If you’re exploring the Santa Fe cannabis scene or planning your visit to our Santa Fe dispensary, you’ve likely heard about terpenes. These naturally occurring compounds give cannabis its distinctive aroma and may also offer unique health benefits. But what exactly are terpenes, and why do they matter? Keep reading to learn how terpenes contribute to your cannabis experience and their potential therapeutic effects.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis, pine, lavender, and citrus fruits. In cannabis, terpenes are responsible for the plant’s diverse aromas and flavors, ranging from earthy and herbal to sweet and citrusy. While many associate terpenes with fragrance, these compounds also play important roles in plant survival, such as attracting pollinators or repelling pests.
In cannabis, terpenes work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD, contributing to what’s known as the "entourage effect"—the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes interact synergistically to enhance cannabis’s effects.
Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids: What’s the Difference?
While both terpenes and cannabinoids like THC and CBD are found in cannabis, they serve different functions:
Cannabinoids: Influence the body's endocannabinoid system and are responsible for effects like euphoria (THC) or relaxation (CBD).
Terpenes: Affect the plant’s aroma and may modulate cannabinoid effects.
For example, a terpene-rich cannabis strain might provide a unique combination of calming and uplifting effects thanks to the interplay of cannabinoids and terpenes.
THC and CBD may be the most well-known cannabinoids, but they are just two of over 100 cannabinoids that the cannabis plant contains.
Do Terpenes Affect People?
Yes, many terpenes are bioactive, meaning they can influence the body and mind. Terpenes form the basis of essential oils used in aromatherapy, with potential benefits for mood, stress, and physical health. In cannabis, terpenes may modify the effects of THC and CBD, tailoring the overall experience.
For instance:
Limonene may uplift your mood.
Linalool might promote relaxation.
Myrcene could amplify calming effects.
Some research backs up these claims. For instance, a review in Frontiers in Neurology found that people with epilepsy who took a CBD-rich extract had improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those who took purified CBD. This suggests that the other components in cannabis, such as terpenes, may affect how the body uses CBD.
There is plenty of medical research on isolated terpenes themselves, and some may even make their way into medical use. A study in Chemico-Biological Interactions notes that many terpenes have demonstrated beneficial effects on the body and could serve as alternative medicine or therapies.
When visiting the Betty Nugz dispensary in Santa Fe, you can inquire about strains rich in specific terpenes to match your desired effects and our team will guide you in the right direction.
Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Benefits
Limonene
Limonene is a common terpene that most people can recognize by its scent. As the name suggests, limonene gives the rinds of fruits such as lemons and oranges their citrusy smell.
A study in Chemico-Biological Interactions notes that limonene contains the following therapeutic properties:
anti-inflammatory
antioxidant
antiviral
antidiabetic
anticancer
Limonene appears to modulate the way certain immune cells behave, which may protect the body from a range of disorders. Limonene is also safe for people to take as a supplement.
Pinene
Pinene is another naturally abundant terpene. There are two forms of pinene: a-pinene and b-pinene. Pinene provides the fresh, bright scent of many plants, including pine needles, rosemary, and basil. Pinene may also have some therapeutic benefits.
Shirin-yoku, which means “forest bathing,” is a Japanese therapy that involves taking leisurely walks in the forest, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the scent. Shirin-yoku may have preventive and restorative effects on a person’s psyche and physiology.
A study in Acta Salus Vitae notes that the amount of pinene in the air of a healthy forest is enough to be therapeutic. Pinene acts as a bronchodilator, allowing more air into the lungs. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may fight against some infectious germs when inhaled.
Linalool
Linalool is most abundant in the lavender plant and gives the flower its rich scent.
Linalool is one of the more important compounds in aromatherapy and is responsible for the calming effect many people get when smelling lavender or its essential oil.
A study in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces notes that linalool may affect the body in a variety of ways due to a range of properties, including:
anti-inflammatory
antimicrobial
neuroprotective
antidepressant
anticancer
anti-anxiety
Linalool does appear to act on the body, but researchers must study its effects further to understand how people can use it to benefit their health.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene commonly found in plants such as hops, lemongrass, and thyme. The flowers of the cannabis plant also contain myrcene.
Myrcene is a powerful antioxidant. One study in mice concludes that myrcene could help protect the brain from oxidative damage following a stroke.
Another study in mice found that myrcene had a similar protective effect in heart tissue. The researchers note that myrcene may be a useful alternative treatment after ischemic stroke.
However, it is important to bear in mind that these studies used very high concentrations of myrcene, up to 200 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (mg/kg) of weight.
Another study in a cell model of osteoarthritis noted that myrcene appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect and may prevent the breakdown of some cartilage cells. This could make it useful against osteoarthritis.
Beta-caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene exists in many herbs and vegetables, such as cloves and black pepper.
Similarly to other terpenes, beta-caryophyllene may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that could reduce pain levels in some people.
In one animal study, beta-caryophyllene reduced pain from inflammation and nerve pain. The researches noted that this anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect might be useful for treating long-term chronic pain because the body showed no sign of developing a tolerance to these effects.
Humulene
Humulene is a key component of the hop plant. Other plants, such as clove and ginger, also contain it.
One study in Frontiers in Pharmacology notes that terpenes, including humulene, may have potential in preventing allergic reactions and asthma.
In animal models, humulene reduced allergic inflammation in the airways. This could make it a helpful compound for natural asthma treatments in the future.
Another study in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that humulene may also have a protective effect in some cells. This protective effect could guard against cancer. However, this is just preliminary evidence, and researchers must continue to study the effects of humulene to back up these claims.
Other terpenes
The terpenes mentioned above are among the most abundant active terpenes that people are likely to come across. Some additional common terpenes include:
geraniol
terpinolene
ocimene
nerolidol
phytol
Why Terpenes Matter in Santa Fe’s Cannabis Market
As the Santa Fe cannabis industry continues to grow, understanding terpenes can help you choose products that align with your preferences and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time visitor to a Santa Fe dispensary, asking about terpene profiles can elevate your experience. Give our showroom a visit - Betty Nugz is here to help!
For example:
Seeking relaxation? Try strains high in linalool or myrcene.
Looking for an energizing effect? Consider strains with limonene or pinene.
Our team at Betty Nugz is available to help you find the perfect terpene profile to match your desired feelings or medicinal needs.
Discover Cannabis Terpenes in Santa Fe
Terpenes are more than just aroma compounds—they are integral to the unique effects of cannabis. Whether you're exploring a new dispensary in Santa Fe or researching cannabis terpenes, understanding these compounds can help you make informed choices and enjoy a tailored cannabis experience.
Visit Betty Nugz for Santa Fe’s Top Cannabis Selection
Ready to explore the benefits of terpenes for yourself? Visit Betty Nugz, a premier Santa Fe dispensary, to discover terpene-rich cannabis strains and expert guidance. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced enthusiast, our team is here to help you find products that suit your needs.
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