Terpenes | Source: The Happy Campers
If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of sativa and indica strains. Sativa strains are known for their energizing effects, while indica strains are associated with relaxation and sleepiness.
However, these broad classifications don’t tell the whole story. The real key to understanding cannabis is in its terpene profile.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the smell and taste of different strains, and they can also affect the high.
There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis, each with its own unique properties. Some terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while others can help with anxiety or depression.
Terpenes and Smell
If you’ve ever smelled a bag of weed, you know that different strains can have very distinct aromas.
This is due to the presence of terpenes. For example, limonene is a terpene that gives some strains a citrusy smell, while pinene can create a piney scent. Myrcene is a terpene that is commonly found in indica strains, and it has a musky or earthy smell.
By paying attention to the smell of a strain, you can get an idea of what terpenes are present and how they might affect the high.
Terpenes and Taste
Terpenes don’t just affect the smell of cannabis; they also contribute to the taste. Some terpenes, like caryophyllene, have a spicy or peppery taste, while others, like linalool, can have a floral or sweet flavor.
In general, strains that have a stronger taste tend to have more terpenes present. By paying attention to the taste of a strain, you can get an idea of what terpenes are present and how they might affect the high.
Sativa vs Indica: Why Terpenes Matter More
Why Terpenes Matter More | Source: Periodic Edibles
While sativa and indica are the most common ways to categorize cannabis strains, these classifications can be misleading.
The effects of a strain can vary widely based on its terpene profile. For example, a sativa strain that is high in myrcene might have more of a relaxing effect, while an indica strain that is high in limonene might have a more energizing effect. By paying attention to the terpene profile of a strain, you can get a better idea of how it will affect you.
Some of the most common terpenes found in sativa strains include limonene, which has a citrusy smell and is often associated with elevated mood and stress relief, and terpinolene, which has a piney or floral scent and is known for its relaxing effects.
Indica strains are often high in myrcene, which has a musky or earthy smell and is associated with sedative effects, and caryophyllene, which has a spicy taste and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mangos, Anyone?
Mangoes for High | Source: Healthline
If you’re looking to enhance your high, there are a few tricks you can try. One of the most popular is eating a mango 30 minutes before smoking. This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but it’s actually based in science.
Mangoes contain a terpene called myrcene, which is also found in cannabis. Myrcene has been shown to increase the effects of THC by allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily. So, by eating a mango before smoking, you may be able to intensify your high.
Other foods that are high in myrcene include thyme, hops, and lemongrass. So, if you’re not a fan of mangoes, you can try incorporating these foods into your diet instead.
How to Predict Your High with Terpenes
By paying attention to the terpene profile of a strain, you can get a better idea of how it will affect you.
For example, if you are looking for a strain that will help with anxiety, you might want to look for strains that are high in linalool, which has a calming effect. If you are looking for a strain that will help with pain, you might want to look for strains that are high in caryophyllene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the best ways to predict your high is to experiment with different strains and terpene profiles. But don’t just stop at smelling the bud – try tasting it too! Some strains have distinct flavor profiles that can give you a clue about their terpene content.
For example, if you taste a strain that has a strong citrus flavor, it probably contains limonene, which is known for its energizing and mood-boosting effects. On the other hand, if you taste a strain that has a spicy or peppery flavor, it likely contains caryophyllene, which can help with pain and inflammation.
Another way to predict your high with terpenes is to keep a journal. Whenever you try a new strain, write down how it makes you feel and what kind of terpenes it contains. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns and be able to predict how different strains will affect you based on their terpene profiles.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try making your own terpene blends. By mixing different strains with complementary terpene profiles, you can create a customized high that’s tailored to your needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways!
Sativa vs Indica is so 2012 – terpenes are the future!
- Terpenes are essential oils produced by plants that carry the aroma and flavor properties.
- By paying attention to the terpene profile of a strain, you can predict how it will affect you.
- For example, strains high in linalool can help with anxiety, while strains high in caryophyllene can help with pain.
- Tasting the bud can also give you clues about its terpene content – citrusy flavors suggest limonene, while spicy or peppery flavors suggest caryophyllene.
- Keeping a journal can help you track how different strains make you feel and what kind of terpenes they contain.
- Mixing different strains with complementary terpene profiles can create a customized high tailored to your needs and preferences.
You will most definitely impress your friends and be that much closer to earning the label of cannabis expert in your group! Come back to The Happy Campers for all of your latest cannabis news and findings.
