What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are found in nature in just about every plant and food that you could think of. Terpenes are the oily substance at the very base of the plant; the substance that gives smells, flavors and most importantly, discoverable health benefits.

These terpenes are aromatic compounds that determine the scent of many flowers and herbs. They give cannabis its distinctive odor and contribute to its flavor. 

Cannabis contains more than 150 types of terpenes. Although most are found in only trace amounts, the more prominent ones team together to give diverse cannabis strains their signature scent profiles and health benefits.

On top of providing cannabis with its unique variation of scents, terpenes also perform a vast amount of functions in the plant and can produce a range of therapeutic and mood-altering effects in cannabis consumers. 

 

Your Endocannabinoid System…

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made within your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced by your body.

Receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) needs to take action.

Once in your body, THC and CBD interacts with your ECS by binding to receptors, just like endocannabinoids. It’s powerful partly because it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

This allows it to have a range of effects on your body and mind, some more desirable than others. For example, THC may help to reduce pain and stimulate your appetite.