How Terpenes and Cannabinoids Enhance Your Edible Experience

Edibles

Weed brings people together now more than ever, thanks to broadening legalization. For those just getting into marijuana or hoping to expand their cannabis experience, looking at just the names of weed edibles or strains might not be enough. Instead, consider choosing your ideal products based on the terpenes and cannabinoids they contain.

But what are cannabinoids and terpenes, and how can they change your cannabis experience? These chemicals found in the plant material itself can have varying impacts on the brain, and those seeking specific experiences can curate their high according to their body’s response to certain terpenes and cannabinoids.

Here is a basic guide to enhancing your edible experience through careful product selection.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are a specific type of chemical found in plants. Even if you have never consumed cannabis before, you have likely already encountered terpenes because they are not exclusive to marijuana plants. These chemicals help to create the variety of smells, colors, and tastes that humans can find in plant material, and they have been prized for a long time due to their varying effects.

Notable non-cannabis plants that contain terpenes include citrus and sage, which each have a very strong and recognizable scent and taste. Many terpenes help plants protect themselves in the wild, but when used in products for human consumption, these chemicals can bind to brain receptors to produce unique effects.

Understanding Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a specific group of compounds that interact with the body’s nervous system and brain. As the name suggests, cannabinoids are found within cannabis, but in reality, the human body can also produce similar chemicals on its own!

These chemicals, called endocannabinoids, help with everything from appetite to blood pressure and energy. When consuming cannabis and adding new cannabinoids to the body’s existing endocannabinoid system, it is possible to change how the body reacts, which is why these elements are often responsible for physical sensations such as relaxation.

The Most Common Terpenes and Cannabinoids

There are plenty of cannabinoids and terpenes to consider when selecting a product. Some of the main contenders are:

THC

An abbreviation of tetrahydrocannabinol, this cannabinoid is one of the main ingredients in many edibles. It tends to reduce pain, nausea, and inflammation, which is why many people associate it with “good feelings” thanks to the dopamine it facilitates.

THC can do a wide range of things in an edible, from changing a person’s sensory perceptions to providing a deep sense of joy and inspiration.

CBD

Cannabidiol is the scientific name of CBD. Unlike THC, CBD does not act on the brain’s sensory systems, which means that it does not produce the “high” people associate with marijuana. Instead, it can lead to feelings of deep relaxation and may help with insomnia, anxiety, and related concerns.

Limonene

This terpene can often be found in cannabis that features a strong, particularly citrus scent. Limonene is associated with mood, so people often use it in edibles if they would like to reduce their depressive symptoms or inspire themselves for an exciting day.

Myrcene

If you choose a random product off the shelf to see what terpenes it includes, odds are high that you would pick one with myrcene. It is the most common terpene in cannabis products. It produces the spicy, earthy taste and smell of many strains.

Thyme is a great example of a non-cannabis plant that contains this terpene. It’s great for relaxation (in general and specifically targeting muscular pain) and can help relieve stress.

Linalool

Cannabis that smells flowery often contains linalool. It can ease anxiety and is one of the main components of cannabis for those who find marijuana helpful for easing symptoms of illnesses such as epilepsy. It can help the muscles relax, which is valuable for people who are experiencing body pain.

Pinene

If you have ever smelled a plant that reminds you of a fresh Christmas tree, you’ve probably smelled pinene. It is the most common terpene in the natural world thanks to its presence in trees, spices (e.g., basil, parsley), and more. If you’re looking for a way to boost your focus and leave you inspired and full of energy, pinene is your perfect pair.

Choose Your Cannabis Wisely for a Curated Experience

The cannabis hobby is full of hundreds of potential products to choose from, and selecting an edible with the right strain inside is the first step toward the ideal marijuana experience. By selecting the terpenes and cannabinoids that will get you where you want to go, you can enhance your edible experience without the need to waste time and money on products that will leave you with feelings that don’t match your goals.

Stop by Pure Oasis to see the many edible products we have or to ask a budtender about our buds so you can make your own eddies!