Beyond THC: How Terpenes and Cannabinoids Impact Your High
As cannabis use becomes more normalized, we’ve developed a better understanding of how the plant works. For decades, we’ve categorized how cannabis strains will feel based on their THC content, as well as their indica, sativa, or hybrid classifications. Today, our OC dispensary staff knows that it goes much further than that. To help you make more informed decisions next time you visit a store or order Costa Mesa weed delivery, we’ve put together a quick guide to understanding how terpenes and cannabinoids impact your high.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, from aromatic herbs and pine trees to hops, citrus fruits, and even cannabis. They are responsible for the aroma and flavor of different plants. Different terpene profiles produce vastly different smells and flavors.
But terpenes don’t just contribute to the flavor and aroma of cannabis. They also impact the effects. Savvy cannabis shoppers can use terpene profiles to guide their experience.
Hundreds of known terpenes exist in the cannabis plant alone. Here are some common ones:
Myrcene: One of the most common terpenes in hops and cannabis, myrcene provides a peppery, earthy, balsamy aroma and flavor. While we lack definitive human studies, we know that preliminary research and animal studies suggest myrcene can provide anti-anxiety, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects.
Limonene: Commonly found in citrus fruit peels, preliminary studies suggest this citrusy terpene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may even protect against damage in the brain and stomach. It’s often considered a mood booster.
Limonene: Commonly found in citrus fruit peels, preliminary studies suggest this citrusy terpene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may even protect against damage in the brain and stomach. It’s often considered a mood booster.
Caryophyllene: A spicy, peppery terpene found in cloves, black pepper, and basil, this compound is suggested to help with inflammation, depression, and anxiety. Studies also show it may help improve memory and cognition.
Cannabis strains don’t just contain one or two terpenes. They often contain a vast profile, with one or two dominant terpenes. When you’re shopping at a boutique dispensary, you can assess the dominant terpenes and overall profile to gauge the strain’s effects.
For example, our Costa Mesa dispensary menu includes Camino Sours gummies. The Watermelon Spritz flavor lists limonene caryophyllene, linalool, and pinene (known for boosting focus) as the main terpene profile. With this information, you can tell that the gummies will provide uplifting, focused effects.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds that bind to your body’s receptors to activate different effects. Whether you know it or not, you’re probably already aware of one cannabinoid: THC. Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC binds to receptors in the brain and central nervous system causing the high most cannabis users have come to know and expect.
Another common cannabinoid you may have heard about is CBD. Short for cannabidiol, CBD binds to serotonin 5-HT1A (in the brain, potentially reducing anxiety) and TRPV1 vanilloid receptors (potentially reducing inflammation and pain). Unlike THC, which binds to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the brain, CBD does not get you high because it doesn’t interact with the same receptors as THC.
The cannabis plant contains small amounts of other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), known for anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving potential; cannabinol (CBN), known for its sedative, sleep-promoting potential; and cannabichromene (CBC), known for its anti-inflammatory potential.
Like terpenes, cannabis plants contain different cannabinoid profiles. Strains containing mostly THC tend to get you much higher than strains with a high CBD content, for example. For many users, strains with a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD are preferred because they still get users high, but benefit from the potentially anxiety-reducing effects of CBD.
As an example from our boutique dispensary menu, Henry’s Original Ritual pre-roll features a 10:1 ratio of CBD and THC. If you have a low tolerance, this pre-roll may get you mildly high, but you’ll most likely feel calming effects from the CBD.
On the other hand, our Plus Sleep gummies containing a 10:5:5 ratio of THC, CBN, and CBD may still get you high, but with the extra boost of CBN and CBD, which may help you unwind and fall asleep.
Shop Cannabis In Orange County Using Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis user or just getting into the many ways to use the plant, our OC dispensary is dedicated to helping you find products that fit your lifestyle. You can use our online menu to filter between different cannabinoids and product types for pickup or weed delivery in Costa Mesa.
Or, feel free to ask our staff to help you determine what products contain the right terpenes and cannabinoids to fit your needs. Our budtenders are friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help you find products that suit your lifestyle.
Whether you’re visiting town and looking for a Newport beach dispensary (we’re a quick drive away) or you’re a Costa Mesa local seeking a luxury cannabis store that fits your needs, we have you covered at High Seas. We provide OC weed delivery and in-store shopping experiences to fit all needs.
We’re located at 1921 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa and open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Shop with us today!