Terpenes & Cannabinoids: The Key to Understanding Your Cannabis

There’s peanut butter and jelly, Dolce & Gabbana, and terpenes and cannabinoids. These two silent heroes shape much of the cannabis plant’s essence and effects.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive sense and different cannabis strains. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that contribute to the therapeutic effects of cannabis. Together, they work to create the varying experiences of cannabis on the human body and mind.

Understanding how they work in your favorite cannabis products is key to taking advantage of the full scope of benefits that cannabis has to offer.

Whether you’re a regular connoisseur or a curious newcomer, learning about terpenes and cannabinoids will help you tailor your dispensary purchases to your unique needs and preferences.

At Y Cannabis in Massachusetts, we take pride in creating a space where anyone can use cannabis for anything – recovery, relaxation, stress relief, soothing pain, and so much more. Our menu features a wide variety of terpene profiles and cannabinoid options so you can always have access to what you need.

However, we believe having options isn’t enough; we want you to feel informed every step of the way. So, we spoke with our expert budtenders to round up this blog about the basics of terpenes and cannabinoids, so you can experience cannabis the way it should be: on your own terms.

What are terpenes?

You’ve likely come across terpenes and never even realized it. These organic compounds are responsible for the scents and flavors that come from different plants, including cannabis. Think of the zest of a lemon or the smell of pine trees – these all come from terpenes.

In cannabis, terpenes contribute to the characteristics of various strains, but it’s not just the smell. They also play a pivotal role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis. For instance, some compounds are known to have mood-boosting effects, while others are known to have relaxing effects.

By understanding the role terpenes play in your cannabis products, you can make more informed decisions about which strain to choose for your desired effects.

We want you to feel empowered at Y Cannabis, so here are some of the most common terpenes you’ll find in cannabis:

Myrcene

Known for its earthy and musky aroma, myrcene is also found in bay leaves and lemongrass. It’s associated with relaxing and sedative effects, making it a popular choice for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety.

Limonene

As the name suggests, limonene has a citrusy scent reminiscent of lemons. You can find it in citrus fruits and peppermint. It’s believed to have mood-enhancing and uplifting properties, along with potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Pinene

Found in pine trees and herbs like rosemary, pinene contributes a fresh, pine-like aroma to cannabis. It’s associated with improved focus, alertness, and respiratory benefits.

Caryophyllene

With a spicy and peppery aroma, caryophyllene is also found in black pepper and cloves. It’s unique among terpenes because it can actually interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially offering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Linalool

Linalool has a floral and lavender-like scent and is commonly found in lavender flowers. It’s known for its calming and relaxing effects, making it a popular choice for managing stress and promoting sleep.

 

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are diverse molecules that interact with your body’s complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters involved in regulating various physiological processes. These cannabinoids are the famous letters you’ve likely heard before: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is widely recognized for its psychoactive properties and pain-relieving properties, making it a staple of both medical and recreational use cannabis products.

If THC is Fendi, then CBD is Chanel, the calmer, less in-your-face counterpart. Known for its non-intoxicating and praised for its calming effects, CBD has emerged as the darling of the wellness industry, celebrated for its potential to alleviate anxiety, inflammation, and even seizures.

However, THC and CBD aren’t the only cannabinoids out there. As research into cannabis continues, we continue to discover new medical breakthroughs and learn about new compounds in the plant. Here are some other increasingly famous cannabinoids you should know about:

• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed from the degradation of THC. It is often found in older cannabis flower and is associated with sedative effects, making it potentially useful for promoting sleep and relaxation.
• Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is typically found in low concentrations in cannabis. However, it is gaining attention for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. It may also have antidepressant effects.
• Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC is another minor cannabinoid that is found in cannabis. It has potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Some research suggests that it may also have antidepressant effects and could contribute to the entourage effect when combined with other cannabinoids.

Of course, there is much more to be researched when it comes to cannabinoids. What’s most important is understanding that each of these compounds is associated with various therapeutic effects that may help you in identifying the best cannabis products for you.

And we know it can be overwhelming! That’s why our expert staff is always available in-store at our Taunton, MA dispensary to help answer any questions you have as you continue to learn more about cannabis.

How do terpenes and cannabinoids work together?

What’s fascinating about cannabis is the plant has so many different compounds interacting with one another to create the effects you experience when you consume. So, while terpenes contribute to the sensory experience and dabble in the therapeutic process, cannabinoids are the cornerstone of the beneficial properties of the plant.

The way these compounds interact is a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, which is just a fancy way of saying that as you stack all these beneficial compounds together, the intensity of the therapeutic effect grows.

Think of it like accessorizing your outfit. A good, basic outfit is a good, basic outfit, but a good, basic outfit decked out in the right accessories is a fire outfit. You get it?

This means you can “stack” your THC or CBD with different terpenes to create unique effects and experiences. When you understand what each compound does, you’ll have a greater understanding of how to shop at a dispensary.

For instance, myrcene, a terpene with sedative properties, alongside THC can intensify a strain’s relaxing effects, leading to a more profound sense of tranquility and relief. Alternatively, limonene, known for its uplifting qualities, can synergize with CBD to enhance mood and focus, offering a burst of energy and clarity.

Identifying terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis products

Now that you know how terpenes and cannabinoids work together, you can have a more informed shopping experience at the dispensary. All you have to do is familiarize yourself with common terpenes and their associated effects.

Our best tip for you is to look at the labels and descriptors of the products you’re exploring. On the Y Cannabis online menu, all our products have in-depth descriptions with specific terpene and cannabinoid concentrations present.

If you’re shopping in a Massachusetts dispensary in person, ask your budtenders about the potency levels and terpene profiles. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or a creative boost, our staff is able to easily understand product profiles and ensure that every purchase caters to your unique needs.

Buy cannabis at our Taunton, MA dispensary

The more you learn about the science behind cannabis, the better you can tailor your consumption experience to your preference.

Maybe you’re unwinding after a stressful day of work, recovering from an intense game of pick-up basketball, or need help falling asleep – whatever your “why,” we’re here to help.

Explore our online menu and see if you can guess what effect you might get from the different strains and products we carry! Or visit us in-store in Taunton, MA, and talk to a budtender to learn more about the different terpene profiles and cannabinoids we have available.