By now, most of us are at least somewhat acquainted with the most popular cannabinoids of the hemp plant, like cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 8 THC. Cannabinoids, as many of us know, are compounds that are found in the cannabis genus to which hemp belongs, and they have the distinctive ability to bind to cannabinoid receptors to yield regulatory responses that improve our overall functionality.
The flowering buds of the hemp plant, from where we derive cannabinoids, contain, in fact, hundreds of unique compounds that make up the plant’s chemical composition. While cannabinoids are understandably valuable and make the cannabis genus distinctive from other plants in nature, additional classes of compounds in the plant are also very much worth our consideration.
Although most of us are primarily interested in the cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and understandably so, terpenes can impact your hemp experience, whether we realize it or not.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a class of compounds that are present in the essential oils of all plants. Terpenes serve a number of important purposes in nature. For one thing, they determine the flavor and aroma of a plant, meaning that they give rose its intoxicating scent, and allow our favorite herbs like mint, parsley, and dill to satisfy our palates.
Terpenes act as compounds that protect a plant from diseases and infestations, as they have properties that fend off threats to a plant’s health- can be seen as a component of the immune system of a plant.
When extracting terpenes from their plant hosts, we can experience useful properties that they possess. Terpenes are valuable to humans, as they offer many properties that we seek out, such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Some terpenes can even affect our mood, as we have seen with, for example, linalool, the dominant terpene in lavender. Anyone who has used lavender essential oil will tell you that it has a calming effect, and this comes from linalool, which also happens to be a prominent terpene in the hemp plant.
Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
Like we mentioned, the hemp plant has over 100 unique terpenes in its flowering buds, alongside cannabinoids. Not only does consuming terpenes offer more desirable effects to the body, but terpenes and cannabinoids share a synergistic relationship with each other that promotes something known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect takes place when we consume every compound in the buds of the hemp plant at once as they naturally occur. Through synergy, the presence of each compound boosts the others, offering a more effective experience overall compared to consuming each one separately.
Terpenes and Their Impact on Strains
Hemp comes in a wide array of breeds, known as strains. Over the years, hemp breeders have been more motivated to develop a variety of strains due to growing interest in the role that each strain plays in how we feel. The strain of hemp is determined by its chemical composition, with a large emphasis being put on the terpene profile. Every strain has its own configuration of terpenes, which means that each strain offers its own distinctive effects, in a more significant way than the average person may realize.
Strains are separated into three categories:
- Indica strains are more calming and tend to offer a stronger sense of relaxation in the body due to having more than 0.5% myrcene, a specific terpene that’s particularly prominent in hemp.
- Sativa strains are, by comparison, more uplifting and potentially energizing. With lower levels of myrcene, they can still be relaxing, but are more associated with daytime use. Also tend to offer more cerebral effects compared to indica strains.
- Hybrid strains are developed when a breeder crosses indica with sativa. This strain balance can vary, but ultimately, it promotes a more leveled experience that is neither too uplifting nor too calming.
The terpenes in a strain don’t just determine the plant’s effects. They also determine the flavor and aroma of a strain. Each strain has its own flavor and aroma profile, which can be extremely distinctive.
What are the Most Common Terpenes in Hemp?
Some terpenes in hemp are more prominent than others, and now, we’ll be going over the most prominent terpenes that can be found in most strains of the plant.
- Myrcene: Has a peppery flavor and is also found in lemongrass and hops. Primarily known for its relaxing properties.
- Linalool: Associated with a feeling of calm, which isn’t surprising when you consider the fact that it’s the dominant terpene in lavender. Its lavender-like flavor and aroma can impact the strain of hemp. Plus, it’s a great bedtime terpene.
- Pinene: Found in pine needles, brings a pine-like flavor and aroma to a strain of hemp, and is known for having the potential to offer uplifting, sometimes euphoria-inducing properties.
- Caryophyllene: Known for its anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also prominent in cinnamon and black pepper.
- Humulene: Acts as an appetite suppressant, and is a prominent terpene in hops as well, which is why some people find that humulene-heavy strains taste and smell like beer.
- Limonene: Can lift the mood, help with cognitive function, may offer some level of pain relief, and it has a lemony taste which isn’t surprising considering how prominent it is in citrus fruits.
- Eucalyptol: The dominant terpene in eucalyptus, and in the hemp plant, it offers a potent minty flavor and aroma and a potential boosting effect on one’s memory and concentration. It may also offer analgesic properties.
- Camphene: A notable antioxidant that is also prominent in nutmeg and bergamot.
How Can You Experience These Terpenes When Maintaining a Hemp-Based Routine?
Keep in mind that not all products contain terpenes, so allow us to break down the products that do.
- Full and Broad Spectrum Hemp Products: Made with a hemp extract, like gummies, tinctures, and vape oils, can contain just the pure, isolated cannabinoid that’s sought out, or can contain a full or broad spectrum hemp extract.
- -Full spectrum products promote the true entourage effect as they contain every naturally occurring compound in the plant including the trace amount of delta 9 THC.
- -Broad spectrum products contain every naturally occurring compound except for delta 9 THV, and also retain every terpene in the plant.
- Flower Products: Are naturally full spectrum, meaning that when you use flower in any way, you are giving your body the complete array of terpenes as they exist in the plant material.
- Concentrates: Also known as dabs, such as wax and shatter boast, the terpenes of the hemp plant in particularly potent levels.
Now you can see why we recommend choosing a hemp product that contains terpenes, as these compounds can contribute to your ability to meet your goals.
How to Apply Your Terpene Knowledge to Select a Strain
There are seemingly countless strains of hemp on today’s market, but not all products give you a selection of strains to choose from. Most often, you’ll find that a company offers their flower and vape products in a selection of strains. But, how do you know which strain is right for you?
- When initially choosing a strain, consider which category you want to experience. Since again, sativa, indica, and hybrid strains each offer their own particular effects, decide which of the three is right for your needs.
- From there, you can simply research individual strains that are available to learn more about their distinctive effects, as well as their flavor profile which might also affect in your decision.
- Ultimately, there is no strain out there that is considered “bad,” so you don’t have to worry about suffering consequences from making the “wrong” choice.
Tip: You can totally experiment with different terpene strains before finding a particular option that best helps you reach your goals.