How Long Will the Effects of the Terpenes Last?

CBD and THC aren't the only cannabinoids in cannabis. Terpenes give marijuana its taste and, possibly, its medicinal properties. How long the effects of terpenes will last is explained in this article.

For most individuals, the only things about marijuana from just a few years ago were that it was prohibited and caused intoxication. Cannabis isn't only THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive component of the plant). As more people want to learn about marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, they've become aware of this. Many people are interested in the terpenes found in cannabis, which are not cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Studies have shown that terpenes are present in various plants, not only cannabis, and may have medical properties, particularly when combined with cannabinoids. However, what are terpenes, and how long do their effects last?

What are Terpenes, and Why Are They So Important to Our Health?

Plant smells are the result of a chemical compound known as terpenes. Pollinators and predators are attracted to these chemicals because of their pleasant scents. However, Sommano et al. (2020) stated that cannabis produces hundreds of distinct terpenes, giving the plant its powerful odor. While the chemical makeup of all cannabis strains is similar, the way they smell and act may fluctuate somewhat depending on the strain.

How Do Terpenes Impact the Human Body?

Researchers think that although terpenes do not cause intoxication, they may change the perceptions and medicinal effects of smoking marijuana. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are responsible for many of cannabis' therapeutic effects. In contrast, terpenes have a distinct flavor. On the other hand, inhaled cannabis has a more subdued, indirect impact. Cannabis strains with the same THC makeup varied somewhat in their effects, mostly due to the terpenoids in the flowers. Distinct terpenes have different effects on the body. Regarding impact, some are more stimulating, while others are more calming or sedative. Research into the possible benefits and uses of terpenes for different symptoms and diseases is ongoing. According to Baron (2018), terpenes may have an additional therapeutic impact. However, some studies show that terpenes do not alter the effects of CBD and THC on the brain.

How Long Will the Effects of Terpenes Last

It depends on several factors, including dose, frequency of use, and how long the terpenes remain in your system. Learn more about how are terpenes extracted?

What Percentage Do You Utilize

The length of time terpenes remain in your system is proportional to the amount you ingest, as with most other drugs.

Frequency of Usage

The length of time terpenes remain in your system is also influenced by how often you use them. Intake of terpenes increases with repeated usage. Therefore, you need to give it a week of regular usage before deciding whether or not it helps you. Infrequent use will hasten its elimination from the body.

Your Physical State

The human body takes several forms. For this reason, not everyone reacts the same way to terpenes or any other drug. The length of time terpenes remain in your system is affected by several factors, including your body mass index, water content, and metabolism.

Food

The foods you consume, the amounts you eat, and the times of day you eat all impact your health. According to Kushi et al. (2012), terpenes take longer to reach peak concentration in the blood after a meal, but once they do, they tend to be greater than in people who take the supplement on an empty stomach. Terpenes are eliminated more slowly from the body when eaten than while fasting. Fasting is a period when a person abstains from eating. Learn more about how to mix terpenes?

Mode of Application

Terpenes may be consumed in many ways. Your strategy will determine how rapidly the drug takes action and how long it will last in your system.

Can You Get High from Them?

Terpenes do not produce euphoria in the conventional sense. However, some are classified as psychoactive due to their perceived influence on the brain. According to Romero et al. (2020), terpenes aren't what get you high, but they may influence how the cannabinoid THC does its job. Experts and retailers in the cannabis industry often complain that customers put too much weight on the THC concentration of a strain. They suggest concentrating on certain terpene profiles to get the intended results. Anxiety, sadness, and bipolar disorder are just a few mental health issues that may benefit from using specific terpenes.

Are They Like THC or CBD?

There are more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. However, THC and CBD are the most prevalent and have received the most attention from researchers. Cannabinoids and terpenes are distinct substances, yet both may provide insight into the nature of a cannabis product. However, they all seem to work together in a way that specialists refer to as an "entourage effect." The full spectrum concept states that the many cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemicals present in cannabis all interact together to generate the drug's characteristic feelings and effects. Additionally, the theory suggests that a varied diet may be preferable to a strict one.

Conclusion

Terpenes are crucial to the scent and taste of a cannabis strain. Also, they may cooperate with THC and other substances in cannabis to amplify the high. Cannabinoids and terpenes aren't the only things that play a role in the cannabis experience; your body chemistry, history with the drug, and the environment in which you consume it all play a role. Terpenes are just a small part of the puzzle, but they may be a fun opportunity to experiment with various brands and discover the ones you like. Your sex, metabolism, weight, and the nature of the ailment you're seeking to treat will all play a role in determining the optimal dose. Even if you take a therapeutic amount, the length of time you feel its effects will differ for everyone. The effects of terpenes often last anywhere from two to eight hours.

References

Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis, and benefits in migraine, headache, and pain: an update on current evidence and cannabis science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139-1186.

Kushi, L. H., Doyle, C., McCullough, M., Rock, C. L., Demark‐Wahnefried, W., Bandera, E. V., ... & American Cancer Society 2010 Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. (2012). American Cancer Society Guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention: reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 62(1), 30-67.

Romero, P., Peris, A., Vergara, K., & Matus, J. T. (2020). Comprehending and improving cannabis specialized metabolism in the systems biology era. Plant Science, 298, 110571.

Sommano, S. R., Chittasupho, C., Ruksiriwanich, W., & Jantrawut, P. (2020). The cannabis terpenes. Molecules, 25(24), 5792.