You can’t spend much time at a headshop or reading information about cannabis without encountering the word “terpenes”. Sometimes the person using the word will take the time to explain it, but in a lot of cases, they just assume the listener or reader is in the know. The thing is, lots of stoners are not. And that’s fine. After all, you’re not required to pass some sort of litmus test to enjoy weed. For those who are curious, however, the team here at 710 Pipes in Denver has brought together the following brief guide that should help shine a light on the subject of terpenes.
A Closer Look at Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds found in cannabis and most other plants that are responsible for the plant’s distinctive aroma and/or flavor. Simply put, without terpenes cannabis would not have that signature smell that we all love and cherish so much.
Terpenes are also known to interact with the cannabinoids in weed. They may in fact enhance the sense of relaxation produced by different strains of weed, or be one reason why strain X produces such gut-busting giggles while strain Y produces a sense of paranoia.
There are five different types of terpenes; mono, di, tri, tetra, and sesquiterpenes. All are classified as hydrocarbons, although, unlike other hydrocarbons such as crude oil, they do not contribute to climate change or other environmental problems.
But while terpenes are the force behind weed’s compelling aroma and may be why different strains of weed produce different mental and emotional responses, various clinical studies indicate they are also capable of providing an array of medicinal benefits, including:
Antiviral benefits
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that monoterpenes exhibit robust antiviral properties. Researchers believe that at some point they may be employed effectively to help treat diabetes and other maladies.
Anticancer benefits
While research is still in the relatively early stage and it is too soon to draw definite conclusions, a growing body of research suggests that terpenes may produce anticancer benefits in the form of slowing or inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
Antidepressant benefits
It is a little-known fact that nearly a quarter of all antidepressant medications are formulated using herbal extracts rich in terpenes.
Pain relief benefits
It is believed that terpenes enhance the pain relief abilities of cannabinoids by activating CB1 receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are a component of the body’s endocannabinoid system that influences the perception of pain.
Antimicrobial benefits
There is research that suggests certain types of terpenes may also possess antimicrobial properties. This could have a variety of important medical applications.
As you can see terpenes serve a variety of functions, many of which are only now being unlocked. To the average stoner browsing through our online head shop for a new bong or piece of heady glass they are a huge part of what makes the cannabis experience a unique and compelling one. But they also are beginning to show great promise in terms of medicinal applications. And that is good news for people both inside cannabis culture and outside of it.
Buy a New Bong to Experience Terpenes
Many people who enjoy cannabis have been using it for years, or even decades, without ever knowing why it has such a delightful and distinctive odor. As it turns out terpenes are not only responsible for that compelling and attractive odor, but they may also produce a variety of medicinal benefits.
If you’re looking for a new bong, glass pipe, or cannabis-related paraphernalia to help enhance your weed experience stop by the 710 Pipes headshop in Denver.