What Strain Has the Highest Terpenes?

It's important to note that terpene levels vary widely within cannabis strains. Terpenes are present in cannabis in all forms. Therefore, the amounts and profiles of these compounds vary widely across strains. Discovering which strains are rich in terpenes will help you get the desired results.

Many cannabis consumers focus only on the range of strains' THC levels while making purchases. That's a shame since it means they can't consider nearly as many possibilities while looking for their next favorite strain. Terpenes, the chemical molecules responsible for cannabis's several scents, play a greater role in the drug's effects than most people realize. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything about terpenes and the strains with the highest terpenes while browsing marijuana strains.

What are Terpenes?

According to Pichersky & Raguso (2018), chemical molecules known as terpenes may be found in various plants, from pine trees and rosemary to oranges and black pepper. They are a class of volatile aromatic metabolites that have a role in the taste and fragrance of plants. These chemicals may be found in very high concentrations in cannabis plants. Terpenes have physiological impacts and their role in a plant's aroma and flavor. For instance, limonene, a component of citrus oils, promotes emotions of serenity and peace. The lavender-scented linalool may aid in the digestion of several pharmaceuticals.

What Do Terpenes Do?

Each strain of cannabis has its distinctive scent and taste because the cannabis plant creates hundreds of terpenes and uses them in varying proportions. The effects of terpenes vary from organ to organ. Some cannabis strains with particular terpenes have been demonstrated to aid people with chronic pain more than others. For example, different combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids have been shown to generate diverse effects.

Terpenes alone do not provide a "buzz" as THC does because they lack the necessary psychoactive properties. Terpenes are aromatic molecules created in trichomes. They work with cannabinoids and other substances like THC to produce a wide range of actions and sensations in the user, including euphoric ones. Even when separated from other cannabinoids, terpenes retain their distinctive scent and taste.

How Exactly Do Terpenes Function?

Terpenes have been demonstrated in certain research to facilitate THC's interaction with the endocannabinoid system by increasing THC's affinity for CB1 receptors. Terpenes are what give THC and the other cannabinoids that extra kick. Various terpenes interact with the other cannabinoids in different cannabis strains, producing a wide range of effects. There are terpene mixtures that have more of an intellectual impact on the consumer of cannabis, while others have more of a physical impact. To choose the strain that best suits their needs, cannabis consumers need to be aware of the many terpenes in the plant and their effects.

Top Terpene Varieties

Terpenes may be found in various combinations, depending on the strain. Terpenes are potent and concentrated, and their overall concentration is often below 3%.

Marionberry

Terpene content for this variety is a little over 3%. Myrcene, the predominant terpene in cannabis, makes up around 1.4% of its total content. According to Guimaraes, Quintans & Quintans‐Júnior (2013), myrcene has decreased inflammation and alleviated pain. It also has the potential to induce sleep. This terpene smells and tastes like dirt and fruit. Since mangoes have a high concentration of myrcene, it is often believed that eating mangoes would heighten the effects of smoking strains high in myrcene. The essential oils limonene and linalool are abundant in this variety.

Banner Bruce

Bruce banner has terpene levels of approximately 2% in samples. According to Jansen et al. (2019), myrcene dominates the market. On the other hand, it also contains limonene and linalool at a usual rate of around 0.5 percent each. The OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel strains contributed to the creation of this hybrid. It has a rich, sweet, and fruity fragrance because of the abundance of terpenes and the production of potent euphoric effects. Learn more about what do terpenes taste like?

Sour Diesel

Sour diesel is a Sativa-dominant hybrid created by breeding Super Skunk with Chemdawg. The high quantity of terpenes gives it a powerful scent. Myrcene and limonene are abundant in this well-known strain, but the spicy caryophyllene is in lesser concentrations. The fact that caryophyllene binds to cannabinoid receptors makes it a unique terpene. Caryophyllene decreases alcohol consumption in experimental animals. Learn more about what do terpenes look like?

Fire Alien Strawberry

The terpene caryophyllene is the most abundant in this strain, followed by linalool, myrcene, and limonene. This cannabis strain, a hybrid with an Indica dominance, has the positive characteristics of both of its parents. The abundant terpenes are considered to have a significant role in their effects.

Dutch Treat

Terpinolene is the main terpene in Dutch Treat. This terpene is abundant in cumin, allspice, and apples; it gives off a flowery, piney aroma. Many people find that taking it helps them sleep because of its calming effect on their central nervous system. Myrcene, after ocimene, is this variety's next most common terpene. The aroma of ocimene is warm and woodsy. It has been hypothesized that ocimene, when isolated, has antibacterial effects.

The Entourage Effect

The plant's many cannabinoids and terpenes synergize to increase the drug's potency. The entourage effect describes this phenomenon. According to Meehan-Atrash et al. (2021), terpenes are a kind of organic compound that may be added to cannabis products to improve their taste, fragrance, and other attributes. Beverages and cosmetics are only two of their many uses for them. Each terpene produces a unique aroma and sensory experience when used alone or in combination.

Conclusion

Finding cannabis for sale doesn't have to be difficult. Terpenes may serve as helpful references when deciding which strains to purchase. Terpenes are a major part of cannabis, affecting your body's response to THC. By learning to appreciate terpenes and reaping their advantages, you may transform not just your cannabis shopping but your experience with the plant as a whole. When trying to choose a new favorite strain of cannabis, many consumers fail to give terpenes the consideration they deserve. Don't forget to conduct some research on terpenes before your next cannabis purchase.

References

Guimarães, A. G., Quintans, J. S., & Quintans‐Júnior, L. J. (2013). Monoterpenes with analgesic activity—a systematic review. Phytotherapy research, 27(1), 1-15.

Jansen, C., Shimoda, L. M. N., Kawakami, J. K., Ang, L., Bacani, A. J., Baker, J. D., ... & Turner, H. (2019). Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1. Channels, 13(1), 344-366.

Meehan-Atrash, J., Luo, W., McWhirter, K. J., Dennis, D. G., Sarlah, D., Jensen, R. P., ... & Strongin, R. M. (2021). The influence of terpenes on the release of volatile organic compounds and active ingredients to cannabis vaping aerosols. RSC advances, 11(19), 11714-11723.

Pichersky, E., & Raguso, R. A. (2018). Why do plants produce so many terpenoid compounds?. New Phytologist, 220(3), 692-702.