Cannabinoids and terpenes are both molecules produced by a cannabis plant. These molecules are synthesized and carefully stored inside glandular trichomes. Cannabinoids have distinct effects on the body, while terpenes add a unique taste and smell to the plant.
Let’s discuss the relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes.
How Are Terpenes and Cannabinoids Different?
The cannabis plant produces a large number of phytochemicals. These hundreds of different types of substances are placed in separate categories according to their unique characteristics.
The cannabis plant has over 140 different types of terpenes. Each cultivar gland in a cannabis plant holds a distinct amount and kind of terpenes with varying concentrations. The various strains of a cannabis plant have distinctive tastes and smells based on the quantity and type of terpenes present in it.
It’s important to note that terpenes are present everywhere in nature, and you can find them in areas populated with pine trees. They’re also responsible for the particular smell that comes from freshly cured cannabis, orange peels, lemons and herbs.
Another class of chemicals produced by a cannabis plant is cannabinoids. Specific molecules from this group, such as THC and CBD, are found exclusively in weed. These chemicals have unique effects on the body. In the case of THC, a consumer can experience psychoactive effects while CBD produces more clear-headed and grounded results.
Both terpenes and cannabinoids come from the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the body. Cannabinoids directly latch onto the cannabinoid receptors in the mind to have a psychoactive effect on the body.
In contrast, terpenes interact with other receptors in the brain and don’t have any psychoactive effects, so a person cannot get high by consuming terpenes.
There are also some molecules like caryophyllene that are categorized as both cannabinoids and terpenes. They have an earthy, peppery smell, and they directly bind to the CB2 receptors present in the endocannabinoid system of the body.
What Is the Relationship Between Terpenes and Cannabinoids?
Terpenes and cannabinoids have a synergistic relationship, meaning certain types of terpenes interact with specific cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to enhance their benefits and have more pronounced effects on the mind and body.
The discovery that cannabinoids and terpenes can work together to produce more holistic results has the potential to change the future of the cannabis industry. Many cannabis users are already looking at how to combine terpenes and cannabinoids to provide a pleasant smelling and tasting experience with improved benefits.
For example, research has found that limonene combined with THC boosts its anti-oxidant properties, while linalool helps increase its muscle-relaxing effects. Moreover, adding linalool to CBD results in a boost of happiness and reduces nervousness and stress.
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