Why Do Terpenes Matter?

What Are Terpenes?

To put it simply, terpenes are the aromatic oils that give your favorite cannabis varieties distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. These oils, secreted in the flower’s sticky resin glands, also appear in many other herbs, fruits, and plants. They play a significant role in the therapeutic and medicinal use of cannabis strains by creating subtle differences in effects across various types. Want some more inside knowledge about terpenes? Check out this amazing video series from our friends at Three Wells!

Terpenes Benefits

Now that we know terpenes are the fragrant oils that give cannabis its aromatic diversity, it’s time for the benefits of terpenes! Terpenes are naturally found in the forms of oils. In the case of cannabis, these oils are contained in the flower’s sticky resin glands. They play a significant role in the therapeutic and medicinal use of cannabis by creating subtle differences in effects across different strains.

Part of what makes cannabis great is the aromas and flavors you get when it is consumed. In the case of Papa & Barkley, we believe that maintaining the natural terpene profile of the plant is vital to efficacy. We go to great lengths to maintain the terpene profile found naturally in the plant and do not add terpenes back into any products—a process known as reterpening.

There are a huge variety of terpenes, each responsible for different smells like notes of pine, pepper, fruit, and flowers. Cannabis plants have over 120 identified terpenes that can range dramatically in their aromas. Terpenes are also thought to be associated with the psychoactive effects of strains, with different smells often being associated with certain effects.

Bright lemony flavors, for example, are known as an indicator of energy improvement, while more earthy tones are thought to help you relax. Although the full range of terpene benefits are under-researched, studies have shown that terpenes work in synergy with THC and other cannabinoids to improve the therapeutic value of cannabis products. Terpenes have also been shown to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC when consumed together, upping its therapeutic value and contributing to the entourage effect.

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Terpene Profile

At Papa & Barkley, we maintain the terpene profile found naturally in the plant and do not add terpenes back into our products (a process known as reterpening). As always, our philosophy is: why mess with a good thing?

Terpene Flavors

The most common terpene flavors that you see in your favorite cannabis strains are linalool, myrcene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, terpinolene, eucalyptol, and humulene These 8 terpenes are what give cannabis strains their pleasant woody, peppery, citrusy, berry, minty, and sometimes hoppy aromas! Now you’ll know what flavors to tell your budtender when you hit the dispensary, so they can find you the perfect cannabis strain for you!

What Do Terpenes Do?

Studies have shown that terpenes have direct physiological effects on the body, especially for when it comes to linalool and limonene. This means that linalool-rich strains are likely to have a calming effect, and to provide pain relief, while limonene-rich strains are likely to be mood-elevating. As stated above, each terpene has specific therapeutic properties that can make them beneficial for your mind and body. The aromas brought about by terpenes can help with physical stressors like normal inflammation, discomfort, and minor aches and pains, but can also aid in alleviating stress and promoting a relaxing and calm demeanor.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) & Terpenes

Did you know that each of us has an endogenous cannabinoid system, also known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS can be thought of as the air traffic control center for the body. It controls physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors (most concentrated in the central nervous system and brain) and CB2 receptors (abundant in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and peripheral nervous systems). The natural cannabinoids and phytonutrients found in cannabis communicate with these signal receptors of the ECS to help reduce minor aches, acute discomfort, and normal inflammation.

When you consume cannabis, the natural cannabinoids and terpenes within the plant supplement your ECS and provide positive effects. Remember how we’ve been saying that different terpenes have numerous properties? This is where the magic of cannabis really happens! Terpenes can play a vital role in providing balance to the ECS within our bodies, and when you maintain the terpene profile of the plant, you are getting better effects.

Cannabis Entourage Effect & Terpenes

he entourage effect — the idea that molecules that occur together in nature interact in useful ways — applies to cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are molecular compounds that are naturally found in plants and insects, manifesting most often in the forms of natural oils, and are accompanied by a distinct aroma and viscosity. Terpenes and cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) work together to maximize benefits in the body. Lab and patient-based studies reveal that while CBD or THC can work alone for some symptoms, they can often create better outcomes in combination. Specific ratios, especially with naturally occurring terpenes, have the potential to cause even better effects. The entourage effect is one of the leading theories influencing cannabis research worldwide.

Do Terpenes Get You High?

Terpenes on their own will not get you high. Terpenes can work indirectly with the other compounds found in cannabis to increase the effectiveness of cannabinoids (such as THC or CBD) or even diminish the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Terpenes act on the transmitters in our ECS that affect mood and other biological processes. When you think of terpenes, think of essential oils!

Whole Plant Full Spectrum™: Preserving Natural Terpenes of Cannabis

Papa & Barkley’s proprietary process is what we’re known for. Our Whole Plant Full Spectrum™ process is clean and chemical-free and maintains the whole plant’s natural terpene profile. This allows for you to experience all the benefits of the plant, including the natural aromas from each strain’s individual terpenes.

Better. For you.

Now that you know all about terpenes, you can educate your friends! Shock them with your knowledge about the scent of their favorite air freshener, laundry detergent, and of course, their beloved cannabis strain! Papa & Barkley believes that the natural terpene profiles found in the plant add increased efficacy to our products. We believe in the power of the whole plant and allowing the plant to do all the work. That’s why every one of our products provides the full spectrum of benefits from cannabis. If you want to add a little natural terpenes to your weekend, stop on by the shop and pick up Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Gummies. Thinking of seeing the great outdoors? Pack a 1:3 Releaf Balm in your bag, it will help with those tougher trails. Long day? The Releaf Body Oil is packed with natural terpenes and ingredients that will you smell nice and soothe sore muscles.

Ready For Releaf?

Resources & Citations

• https://www.heylocannabis.com/post/what-are-terpenes
• https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/terpenes/
• https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy
• https://www.medicaljane.com/category/cannabis-classroom/terpenes/
• https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/the-difference-between-cannabinoids-and-terpenes-311502