If you’re immersed in the cannabis community, the chances are high that you’ve been hearing a whole lot about terpenes recently. If you’re still not quite sure what terpenes are, the easiest way to describe them is that they’re like the essential oils of cannabis. They’re responsible for giving each strain its unique taste and smell, but we’re starting to realize that they’re even more important than that. Leaders in the cannabis community have been saying that a strain’s terpene profile is responsible for something called the entourage effect.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect may be the answer to one of the oldest questions involving cannabis: why do different strains all make us feel differently? Cannabis consumers have noticed that they can smoke strains with the same exact levels of THC, but their experience can vary drastically. At first, we just chalked this up to the fact that there are Indica strains, Sativa strains, and hybrid strains. However, that doesn’t explain why even strains in the same general category can have such unique effects.
That’s where the entourage effect comes in. We’re beginning to understand that cannabinoids like THC and CBD can interact with the human body differently depending on which terpenes are present. In other words, the THC in your cannabis will behave differently depending on the entourage of terpenes it brings with it. Since terpenes can change the way our bodies absorb and process cannabinoids, they have an important impact on the way we experience the effects of cannabis.
Strain Terpene Profiles
There are hundreds of different cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, and it’s likely there are some that haven’t even been identified yet. That said, some terpenes seem to be more common than others. We recommend learning about some of the more widely known terpenes to give yourself a good knowledge base. The following are some of the most popular terpenes that you’ll encounter in your favorite cannabis strains:
- Limonene – This terpene has an aroma like fresh citrus, which can add some zesty sweetness to your flower. See if you can smell it next time you pick up a strain like Dosidos.
- Myrcene – This is also found in thyme, lemongrass, and mango. Myrcene has an earthy musk. If you want to get a good amount of this particular terpene, you can find it in strains like Blue Dream.
- Caryophyllene – This terpene is prevalent in strains with a spicy, woody smell that may remind you of cloves or pepper. It’s one of the most noticeable terpenes in strains like Pineapple Express.
- Terpinolene –Terpinolene has a sweet pine scent. There are trace amounts of it in many types of cannabis, but only rare cannabis strains like Dutch Treat have especially high amounts of terpinolene.
Highest Terpene Strains in Vancouver, WA
Here at Fire & Frost Cannabis, we have a massive selection of different strains on our dispensary menu. That means you’ll always be able to find some of the highest terpene strains in Vancouver by visiting us. If you’re looking for a specific strain that matches the terpene profile you enjoy, we invite you to peruse our menu and explore options before you come to our dispensary. Alternatively, you can come to see us in person, where you’ll be able to stop and smell the flowers for yourself as you get a feel for their terpenes. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you pick out your next strain, and you can contact us in the meantime if you have any additional questions.