Terpenes play an important role in your cannabis experience, influencing the aroma, the flavor, and even the effects of your favorite strains. If you’re searching for terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene in Phoenix, Arizona, or you just want to understand terpene effects better, this guide is for you.
Let’s roll.
Key Takeaways
- Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds that influence how cannabis smells and tastes.
- The five most common cannabis terpenes are myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and linalool.
- Terpenes may play an important role in the entourage effect.
- Terpene preferences are highly personal.
- Superior Dispensary in Phoenix, AZ carries a wide range of terpene-rich products.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that make up how a plant smells and tastes. There are a few hundred terpenes that we know of; these compounds are found in every plant in nature.
Terpenes are thought to play an important role in the entourage effect, the theory that all of the compounds in a cannabis plant work together to produce its strongest synergistic effects. There are a handful of terpenes that are most common in cannabis plants. They include:
- Myrcene
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Pinene
- Linalool
Are Some Terpene Effects Better Than Others?
When comparing terpenes, some are not inherently better than others. However, most people have individual preferences for certain terpenes.
Much like your preference for certain cannabis products or strains, terpene preference varies for each person. To learn which terpenes you like, simply pay attention to which products you’re most drawn to by their smell and taste.
To help with the process, you can keep a cannabis journal to take notes on the product you’re sampling. Jot down what you think of its smell and taste, and how it makes you feel.
Over time, your pattern of personal preferences will emerge. Soon you’ll know how to select cannabis products that make you feel good.
Understanding the Most Common Terpene Effects in Cannabis
Myrcene
Aroma: Rich and earthy, with notes of cloves, spice, and damp soil, or pops of sweet fruits
Effects: Sedating. Often credited with “couch-lock” sensations associated with indica strains. May quiet the mind and the body, with strength depending on the dose.
Why it’s notable: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in today’s recreational and medical cannabis products. If you’ve tried cannabis, you’ve tasted this terp.
Strains at Superior with myrcene: Blue Dream Z, Permanent Marker
Limonene
Aroma: Citrus fruits, bright and tart, often distinctly lemon or lime-influenced.
Effects: Limonene is thought to improve the mood, uplift the mind, and even help increase focus (dose-dependent, of course).
Why it’s notable: Commonly used in household cleaning products, limonene is a bright, instantly recognizable scent that many people love to find in wake-and-bake strains.
Strains at Superior with limonene: Lemon Grinder, Cherry Lime Soda
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Warm spices; a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Effects: Thought to provide a sense of physical relief, calm the mind, and reduce inflammation in the body
Why it’s notable: Caryophyllene, also called beta-caryophyllene, has the distinct advantage of being the only terpene known to directly interact with your endocannabinoid system. It is abundant in many cannabis strains.
Strains at Superior with caryophyllene: Scented Marker, Gelatti
Finding the Best Terps at Superior Dispensary
The Superior Dispensary in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a full-service retail experience with knowledgeable budtenders who can clearly explain terpenes and product types. Here you’ll find a wide range of affordable, lab-tested, terpene-rich products, from flower, prerolls, and concentrates, to edibles, topicals, and tinctures.
At Superior, we know it’s not about how much cannabis you’re getting or how strong it is. We’re here to provide clear guidance without pressure so you can find what works for you.
FAQ
1. Is it better to have high or low terpenes?
It depends on your personal tolerance and preference. A certain amount of terpenes, somewhere between 0.25 – 1%, gives cannabis its smell and flavor, and can influence its effects. You don’t need to shop for cannabis with the highest amount of terpenes for a good experience.
2. What is the most powerful terpene effect?
Powerful is a subjective term; one terpene isn’t more powerful than another. Each terpene has its own benefits. Myrcene can be powerful because of its calming effect, while caryophyllene is powerful because it interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system.
3. What terpene effects should I stay away from?
Terpene preference is highly personal. You may like terpenes that others don’t. You don’t need to avoid a certain terpene unless you know that you don’t enjoy its effects. Some people love the sedating effects of myrcene; others dislike it. Some people enjoy the energizing effects of limonene, while others can find it overwhelming.
4. What terpenes are common in cannabis?
There are a handful of common terpenes in cannabis; myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and linalool are the most commonly reported in lab results.
Find Your Favorite Terpenes at Superior Dispensary
In conclusion, cannabis is an incredibly customizable experience. Finding which terpenes you prefer is, too. At Superior, we focus on education and empowerment to help you find the best products for your needs and goals. Visit our Phoenix dispensary for a full-service, beginner-friendly shopping experience.
Explore our online menu and let our experts help you shop with confidence. Cannabis consumption should be enjoyable!
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
