What Do Terpenes Do for Your High?

Terpenes are substances that stimulate your body's olfactory glands and excite your sense of smell, allowing your mind to make inferences about what your body finds pleasing naturally.

Terpenes are frequently recognized to stimulate various aspects of sensory awareness, and they may influence how you feel after inhaling or ingesting them. 

These powerful chemicals are present in all plants, including those you eat for physical and mental nutrition. This includes entire meals, such as fruits and vegetables, and the natural medicines or essential oils you use.

You may widen your awareness of terpenes by simply contemplating how other plants and plant extracts make you feel, as well as how your palate may influence your reception of various plants, including cannabis.

Terpenes produced from cannabis are unique because many individuals are now employing them to help develop more personalized results.

Cannabinoids are a family of hemp and cannabis components that interact directly with cannabinoid receptors present in the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is now recognized to have a role in the regulation of several activities and processes in the body, including:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Hunger
• Memory
• Reproduction and fertility

The ECS is active in your body whether you are using cannabis. Cannabinoids control how cells interact or signals are transmitted, received, and processed.

Terpenes and cannabinoids improve blood flow, boost brain activity, and eliminate respiratory infections. Terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce what is called the entourage effect. This effect outlines how various cannabinoids and terpenes mix and bind to multiple receptors in the brain to generate a distinct high.

Researchers have found that cannabinoid-terpene interactions may provide balance in the treatment of:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Fungal
• Bacterial infections

Another identified advantage of cannabinoid-terpene interactions is that they enhance positive cannabis effects and reduce THC-induced anxiety.

There are about 400 terpenes, but just a few have been recognized to have the most significant effects.

The top five terpenes to look for include:

1. Myrcene
   • The most common terpene detected in indica strains.
   • Can relieve pain and inflammation.
   • Work as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative.
2. Pinene
   • Responsible for the natural perfume of pine trees and is the reason why certain strains smell so similar.
   • A potent anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator, commonly present in stimulating strains, such as Jack Herer.
3. Limonene
   • Imparts the characteristic lemony scent of citrus fruits.
   • May alleviate anxiety symptoms by enhancing serotonin and dopamine levels.
   • Especially beneficial for individuals who seek energy.
   • Causes uplifting euphoria and has antibacterial properties.
   • Some studies report that it may have anticancer properties.
4. Linalool
   • Present in lavender and is responsible for the flowery aroma in some strains.
   • Has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, pain-relieving, and sedative properties.
   • An excellent choice for individuals seeking relaxation and de-stress after a hectic day.
5. Caryophyllene
   • Also called beta-caryophyllene and gives a spicy and peppery smell and flavor in some strains.
   • Present in black pepper and is possibly good for digestive health.
   • Is the least psychotropic but can efficiently provide a relaxed feeling and sense of overall well-being, making it valuable in the treatment of anxiety and depression.