If you’re familiar with sativa, indica and hybrid, you understand that for the most part a sativa heavy strain will give you an energetic boost and an indica will mellow you out, but these terms are merely a classification of the region of origin. Sativa is usually grown at or near the equator, indica in the mountains or the harsh terrain, and hybrids are a man-made mix of the two. Each individual strain–whether it be a sativa, indica, or hybrid–can deliver a completely unique experience. Have you ever wondered why some strains have a more intoxicating effect than others? The answer to this does not lie in the cannabinoid content alone, it is in part, the terpenes.

Each and every cannabis strain will produce a different terpene profile, these profiles are what make up the essential oils of the plant. There have been over 200 different terpenes identified within cannabis itself, and each strain has a unique complex profile made up of several different combinations of terpenes. Terpenes are found in all plants, and their full medical benefits are still unknown to us.

Some of the most prevalent in cannabis are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene and Linalool. Each one of these terpenes will produce a different effect on the body. One of the classifications of an indica strain is the presence of Myrcene. Myrcene is one of the more sought after terpenes for very obvious reasons: it allows the body’s blood-brain barrier to “relax” creating a cascading effect of THC flooding the bloodstream, allowing your body to fully saturate itself. This increases the intensity and length of your high and creates the couch lock indica strains are known for. It’s also commonly found in citrus fruit. You can eat some ripe mangos 30 mins beforehand to receive some additional benefits.

Limonene is also present in most sativa strains. It provides you with the energetic buzz you feel after your wake and bake sesh. It’s also the reason so many of the sativa strains smell like citrus or fruit. I love smoking anything with Limonene and Pinene throughout the day to help me stay focused and energized.

The more you dive into the benefits and effects of terpenes, the more precise and consistent your smoking experiences will be. Eventually, you will find what specific terpenes help you achieve your desired results. With all the hybridization of sativa and indica strains, more unique terpene profiles are created. You may find an indica strain that helps with breathing and inflammation, without the couch lock or sleepy side effects. Or, you’ll find a sativa strain that delivers a potent pain numbing body buzz, all the while filling you with energy. Keep an open mind–don’t limit yourself to a strain solely based on the region of its lineage. Take the time to find out what you’re consuming and what works best for you. You’ll thank yourself.

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After the holidays are over, it’s easy to slip into a funk until spring. While we can all feel depressed by the season from time to time, there’s a lot winter still has to offer. Because terpenes are the aromatic oils produced in cannabis (and other plants), they contain the uncanny power of scent to elicit emotion.

Much like essential oils, seeking out particular terpenes will help instantly get you back into the winter mood.

Next time you’re shopping for cannabis products this season, look for these top 5 terpenes to help keep you get in the winter mood.

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The list of terpenes found in cannabis grows each day. Here’s a list of the most prominent and well-known terpenes in cannabis.

The post A practical guide to terpenes: What they are and how they help you appeared first on Flowertown.

We know that cannabinoid type, cannabinoid potency, and its indica-or-sativa classification can help determine your high, but terpenes also play a major role in what your cannabis experience will be like. As growers get more creative with their strains in hopes of putting something unique out onto the market, the more hybridization continues to blur the line between indica and sativa. Certain brands have even gone so far as to do away with the aging indica-sativa classification method and advertise terpene content instead.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by plants and fruit, which give them their distinctive color and aroma. They are what make blueberries blue, make oranges smell citrusy, and why cannabis plants come in different colors and scents. How terpenes affect your high is similar to how aromatherapy elicits certain effects.

Aside from sativa or indica classifications, terpenes produce their own effects that determine whether your high will be invigorating or sedating.

Certain strains can contain a number of terpenes with contradictory effects. Limonene and Myrcene both give off citrusy notes in both scent and flavor. However, Limonene is known to elevate moods while the warm flavors of Myrcene have a “sedating” effect on its consumers. People react to the mix of terpenes differently, experiencing a sedative effect while others feel uplifted.

Terpenes can also be the reason why you feel like the “expected effects” of an indica or sativa strain actually elicit the opposite effect in you.

You may find yourself feeling energized and uplifted by a blueberry strain, which is an indica. The type of cannabis plant could contradict the terpene profile and its expected effects, causing a range of experiences.  But what you are reacting to is the blueberry aroma, which is known to uplift you because of the aromatherapeutic benefits of sweet, berry scents. Why did you react to the terpene profile and your friend reacted to the type of cannabis plant? Terpene sensitivity might have played a role.

Of course, it is not as clear as simply, “Limonene makes you happy” and “Myrcene makes you lethargic.” The truth is terpenes affect people differently and it is still unclear as to why. It could be as simple as aromas produced by terpenes elicit different reactions in people because they play on the most emotional of the senses: scent. Scent is so closely linked with memory, the reaction you get from a terpene could be because it reminds you of making berry pie with your grandma every Sunday morning.

Of course, exactly how terpenes affect you is still being debated, with new findings and research coming out frequently. This is just the beginning of understanding how the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers (cannabinoids) interact with one another and how that interaction affects the individual. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated with any new information.

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Every autumn we can always rely on the days getting shorter, the nights longer, the temps dropping with cool, crisp air, and pumpkin spice taking over everything you can see, smell or taste.  

From coffee to donuts, cake, and the ever-present pie, getting your fix of pumpkin and cinnamon is everywhere. 

While it may be overdone in the mass market, pumpkin spice can still be an enjoyable twist on classic foods and drinks. One part savory, and another part sweet; it’s a nice step away from the citrus sugars of summer and into the spiced, savory flavors of autumn and winter. 

During this fall season, you can get all of the health benefits of real pumpkin and spices, and you’ll discover that it works exceptionally well with your cannabis routine. In fact, using spiced food can even enhance the benefits you get from cannabis.

Benefits of combining pumpkin spice and cannabis 

The terpenes found in cannabis play a therapeutic role. There are, at least, fifteen different types of terpenes found within cannabis, mimicking those found in pumpkin spice. Myrcene is the most abundant, its rich smell, similar to that of cloves, is one of the chemical compounds responsible for reducing pain and inflammation. 

Limonene is second and is found in all five of the pumpkin spices. This gives a citrusy note and helps improve mood and reduce stress. 

The terpenes between cannabis and pumpkin spice help create a relaxing and soothing effect and, when combined with coffee (as always), also energize and stimulate.  

They all work together to help warm you up for those chilly, fall nights or crisp mornings when it’s hard to get going. Once you get the hang of infusing cannabis into your PSLs, you can start to throw it into the way you cook and also more of your favorite beverages.  

The pumpkin spice party 

While pumpkin may have a sweet and buttery flavor, pumpkin spice is another party itself. With five essential flavors making up the guest list, you can expect some cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. Pumpkin emulsifies the best attributes of all the spices. 

Instructions: 

Make coffee as usual. As coffee preps, mix the pumpkin spice, sugar, cannabis, and cream together to form a slurry. Add pumpkin puree and stir well. Gently pour coffee into the cream, stirring well to prevent clumps. 

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