common terpenes found in marijuana and help you choose the right terpenes to produce the effects you’re looking for.

What are terpenes and what do they do?

Terpenes aren’t unique to marijuana! Terpenes are found in many plants including pepper, rosemary, sage, and lavender. In nature, the function of terpenes is to attract pollinators like bees, and repel predators such as insects and deer. They also help the plant to fight off fungus and bacteria. Some terpenes smell citrusy, some piney, some musky, some floral. What particular terpenes a plant produces is influenced by the maturity of the plant, strain variety, climate, soil quality, and other environmental factors. Some terpenes play a role in determining how much THC penetrates your body’s systems, while certain other terpenes can affect the brain’s cannabanoid receptors. These influences help determine the specific effects of the particular marijuana you’re using.

What’s the Difference in Terpenes and Terpenoids?

Terpenes are what these oils are called when they are found in the living, growing marijuana plant. At this point, the terpenes contain only hydrogen and carbon. Once the plant is harvested and the buds begin to dry out, oxidation changes the terpenes into terpenoids. So, not much difference really, but the two terms can be confusing if you don’t understand the distinction.

Common Terpenes and their Effects

So, how do terpenes affect you exactly? The answer depends on the terpene. Here are some of the more common and most sought-after terpenes that can be found in marijuana, as well as some info about what strains contain which terpenes.

Humulene:

This terpene has an earthy, woody scent. It’s great for relieving pain and also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also useful as an appetite suppressant. OG Kush and White Widow both have high levels of humulene.

Limonine:

This terpene is known for its ability to elevate one’s mood, producing feelings of happiness, lightness, and euphoria. Stress-relieving with a citrusy scent, you’ll find limonene in OG Kush and Super Lemon Haze, to name a couple. Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-carcinogenic, limonene is believed to help with gallstones and gastrointestinal complications, and it’s also good for heartburn and for treating the symptoms of depression.

Linalool:

With a floral, citrusy scent, linalool is a terpene that is great for stress relief and relaxation. It’s also good for treating acne. G-13, LA Confidential, and Amnesia Haze are some strains with a high concentration of linalool.

Myrcene:

If you have trouble sleeping, this is the terpene for you. It will knock you out, producing drowsiness and generally slowing the mind. With an earthy, tropical scent, myrcene has a reputation for its cancer-fighting properties and amazing ability to end even the worst cases of insomnia. The most common of the terpenes, myrcene is also a muscle relaxer and anti-depressant, and it may even help your high to kick in a little more quickly. White Widow is a strain to look for if you’re wanting high myrcene levels in your buds.

Caryophyllene:

This terpene has gastroprotective properties that aid in keeping your digestive system healthy. It has a woody, peppery scent and is also good for relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis. It’s an anti-inflammatory that can be useful in treating ulcers and autoimmune disorders.If you’re looking for caryophyllene, you’ll find it in abundance in the hash plant, not in the type of bud that’s usually enjoyed.

Pinene (alpha-pinene and beta-pinene):

This terpene encourages focus and mental acuity, and gives the herb a piney scent. It’s recommended for help with asthma and for use as an antiseptic. Jack Herer and Super Silver Haze are two strains rife with pinenes.

Where do I find these strains?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, all you need to do is head to a dispensary and buy a marijuana strain that has a high concentration of the terpenes you want. CannaSaver is a great resource for finding a dispensary near you, and you’ll also find loads of money-saving coupons for dispensary deals on top-shelf ounces, dabs, and more. Just choose a deal, then call the store to ask about specific strains to verify that they have what you’re looking for. Your budtender can also recommend additional strains based on the terpene effects you desire. Of course, the best way to discover which terpenes you prefer is to experiment--so stock up on a few different varieties and see for yourself which strains and terpenes you like the most. Happy toking from your friends at CannaSaver!

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Oh the juicy terps, glorious terpenes. By now, I’m sure you know all about wonderful terpenes. 

Wait, you don’t? 

Well, let’s boot in and upload that knowledge upon you. 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are biological aromatic compounds found in many different plant species. In cannabis, they are responsible for the various flavors and aromas each strain obtains. The terpenes produce citrus, pepper, pine, and floral tastes/smells gathered within the buds or more specifically in the trichomes (kief).

They promote relaxation/stress relief for indica strains.

As for the sativas, they produce focus, uplifting, and energy.

So now that you are an expert, you’re probably headed to your favorite dispensary to purchase a fresh jar of juicy terpenes. They are going to get you higher than you have ever been. Well, let’s stop there and ask this question:

Do terpenes get you high?

A Closer Look At Terpenes

So now that you have a little knowledge of terpenes and that they exist, let’s dive in a little closer. Terpenes come in a big bag of different types which influence the type of high you will experience while you smoke. Let’s consider terpenes a type of “choose your own adventure” for the cannabis world.

Limonene

This juicy citrus terpene is found in various different fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, berries, and lemons. Limonene reduces anxiety. This occurs by the terpene increasing your serotonin and dopamine production within your brain, thus improving your overall mental health. A happy brain is a good brain.

Limonene has a high availability which essentially means it will allow a substance, cannabis in our case, to enter your bloodstream and have an actual effect on your body.

Some other added benefits include being an antiseptic and helping overall gastrointestinal health.

Some strains which contain Limonene include:

• White Widow
• Hindu Kush
• Goji OG
• Banana Kush

Myrcene

The most common terpene amongst the marijuana ranks is myrcene. Studies have shown myrcene improves cell membranes in the body to absorb nutrients. Myrcene makes up 20% of all the terpenes found in all cannabis strains. The terpene also appears as the most dominant among 40% of shelved marijuana strains. With these percentages, there is a very good chance you have had plenty of this terpene. 

Myrcene affects the blood/brain barrier. The terpene lowers the barrier allowing THC to pass through easier thus allowing for a sustained high. The terpene protects against circulating toxins/diseases which cause brain infections. This process does not raise the psychoactivity of THC but naturally increases the sense of chill and couch-lock. This allows the marijuana to hit fast/strong. Typically completely halving the onset time. 

Some health benefits from Myrcene are digestion improvement, relaxing muscles, reducing asthma flare-ups, and aiding sleep.

Some strains which contain Myrcene include:

• Green Crack
• Ak-47
• Blue Dream
• 9 Pound Hammer

Pinene

This woodsy, lumberjack of a terpene is the most common terp in nature. Pinene is found in pine trees, coniferous trees, rosemary, and other plants. In the marijuana world, Pinene has earthy, woody, and piney tastes/aromas. This terpene hits with stimulation, focus, and clarity receptors in your brain. The terpene is also a bronchodilator, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and, believe it or not, it improves your memory.

Some strains which contain Pinene include:

• Mimosa
• Do-Si-Do
• Island Sweet Skunk
• Jack Herer

Linalool

Linalool is a bit of a flower child. Overall floral with a hint of spice, the terpene is found in lavender, rosewood, birch bark, and cinnamon. Linalool is aromatherapeutic which promotes health and an overall sense of well-being.

The terpenes reduce anxiety and allow the feeling of sedation. Linalool helps prevent heart disease and is slightly pain-relieving. The flower child also produces vitamin E which has anti-aging properties. 

Some strains which contain Linalool include:

• Grand Daddy Purp
• Amnesia Haze
• Wedding Cake
• L.A. Confidential

Caryophyllene

Oh, the spice with everything nice. Caryophyllene is found in basil, black pepper, and oregano. The terp has spicy, woody, and pepper aromas/flavors. High caryophyllene terpenes are noticeably pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing. The terpene binds with CB2 receptors in the brain which improves brain health and overall well-being.

Caryophyllene can also counteract the effects of THC. This could be good for those who need to be less high/anxiety-ridden. This spicy girl is good for digestion, pain relief, and relieves itchy skin.

Some strains which contain Caryophyllene include:

• Skywalker OG
• Super Silver Haze
• Chemdawg

The Terpene Experience and Getting High

So I know you’re thinking as you stand at your favorite dispensary with your mouth watering at the sight of the jar of fresh terpenes, “Do terpenes alone actually get you high?”. 

Unfortunately, the short answer is no. 

This simply breaks down to the terpenes themselves containing no THC. For those needing a friendly refresher, THC delivers the high we are all fondly familiar with. The terpenes interacting with THC and other cannabinoids are where the terpenes shine. They come in and become a “pick your own high” known as the Entourage Effect.

The Entourage Effect is the combination of THC, any terpene, and CBD. Many believe that cannabis is improved by adding terpenes. Terpenes work closely in the brain interacting with your body’s naturally forming cannabinoids pairing divinely with consumed THC and/or CBD. The combination is much stronger than THC, CBD, and terpenes alone. 

The Entourage Effect indirectly works as a major chemical compound and increases the potential benefits of everything involved. This improves mood and biological responses which boosts the quality of life. For those with marijuana anxiety, certain terps keep paranoia and anxiety completely away.

Now that you are an actual expert, make sure you grab that jar of terpenes. They allow you to choose the flavor/smells you enjoy. Then, remember to also buy some stinky, dank flower because terpenes alone will not get you high. But the Entourage Effect swoops in to boost cannabis effects longer, faster, and stronger. Helping to improve your body beyond your high.

Health and getting high, who would have thought...

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Cannabis Terpenes and Sex: Which Cannabis Terpenes can Improve your Sex Life?

Terpenes are flavorful, aromatic compounds found in marijuana, and they each produce a complex array of effects. Some terpenes can make you feel drowsy, while other terpenes are energizing. Some terpenes can even improve your sex life! The subject of terpenes and sex has yet to be studied very extensively, but knowing the effects of terpenes and understanding what it takes to increase your libido will help you choose the best terpenes for sex and the most aphrodisiac marijuana strains.

Marijuana Terpenes for Common Sexual Problems

Sex is natural and naturally enjoyable. If you’re not wanting it or digging it as much as you usually do and this is something that’s bothering you, it might be stress, anxiety, or depression that’s getting in your way of a good time. These issues can lead to a decreased libido, “performance anxiety,” emotional distance, and other common sexual problems that can be challenging to conquer in even the best relationships. Terpenes can help you move past these problems and improve your sex life because of their powerful effects on both the body and the mind. In order to enjoy sex to the fullest, you need to be feeling relaxed and reasonably happy. If you’re feeling extremely worried or sad, even the best partner in the world won’t be able to get you into it. To help you get in that relaxed, happy state most conducive to sexual bliss, you want to choose terpenes that are known to have calming or euphoric effects. Avoid strains that are rich in terpenes that can lead to drowsiness. You need to be able to relax, but you don’t want to put yourself to sleep, either!

The Best Marijuana Terpenes for Sex

So what are the best terpenes for sex? The verdict is still out, but in this Savvy Stoner’s professional opinion--and many agree with me--the best terpenes for sex are limonene and linalool. Here’s how these two terpenes can improve your sex life.

Limonene - This terpene helps give you that lighter-than-air, head-in-the clouds sense of euphoria and relaxation that’s just right for relieving stress and improving your mood so that you can more easily get in the mood for love. Super Lemon Haze and Durban Poison both have high levels of limonene.

Linalool - Technically a terpenoid, linalool is similar to limonene in that it’s relaxing and great for stress relief. It also provides benefits as an antidepressant. Linalool does have some sedative qualities, though, so don’t overdo it. Amnesia Haze is a great sativa strain with a high level of linalool.

Terpenes to Avoid

Just as essential as knowing which terpenes improve sex is knowing which terpenes can inhibit sex. Unless exhaustion is your problem and you just need to get some more sleep before you feel ready for sex, myrcene is a terpene that you’ll want to avoid in high concentrations. This is because myrcene has a very strong sedative effect, deeply relaxing the mind and body into a state commonly known as “couch lock.” You simply won’t be motivated or energetic enough for sex--all that movement, all that expenditure of energy...how can you possibly do all that when you can’t even bring yourself to stand up?! Indicas have more myrcene than sativas; in fact, it’s the myrcene content that determines how a strain is classified. If the strain has a concentration of the myrcene terpene greater than .5%, it’s considered an indica, while if it’s below .5% in myrcene, it’s considered a sativa. What this means is that if you want to avoid myrcene, choose a sativa.

Where to Find Deals for Cannabis Terpenes

Now that you know what terpenes and strains to look for to improve your sex life, it’s time to put it to the test and see for yourself the benefits of terpenes. Try out a few different strains with different terpene profiles and notice how each strain affects you and your sex drive. You’ll soon determine the strains and terpenes that are best for you. If you want to find great coupons and deals for terpene rich marijuana strains, ounce specials, concentrates, or edibles, just look on CannaSaver to find the best prices on terpenes at a dispensary near you. 

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