Terpene 101: A Complete Guide

Terpenes are a type of cannabinoid that has been shown in studies to help with pain, inflammation, and anxiety. I’m sure you’ve heard the term before. They’re undoubtedly the most buzzword-laden part of the cannabis industry, but not everyone knows what they are. You know how it feels when a strange word keeps coming up and you’re starting to grow weary of asking what it is? That’s kind of how everyone feels about terpenes! You aren’t alone in your perplexity.

Terpenes are the reason why medical cannabis can have such a wide range of tastes, appearances, and effects! They truly are the beating heart and soul of marijuana. Terpenes may make all the difference between pain relief while you tackle your to-do list and relaxation so deep that it borders on “couch lock” when you have a Louisiana marijuana card.

Both of these outcomes can be beneficial depending on your treatment goals! It’s critical to have a thorough knowledge of terpenes as you learn more about your marijuana medication. This will assist you in locating cannabis strains that are effective for you! We’ve compiled this blog to provide an in-depth analysis of the most popular terpenes utilized in medical marijuana strains.

Do Indica and Sativa Not Include All Cannabis Strains?

The short answer is that it isn’t even close! Indica and Sativa are broad categories of marijuana strains with similar big impacts. At their most basic level, cannabis plants are either indica or sativa in terms of how they influence people.

Indica

Indica strains have a greater amount of CBD and a lesser quantity of THC than Sativa plants. Indica strains are typically used to promote mental calm, muscular relaxation, nausea reduction, acute pain alleviation, improved hunger, and increase in dopamine levels. Indica strains are commonly used to treat insomnia.

Sativa

Sativa strains are higher in THC and lower in CBD. Sativa medical strains are ideal for daytime use. Some of the most popular uses for sativas include anti-depression, anti-anxiety,  chronic pain treatment, increased attention and creativity, and a boost in serotonin levels.

These two categories are useful, but they’re a little broad for medical purposes. Medical marijuana has so much more to offer than these two simple categories!

Getting a marijuana card in Louisiana is a thrilling experience! You may get caught up in the world wind of obtaining your marijuana card and forget to pay attention to the many new facts you need to remember when purchasing medical cannabis from your local pharmacy.

You may also want to conduct some research on your own. This can assist you in creating your own therapy plan and learning more about what products you should be searching for. Some medical marijuana strains are better at treating chronic pain, while others are better at treating multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Other conditions that may respond well to marijuana include post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), cancer, and epilepsy. Because the distinctions in impact become more subtle as you pay attention to terpenes and how they address particular medical issues, the list goes on and on!

Terpenes: What Are They?

Terpenes are responsible for the refreshing blast of citrus you get when you slice open a lemon, as well as that soothing sigh you get when you smell lavender. Because of terpenes, your favorite shower gel, candles, and essential oils all have their own fragrance and therapeutic impact!

The entourage effect, which is the sum of all cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, creates the effects you experience with each strain. Each cannabinoid and terpene has its efficacy, but when they’re combined, they have a significant impact!

What Kind of Terpenes are in Medical Marijuana?

The hundreds of terpenes present in medical marijuana make up only a tiny fraction of the more than 20,000 discovered throughout nature! We usually concentrate on a dozen or fewer of those terpenes to understand the effects of any particular strain.

The following list will assist you in becoming familiar with the most common terpenes in cannabis, as well as what to look for when visiting a Louisiana pharmacy!

Myrcene

Myrcene is known for its strong pain-relieving qualities, but be cautious! Myrcene is also recognized for causing “couch lock.” It’s also in hops, basil, and mangoes, where it serves as an anti-inflammatory and a sedative.

What Makes Myrcene  Important in Medical Marijuana?

Myrcene ability to enhance cannabinoid absorption in the brain is one of its advantages. This implies your medical marijuana will be less difficult to work with. It’s good for sleeplessness, and many people use myrcene-dominant strains as a muscle relaxer.

Look for Myrcene Dominant Strains:

• LA Confidential
• Sundae Fundae
• MAC n Cheese

Find it also in:

• Hops
• Thyme
• Mango
• Lemongrass

Limonene

Limes, oranges, and lemons, are high in limonene, a natural mood elevator that’s present in all three fruits. Limonene is responsible for the refreshing scent of citrus fruits and can provide a boost of energy when you need it.

What Makes Limonene Important in Medical Marijuana?

Limonene has antifungal, antidepressant, and anti-spasmogenic effects. It also boosts your immune system and may be beneficial if you have a cold because it helps you focus. Limonene is good for focusing and treating depression, chronic tiredness, and muscular spasms-related pain.

Look for Limonene Dominant Strains:

• Lemon Haze
• Wedding Cake
• Raspberry Lemonade

Find it also in:

• Juniper
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Fruit rinds

Pinene

Pinene is the reason you get that fantastic, zen-like sense of connection and stability when you go on a hike in a pine forest. Some scientists dubbed it “the miracle gift of nature,” and its variety of applications suggests why!

What Makes Pinene Important in Medical Marijuana?

Pinene is an excellent oil for muscular or joint pain that is caused by inflammation. It may have purifying properties, making it a wonderful choice for those days when you want to get things done yet need pain relief to do so.

Look for Pinene Dominant Strains:

• Vegas OG
• Durban
• Topanga Canyon

Find it also in:

• Dill
• Basil
• Parsley
• Pine needles
• Rosemary

Linalool

Linalool, a terpene found in cannabis and other plants, has anti-seizure effects as well as relaxing and anticonvulsant properties. Linalool is present in a variety of plants, including lavender and coriander.

What Makes Linalool Important in Medical Marijuana?

Linalool is an uplifting, calming aromatherapy oil that can improve your mood and help you relax. This implies that linalool-rich strains may be beneficial for managing anxiety on days when tension is high but there are things to accomplish.

Look for Linalool Dominant Strains:

• White Sour Star
• Koffee
• Martian Monkey

Find it also in:

• Birch bark
• Lavender

Humulene

Humulene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, making it a good option for pain alleviation. It also acts as an appetite suppressant for medical marijuana patients who want to avoid getting the munchies without using pharmaceuticals.

What Makes Humulene Important in Medical Marijuana?

Humulene is an excellent nootropic for those who suffer from swollen joints, such as arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it ideal for consumers of all ages.

Look for Humulene Dominant Strains:

• Sour Diesel
• White Widow
• Pink Kush

Find it also in:

• Basil
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Hops
• Wood

Caryophyllene

It is a cannabinoid that binds with CB2 receptors in the brain, therefore it is sometimes referred to as a cannabinoid. It can be found in woody-scented plants and various spices, such as hops, cloves, pepper, and oregano.

What Makes Caryophyllene Important in Medical Marijuana?

Beta-caryophyllene is an excellent anti-stress and anxiety remedy. It’s also a strong pain medication, and it may aid in the absorption of any drugs you’re presently taking. As a result, because marijuana containing this terpene is more effective when used with prescription painkillers, you may be able to cut down on your dosage.

Look for Caryophyllene Dominant Strains:

• Star Haze
• Tangie Cookies
• New Glue

Find it also in:

• Black pepper
• Cloves
• Cinnamon

Where Can I Get These Terpenes From My Pharmacy?

Currently, Louisiana is one of the few states that has a restricted medical marijuana program. They don’t have “traditional” dispensaries, but rather pharmacies.

In Louisiana, you can only get your medical marijuana from a dispensary. There are both advantages and drawbacks to this. The good news is that it helps to break the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Patients buying medical marijuana from pharmacies demonstrate that they are no different than any other patient receiving medicine for a physical ailment. However, these pharmacies were previously existing pharmacies that have converted to sell medical marijuana goods. This implies that these pharmacies haven’t served medical marijuana patients before and aren’t involved in the cannabis business. You may be expected to know the best questions to ask to advocate effectively for yourself!

You might not be able to obtain or find the precise terpenes you need for your medical condition if they’re being manufactured outside of the United States. If you don’t have access to these particular terpenes, it may be difficult to locate them. The easiest way to get these terpenes is to start a conversation! Simply calling your pharmacist and asking whether they have any products available is a good place to begin. If they are out of stock on anything you’re searching for, this conversation can also take place in person!