420 evaluations in San Diego

Understanding Terpenes: Can They Get You High?


Cannabis has become an extremely well-known plant all around the country; thanks to the long list of medical conditions it can treat. But do you know what’s the reason behind these amazing effects of the plant? I mean, how does the cannabis plant actually works? 

If you know a little bit about the plant, you probably already have an idea that the effects of the cannabis plant are due to the presence of compounds we call cannabinoids. And there are two major cannabinoids- THC and CBD. However, what most people don’t know is that the terpenes of the plant also have a role to play here. 

Though overlooked, terpenes, in general, have a myriad of benefits to offer you. Plus, they may also enhance the other effects of cannabis that are provided by the cannabinoids. Given all this, if you are thinking of applying for 420 evaluations in San Diego, it’s probably a very good idea to learn as much about terpenes as possible.

Don’t know where to start?

Don’t worry. Here is a basic guide to help you gather all the important information about cannabis terpenes. In this guide, we’ll try to learn almost everything about the terpenes, including what they are, how they affect you, and most importantly, do they get you high.

So, let’s begin.

What are Terpenes?

Have you ever encountered a refreshing smell of a lemon, a musk of pine, or a sweet scent of newly cut wood? If yes, then you already have an experience with terpenes.

We can describe terpenes as the chemical compounds that are responsible for the plant’s aroma and taste. These compounds are present in almost all plants, including pines, conifers, and the cannabis plant. And these are the reason why each plant is unique in itself. 

Terpenes serve a very important function in plants. These are very helpful in keeping the predators at bay. Though the scent of rose, lavender, or other plants may be great for us, for many insects and other organisms, it may works as a repellent. 

We may also find terpenes in various foods that we eat. And it may even surprise you that many cleaning products that we use in our homes also utilize these compounds in order to provide us a sweet and clean smell. You should note that terpenes have been marked safe for use by the US federal authorities, and we can find them in many products all around us.

Terpenes in Cannabis

As mentioned before, terpenes are found in almost all plants. And cannabis is also one of them. In fact, these compounds are the main reason behind that delightful aroma that makes your favorite strain irresistible to you.

In the cannabis plant, there are more than a hundred terpenes. However, only a few are present in abundance in most strains. And you should note that these compounds account for up to 5 percent of the weight of the cannabis plant.

Researchers define terpenes as unsaturated hydrocarbons. And they are usually found in resins (trichomes) that cover the female cannabis plant. Furthermore, experts say that these terpenes are the main source of the essential oils that we get from the cannabis plant. 

As mentioned before, there are more than a hundred cannabis compounds in the cannabis plant. However, a few main types are:

  • Limonene
  • Myrcene
  • Linalool
  • Pinene
  • Humulene

The Functions of Terpenes

Let’s see what are the effects of these terpenes at an individual level.

Limonene

Limonene, as the name suggests, is usually present in the citrus plants, like limes, oranges, and lemons, etc. It is widely used in food, perfume, and cleaning industries. And it possesses many beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects.

Myrcene

This particular terpene is one of the most commonly present terpenes in the cannabis plant. It’s been used as a medicine for various ailments, including hypertension and dysentery, in the past. And now too, it is quite famous for its relaxing effects and anti-inflammatory properties.

Linalool

With a very rugged aromatic profile, Linalool terpene is mostly the part of plants such as lavender. The scent is quite popular and is used in many products in the market. Plus, it also has many therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammation and anti-convulsion.

Pinene

Pinene, as you probably have already guessed, is the main reason behind the clean and fresh smell of pine. It has two different types: alpha and beta. And alpha is the type that we mostly find in marijuana. 

As per the recent studies, the compound has been indicated as a bronchodilator, which means it can open up the lungs. And this is a great property for people who are suffering from some lung disease, such as bronchitis or asthma. Furthermore, it also has the ability to balance out the intoxicating effects of THC.

Humulene

While many terpenes increase your appetite, humulene has the ability to decrease it. This makes the compound a great remedy for weight loss. It is mostly available in the plants, such as clove and basil. And you can also use it as a pain reliever.

How Terpenes Work with Cannabinoids?

As we saw, terpenes, even on their own, have some amazing medicinal benefits to offer us. However, when we combine them with other compounds of cannabis, their effects are even more enhanced. When terpenes and other compounds work together, they produce the effects that can help you combat a myriad of ailments that they can’t battle effectively, individually. This is what we call “the entourage effect.”

Our body has many cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. And terpenes may help neurotransmitters respond and react to these receptors more readily. This increases the speed at which various signals travel from one place to another within the body. And given this, many experts say that cannabis becomes a lot more powerful in the presence of terpenes.

Experts also believe that terpene can tone down the cognitive effects of THC while strengthening the medicinal effects.

Can Terpenes Get You High?

This probably is one of the most important questions for you, especially if you thinking of applying for 420 evaluations in San Diego. “Can terpenes make you high?” Let’s find out.

Terpenes, no doubt, are very strong compounds that are present inside any plant, including cannabis. However, the “high” feeling, which is often accompanied by drowsiness, delusion, paranoia, is not what you may expect from them. Terpenes are rather more famous for their therapeutic properties only. Many terpenes are used to treat conditions such as depression, diabetes, and hypertension, etc.

The US federal authorities have also declared that terpenes are completely safe to use and have no ill effects. In fact, you can even feed them to the animals or disperse into the environment. 

However, you should note that research on the plant is still growing. And every day the experts are coming up with something new. Until now, we do not have any proofs of terpenes having any intoxicating effects. But who knows what the future holds?