Let’s talk terpenes

Have you ever been out and about and smelled that wonderful, sweet familiar aroma? Those are terpenes you’re smelling! Terpenes are a naturally occurring aromatic compound that are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even some colors in not just cannabis, but almost all living plants. They also do double duty as attractors to pollinators and help reject predators. Terpenes help to enrich the color and pigmentation in the leaves and buds of our plants. In the cannabis industry, terpenes are used to classify products and predict their effects. While there are over 150 varieties of terpenes in the cannabis world, there are a few common ones that every cannabis connoisseur should check out.

Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene that gives off an earthy, musky aroma, sometimes comparable to that of clove. In nature, you can find these terpenes in lemongrass, eucalyptus, and some citrus plants. Giving off relaxing and sedating effects, our Reflection collection features some Myrcene dominant terpenes and can be found in All Gas OG and Blueberry Muffin, as well as many more.

Pinene
As the name suggests, Pinene terpenes give off a pine-y aroma and is the most abundant terpene in nature. A unique property of this terpene is that it reacts with other compounds within the plant to create other terpenes. This can create a gentle euphoric effect that aids in relaxation as well as creative inspiration. By inhibiting the brains acetylcholinesterase activity, Pinene also helps improve the ability to retain memories as well as cognitive functions.  Found in our Symmetry signature collection, Nutter Budder is a perfect strain to enjoy these benefits.

Limonene
Limonene terpenes generally have a pungent citrusy, fruity aroma and can also be found in many everyday items such a fruit rinds, cosmetics, and household cleaning products. Produced in the flowers resin glands, this terpene modulates neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin in particular, giving a relaxed and slightly euphoric effect. They also aid in the absorption of other terpenes to make your high even more enjoyable. Farmer’s Daughter, a strain in our Brilliance collection, gives off that classic citrus smell and stress reducing effect.

Linalool
A powerful effect on seratonin receptors in the brain, Linalool is a terpene that is helpful for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Naturally found in plants like lavender and basil, this terpene has many additional health properties. Linalool is used to help several types of cancers with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. Also present are anti-convulsant properties, in addition to anti-inflammatory benefits, which mean now Linalool is being researched as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. As The Linalool terpene itself doesn’t get you high, it causes what’s known as an “entourage effect”, which creates the high by working alongside other compounds. You’ll find our Vanilla Crème Pie or Garlic Budder strains in our Reflection collection with a higher Linalool percentage to ensure deep relaxation and anxiety relief.

Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene has that very distinct funky smell, almost like gas or diesel, making this terpene easy to detect.  These can be found in nature in black pepper, basil, and oregano. With its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties, as well as some pain and anxiety relieving ones, this terpene features a host of benefits. While it doesn’t cause a euphoric feeling, B-Caryophyllene does aid in relaxation. You’ll find a higher B-Caryophyllene content in our Notorious THC strain, found in our Reflection collection.

While all strains contain a combination of terpenes, this short guide should help you when taking a little deeper look into the world of cannabis. All the common terpenes are present in all of our strains, with percentages varying. Be sure to keep these numbers, as well as THC percentage in mind when choosing the best strain for your occasion.

Must be 21+. Please consume responsibly.