When indulging in smoking cannabis, the well-known factor for inducing a high is THC. However, seasoned users are aware that highs can vary significantly. Some lead to a laid-back, couch-locked state, while others instigate an energetic and uplifting feeling.

Certain strains prompt deep philosophical thoughts, while others immerse users in their own contemplative realms. The only consistent outcome, irrespective of the strain, is an increased appetite.

Despite the widely acknowledged role of THC, its minor variations (typically 15-25% in a strain) cannot solely account for the pronounced differences in effects on our brains, emotions, and cognitive processes.

Recent interest among leading cannabis researchers has led them to explore the combined influence of a strain’s terpene and cannabinoid profiles as the key to producing these distinct highs.

This article delves into the fascinating realm of terpenes, where hundreds of identified compounds play a crucial role in conjunction with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.

Understanding how terpenes collaborate to create unique forms of psychoactivity sheds light on the intricate nature of the highs experienced.

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Terpenes: Crafting the distinct identity of each cannabis strain

Observant individuals, guided by a keen eye or nose, can discern differences in cannabis strains merely by appearance and scent.

Stepping into a dispensary, one could spend hours exploring the diverse characteristics of each strain, all attributed to the presence and quantity of various terpenes.

For instance, strains with a citrusy aroma, such as Lemon Haze and OG Kush, are often rich in limonene. On the flip side, those with a prominent pine scent, like Jack Herer and Chemdawg, likely boast high levels of pinene.

Pioneering cannabis crafter David Watson, in collaboration with his business partner, was among the first to link cannabis highs to terpenes.

Their hypothesis, tested by comparing the effects of a 100% pure THC extract and a terpene-infused whole-plant cannabis resin, revealed that the resin, despite containing half the THC, was more potent.

Similar studies with CBD isolates reached surprising conclusions. Initially assuming that purer CBD isolates would be more potent, researchers found that CBD’s efficacy increased when derived from a full-spectrum (whole plant) extract, working synergistically with terpenes and other cannabinoids.

Understanding terpenes: Nature’s aromatic compounds

Terpenes, unlike cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, are not exclusive to cannabis. In fact, these compounds, with over 200 identified in cannabis alone, are widely distributed in herbs, plants, and numerous fruits and vegetables.

From a chemical perspective, terpenes consist of diverse sequences of aromatic hydrocarbons, contributing to their varied and often robust aromas.

This sets them apart from cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which are inherently odorless. If a purported “pure” THC or CBD isolate carries a noticeable smell, it indicates impurity.

As a side note, the aromatic qualities of terpenoids make them excellent candidates for aromatherapy, an alternative healing approach utilizing aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for therapeutic purposes.

Interestingly, cannabinoids and terpenes share noteworthy similarities in their synthesis and location within the cannabis plant.

Both are essential oils secreted by the resin glands (trichomes) of the cannabis plant. Additionally, they both trace their origins to a foundational molecule called geranyl pyrophosphate, abundantly present in the plant’s flowers.

Can someone identify a cannabis strain just by looking at it?