What are Terpenes and why they matter to your cannabis?

Most people have heard the word Terpenes(A.k.a Terps) but do not understand the role they play in your cannabis experience

One of the reasons I started The Friendly Grower is because I enjoy having access to knowledge and to be able to share mine. It didn't take me long to become curious and learn about terps because they seemed to have a crucial driving force in what I liked to consume/grow and what I don't. In the time I spent learning I discovered they are why we sometimes prefer Indica over Sativa or Kush over a Haze. It's the terps that make them hit, smell and tastes different. For me it was kind of the moment I realized why cannabis is so special, if I can begin to understand what each terp does to us I can begin to curate an experience rather than just smoke and grow random cannabis.

Terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in a variety of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aroma and flavor profiles of different strains of cannabis, as well as many of their unique therapeutic effects.

Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis, and each strain contains a unique combination of these compounds unlike most botanicals. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include limonene, myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.

Terpenes play an important role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis and our perception of it. They work in synergy with cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG, CBN and many more to enhance their therapeutic properties. For example, the terpene myrcene is known to have a sedative effect, which can enhance the calming and relaxing effects of THC.

In addition to their therapeutic effects, terpenes also have a number of practical applications in the cannabis industry. They can be used to develop new strains with specific aroma and flavor profiles, and can also be extracted and used in products such as oils, tinctures, and edibles.

Overall, terpenes are an important and fascinating aspect of cannabis, with a wide range of therapeutic and practical applications. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we can expect to learn more about these compounds and their many benefits.

Hopefully after reading this you now have a better understanding of the role terpenes play in your experience and can now begin to curate your own experience. Personally I find when I smoke the right cannabis at the right time I smoke less and am more satisfied. Usually I focus on the top 3 terpenes as they are the ones that tend to matter most when it comes to what we feel and taste.

-The Friendly Grower