You might have heard the term “terpenes” from your budtender, who constantly raves about them.

You could keep nodding your head and pretending that you understand what they’re talking about. But there’s no fun in that.

Even if you have no clue what these compounds are or what they do, this guide was created for any cannabis user looking to enhance their sesh and understand the magical world of organic terpenes.

Read on to learn more about what they are, which terpenes are present in cannabis, and how they affect your precious seshes.

Terpenes are everywhere, not just within the cannabis plant. 

These flavorful and aromatic compounds are entirely organic and give different fruits, vegetables, and plants their distinct flavors and aromas. 

However, they can also produce some beneficial effects. 

Have you ever heard that eating certain foods like mangoes can make you higher? This is because mangoes are rich in terpene known as myrcene. 

Terpenes present in any food will link to our brains’ endocannabinoid receptors. 

If you’re high and eating a mango, expect the relaxing effects of myrcene to enhance tenfold. 

There are lots of known terpenes present in all sorts of plants. In cannabis, the following five are the most common.

• Myrcene is present in most strains.
• Strains that offer fuel and gas tastes often carry myrcene.
• This terpene has an earthy, fuel-like, and sour flavor. 
• Myrcene helps produce effects like relaxation and peace of mind.

• Pinene is present in strains with woodsy, earthy, fresh aromas.
• Pine trees naturally produce this terpene.
• Pinene is an anti-inflammatory and may treat chronic pain.

• This terpene is naturally produced in black pepper and cinnamon.
• Caryophyllene is present in strains with bitter and spicy aromas.
• Caryophyllene is an antioxidant and produces relaxing effects.

• Limonene is naturally produced in citrus fruits. 
• It’s often present in energizing Sativa strains. 
• Limonene offers refreshing citrus flavors and aromas. 
• This terpene is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, producing cheerful, clear-minded effects.

• Linalool is naturally produced in lavender, jasmine, and basil.
• It’s present in strains with floral and earthy aromas. 
• Linalool produces relaxing effects and is a great choice for those with anxiety and depression. 

Have you ever purchased a vape cartridge or concentrate, and the packaging mentions the product contains natural cannabis-derived terpenes? 

You might wonder why the company would mention that. 

This is extremely important to help produce the entourage effect, where different cannabinoids and terpenes work off each other to enhance the product’s effects. 

This means pairing cannabinoids like THC and CBD along with cannabis-derived terpenes like limonene may help beat anxiety and produce relaxation better than CBD isolate on its own. 

The main function of terpenes is to give strains their unique flavors and aromas. 

Because of this, terpenes are also great for aromatherapy. When smoked and vaped, we inhale those lovely terpenes, which prompt feel-good effects like;

• Relaxation
• Lifted mood
• Increased awareness
• Decreases stress and anxiety

There’s no denying that terpenes smell and taste amazing. We encourage cannabis users to understand the terpenes present in their products. 

This will help you recognize their effects and unique flavors. 

Whether you’re using a vape cartridge, tincture, or traditional dried flower, give it a sniff to see which terpenes you can recognize.