Cannabis Terpenes 101: What Are Terpenes?

By the year 2027, legal cannabis sales worldwide are expected to reach nearly $57 billion.  There is no denying how much the attitude towards medical and recreational cannabis use has changed just in the past few years. In America, a number of states have legalized cannabis and their citizens are reaping all of the benefits.

Once you have received your medical cannabis card, you will need to learn as much as you can about this plant before choosing products to use. One of the biggest buzzwords you will hear thrown around by cannabis aficionados is terpenes. In essence, cannabis terpenes are what give cannabis its smell.

For instance, cannabis terpenes are the reason why blueberry strains of cannabis actually smell somewhat like this delicious berry. There are a number of people who believe that cannabis terpenes can have benefits when used during aromatherapy.

Read below to find out more about cannabis terpenes and what they bring to your cannabis using experience.

cannabis terpenes
Cannabis Terpenes 101

Terpenes Are in a Number of Things

Some newcomers to the world of cannabis use fail to realize that terpenes are in just about anything. When you smell an orange as it is being cut or fresh pine resin, you are smelling these fragrances with the help of terpenes.

When most people think about cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind is how it smells. The various strains of cannabis on the market all have a very distinct smell. These smells range from quite fruity to nearly offensive.

If you are in the market for a new cannabis strain, you can always seek out the advice of an experienced budtender. Giving these cannabis professionals an idea of the smell and flavor you are looking for is a must. Once they have this information, they can start to recommend certain strains to fit your taste.

Cannabis Terpenes Affect the Way This Plan Reacts with the Brain

Most people fail to realize that cannabis terpenes actually affect the way it makes you feel when smoking or ingesting it. Different types of terpenes can both increase and decrease things like dopamine and serotonin production. The terpenes can also make the THC absorption process much faster and can even help to alter your mood after consuming cannabis.

The dominant terpenes in a cannabis strain make a big difference in the type of high a user experiences. Finding out which strain gives you the desired physical and psychological effect will take some time. New users are generally encouraged to try a number of different strains.

With the help of a reputable and experienced dispensary, you should be able to find a strain that fits your needs. Before using a particular dispensary, be sure to do your homework. Finding out more about the experience other cannabis users have had with a dispensary can help you decide whether you want to use them.

The Cannabis Terpenes Change Once the Plant Is Harvested

Taking a cannabis plant from the grow room to the dispensary takes a lot of work. Typically, the plant will need to be harvested and dried out before being offered to consumers. Making mistakes during this harvesting process can lead to the plant getting destroyed.

Once the cannabis plant has been picked and harvested, the terpenes contained in it will be altered. With proper curing procedures, a cannabis grower will be able to let these terpenes mature and flourish.

Using too much heat during the harvesting process can lead to the terpenes being cooked off. This is why having the proper drying conditions is so important during the cannabis aging process.

The Effects of Cannabis Terpenes Have Been Understated for Years

For years, people who were against the legalization of cannabis have downplayed the benefits of this plant. Many people use aromatherapy to help them overcome issues with anxiety and depression. Cannabis terpenes have been touted as a great way to reduce inflammation in the body.

As time goes by, more and more studies will be conducted by reputable laboratories regarding the positive effects of cannabis terpenes. The more information the general public has about this element of the cannabis plant, the higher the acceptance rate of full cannabis legalization will come. It is up to the cannabis community at large to inform and educate people who are unfamiliar with the medical benefits of this plant.

Terpenes Can be Purchased in Bottles

As more and more states legalize both recreational and medical cannabis, entrepreneurs are trying to come up with the next big thing in this industry. There are a number of companies who have started to sell essential oils that mimic the aroma of certain cannabis strains.

Many of these concentrate producers use high levels of cannabis terpenes to increase the potency of their mix. Since these products are just a synthetic version of the real thing, all you will get is the aroma not the medicinal benefits of cannabis terpenes.

Consider Smell When Choosing a Cannabis Strain

There are literally hundreds of cannabis strains on the market. This can make finding the right one a bit difficult. Taking your time and weighing all of your options is essential when trying to make the best decision.

While you need to consider the way a cannabis strain makes you feel, you should also think about what it smells like. Choosing a strain that both smells good and is affordable is essential. Seeking out the help of an experienced dispensary can make this decision much easier.

Working with Industry Professionals is a Must

The key to taking advantage of the benefits offered by cannabis terpenes is finding the right dispensary. Before you can frequent a dispensary, you need to make sure you don’t need a medical card to get in.

Are you looking for an appointment with a medical professional to get your cannabis card? If so, contact us now to find out how we can help.