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The Difference Between Cannabinoids and Terpenes

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Read time: 4 minutes

Most cannabis consumers are well versed in cannabinoids. The cannabinoids THC and CBD have been mainstream buzzwords for a while. However, there’s a new buzzword taking off in the cannabis industry these days, and that word is terpene.

What are terpenes? 

You already know what terpenes are because you’ve experienced them all your life. They are what gives an orange its citrusy smell. They give pine trees their unique aroma. They’re even responsible for the relaxing effects in lavender. They are chemicals that determine how things smell.

But wait. You thought that cannabinoids were the compounds in the cannabis plant that caused healing, right? Yes, but it’s been discovered that terpenes can play a big role in that as well. In fact, cannabinoids and terpenes work together in something called the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect simply means that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, along with the hundreds of other compounds including terpenes are meant to work together. It’s the whole plant that does the best job, not just a single compound. While relief does come from using a CBD oil or a THC oil, whole plant therapy has been the most common use. Utilizing all the compounds and terpenes in the plant may just be the best way after all.

Terpenes can intensify or downplay the effects of the cannabinoids. Have you ever noticed how two similar strains can produce profoundly different effects? One may leave you with couch lock and the other may energize you? That’s another aspect of the entourage effect, which is driven by both cannabinoids and terpenes.

The terpene chart

Currently, there are at least 20,000 different known terpenes, and more than 100 of these can be found in the cannabis plant. Many terpenes that are produced by the cannabis plant are also found elsewhere in nature. However, there are a couple of terpenes that are in high concentrations in cannabis. Here are the ones to know:

Myrcene


Myrcene, which can also be found in mangoes, is the primary terpene found in cannabis plants. In fact, some plants can have up to 65 percent of their terpene profile made up by myrcene alone. The presence of myrcene often determines whether a specific strain can be considered an indica or sativa. Plants with more than 0.5 percent myrcene are said to be indica. 

Anecdotally, the chemical is thought to improve sleep. And while research has yet to conclude this, certain studies have shown myrcene to have muscle relaxant effects.


Limonene


Another abundant terpene found in cannabis, limonene can also be found in various citrus fruits and is responsible for their citrusy smell. Its anti-inflammatory effects have been well studied and the chemical is thought to help prevent and control respiratory system injuries.


Pinene


This terpene’s name says it all, really. Pinene is found most abundantly in the pine tree and is what gives pine needles its distinctive smell. Found in two varieties, alpha, which is responsible for that wonderful pine aroma, and beta, which has a scent like rosemary, dill, or parsley.

Within cannabis, it’s thought that the terpene could help counteract the short-term memory deficits induced by THC, thanks to its role as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.


Linalool


If you’ve ever used lavender for its relaxant effects, then you’re familiar with the terpene linalool. Linalool is widely known for the stress-relieving, anti-anxiety, which have been demonstrated in certain mouse studies


Caryophyllene


This terpene, which has a spicy, woody, peppery scent, is also found in black pepper and cinnamon. Studies indicate that this terpene is capable of treating anxiety. And thanks to its unique chemical structure, which includes a cyclobutane ring, beta-caryophyllene can bind to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, although its effects aren’t entirely understood.


Humulene


One of the less prominent, yet still pivotal, terpenes in cannabis is ɑ-humulene. Its harsh, spicy flavor is thought to also influence the taste of hops, a relative of the cannabis plant. Outside of both plants, the compound has shown key antibacterial properties.


Vaporizing and terpenes

Carbonization destroys many of the terpenes, just like it destroys many of the cannabinoids. Because of this, using a portable vaporizer with temperature control is probably the best way to get the most out of the terpenes found in cannabis. Like cannabinoids, terpenes have their own individual optimal temperature, and these can vary widely. Researching the various temperatures at which the terpenes you desire to be released is key in achieving the desired effect. 


Michael Jacobs is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com