SWC Arizona

Setting the standard in care for medical marijuana in Arizona.

Terpenes and the Scent of Marijuana

Why does marijuana have such a strong smell, and why does each strain have such a unique scent profile? Why do each of the thousands of cannabis strains have such individual effects? Surprisingly, it’s not just because of the cannabinoids, but something else just as important: terpenes. Terpenes are the essential oils that provide different strains of cannabis with their unique flavors and scents.  Terpenes aren’t only in cannabis, and are found in almost every aromatic plant.  When one breaks open Jack Herer, the piney smell which wafts from it are due to Alpha-Pinene, a terpene which is also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill.  When handling OG Kush or Super Lemon Haze, the citrus smell that is released from the buds is from limonene, another terpene, which is found in oranges, limes, lemons, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint. These oils are so important to the distinct profile of each strain that medical cannabis testing labs now account for terpene content in tests on cannabis products, and while they’re critical to the flavor and smell of all cannabis, they aren’t just flavorings; they’re believed to be the mediators between the cannabinoids in cannabis and the human endocannabinoid system. Terpenes act synergistically by binding to the same receptors in the brain (CB-1 receptors) as THC, and are believed to regulate the chemical output of these same receptors after the THC and terpenes are bound to the receptor sites.  Terpenes are also believed to have a huge effect on neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and serotonin, by regulating the movement of these two chemicals throughout the brain as well as the production and destruction of serotonin and dopamine, and the availability of receptors. With more thorough research now being conducted on terpenes in cannabis, it’s important that both medical marijuana growers and patients start to learn how each terpene interacts with the body medicinally.  By reading blogs, reading studies, and watching videos, it’s easy to for patients to educate themselves on their medicine.terpenes az medical marijuana Photo Source: http://www.cmtlaboratory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/terpenes.png Included below are additional resources intended to educate any blog readers on the basics of terpenes in cannabis:
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