What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many regular plants. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, and lavender, as well as fresh orange peel. The fragrance of most plants is due to a combination of terpenes. In nature, these terpenes protect the plants from animal grazing or infectious germs. If this is what role terpenes play in nature, it's safe to assume they should not harm you if they are ingested by vaping.
There are at least 80-100 terpenes in each cannabis strain. Terpenes produce a citrusy aroma in some strains, fruity and sweet notes in others and while some may smell and taste like lavender, others can be more earthy and pungent. Certain strains even smell like cheese.
Many industries are using terpenes for making essential oils, health and beauty products—they are even used for making perfumes. Terpenes are used for flavoring and as food additives. Maple syrup contains about 300 different terpenes, which is why it’s so yummy.
Terpenes give each cannabis strain its unique smell and taste. Not only that but they also enhance health benefits.
Most of the common terpenes in cannabis can be found in other regular plants, example lemon, lime, oranges, mangos, hops...
Terpenes also have many therapeutic properties: They interact with the endocannabinoid system and assist with a process called the entourage effect.
Myrcene, for instance, increases cell permeability and allows cannabinoids to get absorbed faster than they would get on their own.
Limonene is responsible for increasing serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter in charge of our mood. This explains why different strains may have different effects on our mood. The whole cannabis experience is suddenly starting to make sense, right?
In some cases, smelling specific essential oils, ingesting terpene-rich plants, or spending time in areas with high terpene content may provide some health benefits to humans.
