Content Attributes
You may have heard from your Rockville dispensary budtender that THC content matters less than most people think it does. While someone with a high tolerance may be less likely to feel as satisfied with 15.66% THC flower as a moderate user would be, the tetrahydrocannabinol in your marijuana products is only one consideration you should be making. What you should really be paying attention to when making your selection at the dispensary are terpenes.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic molecules present in almost all plants. However, they are most often associated with marijuana due to the fact that cannabis has many more terpenes than other plants. The variety of terpenes found in cannabis is also noteworthy; often, plants like lavender, orange peel, oak, and tobacco have primarily one terpene. A single strain of cannabis can possess multiple terpenes, ranging from pine to lavender to citrus.
How Terpenes Affect the Body
Terpenes, both individually and in conjunction with cannabinoids, are thought to contribute to the effects of impact cannabis has on the body. The effects of these aromatic compounds can be both medicinal and therapeutic, as noted by a 2019 study for the Nature Public Health Emergency Collection.
Since terpenes have an effect primarily on the endocrine and nervous systems, evidence supports that they can influence mood, metabolism, and behavior. There’s also evidence that psychologically, the effects of cannabis terpenes are mostly the result of a person’s perception and attitude, rather than any physical interaction they may have with the body.
Either way, the “terp profile” of your cannabis can make a big difference in the type of experience you have after consumption.
Common Cannabis Terpenes You’ll See at Your Rockville Dispensary
Below are some of the most common kinds of terpenes you’ll see listed on your Rockville dispensary marijuana products:
Caryophyllene
This spicy terpene can be found in abundance in:
- Black pepper
- Clove
- Rosemary
- Hops
- Cinnamon
- Basil
- Oregano
It is the only terpene that has also been shown to act in the same way as a cannabinoid, by stimulating your natural endocannabinoid system and reducing inflammation within the body.
Recommended Strains
- Sour Diesel
- Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
- Bubba Kush
- Original Glue
Myrcene
Myrcene is a musky terpene that can be found in:
- Lemongrass
- Mango
- Thyme
- Basil
- Bay leaves
It can have a sedating effect, which makes it an excellent choice for insomnia, muscle pain, and severe anxiety.
Recommended Strains
- Blue Dream
- Grape Ape
- Grandaddy Purple
- Tangie
Limonene
This terpene is one of the most easily recognizable; it has an unmistakable, bright, citrusy scent. It can be found in:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Limes
- Bergamot
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Dill
- Caraway
Limonene does exactly what you imagine it might and serves to brighten mood, reduce anxiety, and stimulate creativity.
Recommended Strains
- Purple Punch
- Miracle Alien Cookies (MAC)
- Do-Si-Dos
- Banana OG
- Berry White
- Collins Ave
Linalool
This floral terpene is a scent powerhouse and can be found in:
- Sweet orange flowers
- Sweet basil
- Lavender
- Coriander
- Bay leaves
Lavender is arguably the most linalool-heavy plant in existence, however, many cannabis strains also have an abundance of it. Like lavender, marijuana plants dominant in linalool are known for their ability to promote relaxation, sedation, and mood balance.
Recommended Strains
- Zkittlez
- Kosher Kush
- Amnesia Haze
Pinene
It is another unmistakable terpene that leaves many Rockville cannabis strains smelling like straight Pine-Sol. Pinene also comes from:
- Pine trees
- Fir trees
- Rosemary
- Spruce
- Juniper
Consumption can induce a variety of benefits, including anxiety and inflammation reduction, as well as effective pain relief. Pinene also acts as a bronchodilator, meaning it helps to open the body’s airways, which can be helpful if your primary method of consuming cannabis is smoking it.
Recommended Strains
- Jack Herer
- AK-47
- Green Crack
- Super Silver Haze
Terpinolene
This terpene tends to be dominant in only a few strains, preferring to act in a supporting role in many other strains. Terpinolene has a 4D aroma, with hints of pine, floral, wood, and citrus that blend together. You’ll find it in:
- Cumin
- Nutmeg
- Lilacs
- Tea tree
- Apples
The fresh-smelling terp offers antifungal and antibacterial properties, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Terpinolene is also one of the most effective terpenes for anxiety.
Recommended Strains
- Golden Pineapple
- Ghost Train Haze
- Clementine
- Orange Cookies
Are Terps Better Than THC?
Some cannabis users swear by terpenes and completely disregard the THC content in their marijuana products. Others, especially those with higher tolerances, enjoy a good blend of moderate to high THC with powerful, nose-blasting terpenes. One of the best ways to find out which works better for you is to simply try different strains of cannabis and make notes of which seem to work best for you. You may notice a trend that you prefer strains with a particular dominant terpene, and you can then shop for products containing it and a comfortable level of THC for your individual needs.
Ask Your Rockville Budtender About Terpenes
Want a better cannabis experience? Ask your Rockville budtender about terpenes today. Shop with both terpenes and THC in mind for an optimal high.