You’ve probably heard about marijuana’s most famous components, THC and CBD, but did you know that hundreds of additional compounds work hand-in-hand with those cannabinoids to produce a cannabis high?
In this section of Cannabis University, we’ll take a look at what makes marijuana taste, smell, and hit the way it does.
The Big Takeaway
Terpenes determine a strain’s flavor and aroma, but they also combine with cannabinoids to change what your high feels like. Rather than just looking at THC and CBD percentages, you can learn a lot about how a strain will affect you by digging into its unique terpene profile.
How Terpenes Work
Terpenes — the hydrocarbons found in all essential oils – are responsible for the distinctive smells and flavors of nearly every plant. Even if you’ve never smoked weed, you’ve encountered terpenes in the form of Limonene in lemons, b-Pinene in pine trees, and Ocimene in mint and basil, just to name a few.
But these compounds also work directly with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to unlock and enhance each strain’s unique effects and medicinal benefits.
Although consumers have historically looked to THC as the end-all indicator of a strain’s quality and potency, we now know that cannabis is characterized by a complex blend of cannabinoids and terpenes working in harmony. When they’re consumed together, they deliver more robust and well-rounded effects that result in a product with a robust flavor profile and a more enjoyable high. This miraculous partnership is known as the “entourage effect.”
How We Maximize Terpenes
So how do we make sure our flower is bursting with terpenes? It’s been proven that the best terpene profiles are developed by growing cannabis in the full spectrum of sunlight. Botanists understand that specific wavelengths are responsible for increasing the density of terpene-rich glandular trichomes, which in turn enhance the final plant’s terpene concentration. So try as they might, indoor cultivators will never be able to replicate the superiority of a sun-powered crop.
At Maggie’s Farm, we only cultivate our flower in natural sunlight out in the open air. This results in our final product having a richer and more reliable terpene profile than any other brand or product. Try any of our strains and experience the difference for yourself!
Common Terpene Types
Below are some of the most common terpenes that power your favorite strains: