Have you ever been to a store where they sell essential oils? The oils come in small jars and only a small drop will one starts to notice the effect.
Essential oil brands such as Doterra and many others, have used these essential oils for many different issues.
At massage therapy clinics for example, essential oils are commonly combined with massage lotions to help relax the patients’ muscles. Others will apply essential oils to their skin and inhale the vapors. The vapors from essential oils can be placed into a diffuser as well for users to inhale in their bedrooms or office to freshen the room or help make people feel more comfortable.
Like many other plants, the cannabis plant produces essential oils. When the cannabis plant is flowering, one will notice a strong aromatic scent. This is because in the flowering stage, farmers introduce nutrients and sugar which help bring out the smell and flavor.
Each cannabis plant has a different percentage of terpenes or essential oils. Once flowering, the oils are pushed out of the plant and into the flowering buds. These buds contain high levels of terpenes. You can even see and feel the resin on the outside of the flower.
Well grown sticky buds are usually sticky because they have a high terpene and oil content.
What are the Effects of Terpenes?
The effects of terpenes vary drastically from person to person. This is why it might be good for you to find out which terpenes work specifically for you.
Linalool, a common terpenes found in cannabis as well as lavender is used by many for it’s relaxing properties. Some people like the effects Lilanool has on headaches. Others will use it for sleep or anxiety.
The main problem with terpenes is that they change drastically from batch to batch. Two farms growing the same strain of Gorilla Glue could have drastically different terpene profiles.
Typically Gorilla Glue has a strong diesel or chemical smell to the flowers. This is showing the terpene profile of this particular strain. But some may notice the smell to be stronger or lighter depending on all of the factors going into the process and cure.
Pinene is another very common terpine. Have you ever notice a strong pine needle smell on your cannabis product? This is probably due to the fact that is has been genetically bred to produce high levels of pinene.
Many people use this essential oil to help them focus. Others like pinene in there morning sativa strains as it can have an energizing effect. Basil and Rosemary are also producers of pinene, so usually people who like to add these things to food, enjoy their effects when it comes to vaporization of cannabis products.
Some companies, such as Green Roads, have products that specifically focus on terpenes. Usually these have a strong and almost fruity cannabis flavor.
Conclusion
You can look at cannabis terpenes as the essential oils of the cannabis plant. The oils are produced all over the plant but are especially prevalent in the flowers. This is why the flowers are the most sought after part of the plant. Not only do they have the highest THC and CBD percentages, but they also produces the highest amount of terpenes. It’s important to know the terpene profile of the product you are ingesting.
Some third party laboratories are testing for essential oils but others are not. We suggest sticking with brands who have lab tested their terpenes. Usually they will show a percentage of each terpene in a particular batch.
You might find that you like some terpenes like Pinene for stress, but others you might find work better for sleep. A quick inhale of an essential oil can help you find which ones resonate with you the best.
Little jars of terpenes can be bought on the internet and are great tools for figuring out which one is right for you! Experiment lightly with all of them first and see which ones make you feel the best.
