How To Choose Cannabis Based On Terpenes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Choosing cannabis based on terpenes can enhance your overall experience, offering more specific and targeted effects. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about terpenes and how to make an informed decision when selecting your cannabis product.

What Are Terpenes?

Before diving into how to choose cannabis based on terpenes, it’s important to understand what terpenes are and why they matter.

Definition Of Terpenes

Terpenes are naturally occurring organic compounds responsible for the scents and flavors in many plants, including cannabis. They give different strains their unique aromas, ranging from piney to fruity, and even spicy or earthy. In cannabis, terpenes work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create the plant’s effects through a phenomenon called the *entourage effect*.

The Role Of Terpenes In Cannabis

Although cannabinoids like THC have long been recognized for their psychoactive properties, terpenes are now thought to play a significant role in how cannabis affects the body and mind. Terpenes can enhance or moderate the effects of cannabinoids, influence the medicinal properties of a strain, and even dictate how energizing or relaxing the experience is.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids. While THC and CBD are the major players in the psychoactive and medicinal effects of cannabis, terpenes contribute by modulating these effects, making the experience more nuanced and personalized.

For example, two strains with the same THC content can produce very different effects depending on their terpene profiles. One may be sedative and calming, while the other is uplifting and invigorating. The entourage effect is why considering terpenes is essential in choosing the right strain.

Common Terpenes Found In Cannabis

There are over 100 different terpenes identified in cannabis, each with its own unique aroma and potential effects. Below are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and what you can expect from each.

Myrcene

• Aroma: Earthy, musky, with a hint of fruit (similar to cloves or thyme)

• Effects: Myrcene is known for its sedative properties. It tends to produce relaxing, calming effects and is often found in indica strains. It may also enhance the permeability of cell membranes, potentially allowing cannabinoids to reach receptors more efficiently.

• Strains High In Myrcene: OG Kush, Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple

Limonene

• Aroma: Citrusy (similar to lemon or orange)

• Effects: Limonene is uplifting and energizing, often associated with mood enhancement. It may also possess anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.

• Strains High In Limonene: Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, Wedding Cake

Pinene

• Aroma: Pine, fresh forest, herbal

• Effects: Pinene is known for its ability to improve focus and memory. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with respiratory conditions like asthma.

• Strains High In Pinene: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush

Linalool

• Aroma: Floral (similar to lavender)

• Effects: Linalool is calming and relaxing, often used for its anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-epileptic properties. It’s commonly found in strains used for stress relief.

• Strains High In Linalool: Lavender, Amnesia Haze, LA Confidential

Caryophyllene

• Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody

• Effects: Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Interestingly, it is the only terpene known to interact directly with the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB2 receptor, which is involved in regulating pain and inflammation.

• Strains High In Caryophyllene: GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel

Terpinolene

• Aroma: Floral, citrusy, with hints of wood and herb

• Effects: Terpinolene is one of the less common terpenes in cannabis but is known for its uplifting and energizing effects. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties as well.

• Strains High In Terpinolene: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze

How To Identify Terpenes In Cannabis Strains

Understanding the effects of individual terpenes is key to making an informed decision, but how do you actually identify which terpenes are present in a cannabis strain?

Terpene Testing Results

Many dispensaries and cannabis brands now provide lab-tested terpene profiles for their products. These lab results are the most reliable way to know which terpenes are dominant in a particular strain. You can ask the budtender or check the packaging for detailed terpene profiles.

Trust Your Nose

While lab results are the gold standard, you can also rely on your sense of smell to some extent. Because terpenes give cannabis its aroma, a strain that smells citrusy likely has a high limonene content, while one that smells earthy may be rich in myrcene.

Strain Genetics

Certain strains are known for being rich in specific terpenes. For example, strains like OG Kush and Blue Dream are often high in myrcene, while Jack Herer is known for its high pinene content. While terpene content can vary from grow to grow, understanding the general tendencies of a strain’s genetics can give you a starting point.

How To Choose Cannabis Based On Terpenes – Step-By-Step

Now that you have a foundational understanding of terpenes and their effects, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best cannabis strain for your needs based on its terpene profile.

Step 1: Determine Your Desired Effects

Before choosing a strain, think about what effects you’re looking for. Do you want something to help you relax and unwind, or are you looking for a boost of energy and creativity? Your desired effects will guide you toward specific terpenes.

• Relaxation And Stress Relief: Look for strains high in myrcene or linalool. These terpenes are known for their calming and sedative effects.

• Energy And Focus: If you need a strain to help you stay alert and focused, terpenes like pinene and terpinolene are good choices.

• Mood Enhancement: For a boost in mood, limonene-rich strains are your best bet. This terpene is often associated with feelings of euphoria and happiness.

Step 2: Research Strains With Dominant Terpenes

Once you know what kind of effects you’re aiming for, research strains that are rich in the corresponding terpenes. Many cannabis databases and dispensary websites list terpene profiles for each strain, making it easier to find the right one.

Step 3: Check Lab Test Results

When you visit a dispensary, ask for lab test results. Many reputable brands will provide lab-verified terpene profiles, allowing you to confirm that the strain has the dominant terpenes you’re looking for.

Step 4: Smell The Product

If lab results aren’t available, use your sense of smell to guide your decision. Trust your nose — a strain that smells citrusy will likely be high in limonene, while a strain with an earthy, musky aroma probably has high levels of myrcene.

Step 5: Consider The Whole Package

It’s essential to remember that terpenes are only part of the equation. THC and CBD levels, along with your tolerance and the method of consumption, will also impact how a strain affects you. For example, a strain with high limonene content may be uplifting, but if it also has high THC levels, it could cause anxiety in sensitive users.

Step 6: Experiment And Take Notes

Choosing cannabis based on terpenes is not an exact science, and individual responses can vary. Keep a journal of your experiences with different strains and their terpene profiles. Over time, you’ll notice patterns that will help you refine your choices.

The Medicinal Benefits Of Terpenes

In addition to their recreational effects, terpenes have a wide range of potential medicinal benefits. Choosing cannabis based on its terpene profile can help target specific health conditions more effectively.

Terpenes For Pain Relief

• Myrcene and caryophyllene are both known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Strains high in these terpenes may be particularly effective for treating chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness.

Terpenes For Anxiety And Depression

• Linalool and limonene are commonly associated with anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Strains rich in these Terpenes can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Terpenes For Insomnia

• Myrcene and linalool are also excellent for treating insomnia due to their sedative effects. If you struggle with falling asleep, look for strains with high concentrations of these terpenes.

Terpenes For Respiratory Health

• Pinene is known for its bronchodilator properties, making it potentially beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. Pinene-rich strains may help open airways and improve breathing.

Terpenes For Focus And Memory

• Pinene is also associated with improved memory retention and focus. If you’re looking for a strain that helps you stay alert and productive, pinene-rich strains are a good option.

The Future Of Terpene-Based Cannabis Selection

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, terpene-focused cultivation and marketing are expected to become more prevalent. Some brands are already developing strains designed to highlight specific terpenes, catering to consumers who seek more personalized cannabis experiences.

Terpene Isolates

In the future, we may see more products that isolate and emphasize individual terpenes. This would allow consumers to mix and match terpenes and cannabinoids to create customized effects tailored to their specific needs.

Terpenes In Edibles And Topicals

Terpene-focused products are not limited to flowers. Expect to see more edibles, tinctures, and topicals that highlight terpene profiles. These products could provide targeted relief for conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia without the need for smoking or vaping.

Conclusion

Choosing cannabis based on terpenes can significantly enhance your overall experience, allowing for more control over the effects and benefits of each strain. By understanding the role of terpenes, identifying them in strains, and considering your desired outcomes, you can make more informed decisions that align with your personal preferences and health goals.

As the cannabis industry continues to advance, terpene-based selection is likely to become a standard part of the shopping experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, boost your mood, or address specific medical conditions, focusing on terpenes opens up a new world of possibilities in your cannabis journey.