If you’re a cannabis consumer, then you know that there’s more to the plant than just THC. In fact, terpenes are responsible for the unique flavours and effects of different strains.

If you have a favourite strain of cannabis, chances are, it contains one or more of these; myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, nerolidol, eucalyptol, pinene and humulene. Each has its own unique effects, and they all contribute to the overall experience of a strain.

Myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and each one has its own unique profile. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these three terpenes and their potential effects.

Myrcene, the most common terpene

Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, and it’s also found in hops, thyme, and lemongrass. Myrcene has a musky, earthy aroma, and it’s thought to be responsible for the couch-lock effect that some strains of cannabis are known for. Myrcene is also a potent sedative, so it’s not surprising that it’s often used in products designed to help with insomnia.

Caryophyllene, the spicy terpene

Caryophyllene is a terpene that’s found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Caryophyllene has a spicy, woody aroma, and it’s thought to be one of the main terpenes responsible for the “entourage effect” (the synergistic effect of all the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis). Caryophyllene is also the only terpene that’s known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which means it could potentially have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Limonene, the citrusy terpene

Limonene is a terpene that’s found in lemons, limes, and oranges. Limonene has a citrusy aroma, and it’s thought to be responsible for the uplifting effects of some strains of cannabis. Limonene is also produced in the resin glands of a flower and is also used in everyday cleaning products and cosmetics.

How important are a strain’s Terpene % and THC %?

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of cannabis terpenes, you might be wondering how important they are in terms of the overall effects of a strain. The answer is: it depends.

A strain’s THC % is going to be the most important factor in terms of its psychoactive effects, but the terpene profile can play a role in how those effects are experienced. For example, a strain with a high THC % and a myrcene-dominant terpene profile is going to have more sedative effects than a strain with the same THC % but a limonene-dominant terpene profile.

Sometimes a strain may have a “lower” THC % but the specific terpenes present will still play a role in how those effects are experienced. For example, users may experience an energy boost and focus with a strain containing a high limonene %. There is still much research to be done in this area, but it’s clear that the terpene profile of a strain is an important factor to consider when choosing which one is right for you.

These are just three of the many different cannabis terpenes that you might encounter. Each one has its own unique profile, and they all contribute to the overall effect of a strain. So, next time you’re trying a new strain, take some time to read about the terpenes found in that strain. You might just be able to find your new favourite!