Cannabis Terpenes Explained: A Guide for Louisiana Medical Marijuana Patients
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What gives one marijuana product a bright citrus aroma while another smells earthy, floral, peppery, or like fresh pine?
Much of the answer comes down to terpenes.
Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in marijuana and many other plants. For Louisiana medical marijuana patients, understanding terpenes can be helpful when comparing cannabis flower and other therapeutic marijuana products.
THC and CBD are important, but they don't tell you everything about a marijuana product. Its terpene profile can provide additional information about its aroma, flavor, and overall chemical composition.
Let's break down what marijuana terpenes are, some of the most common terpenes found in marijuana, and what Louisiana patients should know before choosing a medical marijuana product.
What Exactly Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds produced naturally by plants.
They're responsible for many familiar scents in nature. Limonene contributes to the smell of citrus. Pinene is associated with the aroma of pine trees. Linalool is found in lavender, while beta-caryophyllene contributes to the spicy aroma of black pepper.
Marijuana can produce a wide variety of terpenes. These compounds are concentrated in the resin-producing trichomes found on marijuana flowers, alongside cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Different varieties can produce very different terpene profiles, which is one reason marijuana products can vary so much in smell and flavor.
Terpenes vs. THC and CBD: What's the Difference?
THC, CBD, and terpenes are all naturally occurring marijuana compounds, but they aren't the same thing.
THC is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for marijuana's intoxicating effects.
CBD is another major cannabinoid that doesn't produce the same intoxicating effects as THC.
Terpenes are best known as aromatic compounds. They don't produce a marijuana "high" on their own in the way THC does.
Scientists are studying whether certain terpenes can influence how cannabinoids behave or contribute to some aspects of the overall marijuana experience.
However, terpene research is still developing, and patients should be cautious of marketing claims promising that a specific terpene will always produce a specific effect.
7 Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
1. Myrcene: Earthy and Herbal
Myrcene is commonly found in marijuana and has an earthy, musky, herbal aroma.
It's also naturally present in hops and other plants.
Marijuana consumers often associate myrcene with relaxing products, but there's an important caveat: much of the research into myrcene's potential effects comes from laboratory and animal research rather than robust human clinical trials.
A high-myrcene product should therefore not automatically be considered a "sleep" or "relaxation" product.
2. Limonene: Bright and Citrusy
Limonene smells like its name suggests: citrus.
It's abundant in citrus peels and is also present in numerous marijuana varieties.
Limonene stands out because it has been studied directly alongside THC in controlled human research. One study found that higher doses of d-limonene reduced certain anxiety-related ratings produced by THC under the study conditions.
The results are interesting, but they don't prove that every limonene-rich marijuana product will reduce anxiety.
3. Pinene: Fresh and Pine-Like
Pinene has the fresh aroma commonly associated with pine trees and rosemary. Marijuana can contain both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene.
One popular marijuana claim is that pinene can prevent or counteract THC-related memory problems. However, a controlled human study testing alpha-pinene alongside THC did not find that it significantly reduced THC's effects on working memory or cognitive performance.
That's a good example of why patients should distinguish popular marijuana claims from established scientific evidence.
4. Beta-Caryophyllene: Peppery and Spicy
Ever notice a peppery or spicy aroma in a marijuana product?
Beta-caryophyllene may be contributing to it.
This terpene is also naturally abundant in black pepper and cloves. It's particularly notable because it can activate CB2 cannabinoid receptors, giving researchers a strong reason to continue studying it.
5. Linalool: Floral and Lavender-Like
Linalool has a soft floral aroma often compared with lavender.
It's found naturally in lavender, coriander, and marijuana.
Although linalool and lavender preparations have received significant research attention, there is less direct evidence establishing specific effects from the quantities of linalool naturally present in marijuana products.
6. Terpinolene: Floral, Herbal and Citrusy
Terpinolene has a more complicated scent profile that can include floral, herbal, citrus, and pine notes.
It can be prominent in certain marijuana varieties but hasn't received the same level of human research as some other terpenes.
7. Humulene: Earthy and Hoppy
Humulene is associated with earthy, woody, and hoppy aromas.
It's also found in hops and has been investigated for potential biological effects, including in preclinical inflammation research.
Human marijuana-specific research remains more limited.
Can Terpenes Change How Medical Marijuana Feels?
Possibly, but this is an area where it's important to separate research from hype.
Scientists are investigating whether terpenes can interact with THC, CBD, or the body's biological systems in ways that influence the overall effects of marijuana.
There is some intriguing evidence. But it isn't currently accurate to say, for example, that myrcene always makes marijuana sedating, limonene always makes it uplifting, or linalool always reduces anxiety.
The effects of a medical marijuana product can be influenced by:
THC dose
CBD concentration
Terpene composition
Other cannabis compounds
Method of administration
Patient tolerance
Individual biology
Previous cannabis experience
Terpenes are one part of a much larger picture.
What Is the "Entourage Effect"?
You may hear the term entourage effect when researching cannabis terpenes.
Broadly, it refers to the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other marijuana compounds may interact in ways that affect the overall experience.
It's an interesting area of marijuana research, but the term is sometimes used more confidently in marijuana marketing than current scientific evidence warrants.
Rather than assuming a particular combination will produce a guaranteed result, Louisiana medical marijuana patients can use terpene information as one additional tool when evaluating products.
Do Terpenes Matter When Choosing Medical Marijuana Flower?
They can. Louisiana's therapeutic marijuana program allows authorized medical marijuana doctors to recommend marijuana in raw or crude form, making terpene information particularly relevant to patients purchasing cannabis flower.
Flower varieties can have noticeably different terpene profiles even when their THC concentrations are similar. Instead of looking exclusively for the highest THC percentage, patients may want to consider the entire product profile.
If a particular medical marijuana product works well for you, take note of its THC, CBD, and dominant terpenes. Over time, you may notice that you consistently prefer certain chemical profiles.
How Do You Get Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?
The process for joining Louisiana's medical marijuana program is straightforward.
To receive a medical marijuana card Louisiana, you'll first schedule a telemedicine appointment with a licensed marijuana doctor - that’s where we come in! During the evaluation, our doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether medical marijuana may be an appropriate treatment option.
If you're approved, our marijuana doctor submits your recommendation directly to the dispensary of your choice. Louisiana does not issue physical medical marijuana cards. Instead, your recommendation is stored electronically, and you'll simply present a valid government-issued photo ID when visiting your selected dispensary. Patients can often complete the evaluation process and visit a dispensary on the same day!
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, we make the certification process simple and convenient with secure telemedicine appointments available from the comfort of your home. During your appointment, you'll virtually meet with one of our licensed marijuana doctors who will review your medical history, answer your questions, and determine whether medical marijuana may be a suitable option for your condition.
What Should Louisiana Patients Look for When Choosing Cannabis?
THC percentage is useful information, but it shouldn't necessarily be the only number you consider.
When information is available, consider:
THC and CBD content
Dominant terpenes
Product type
Dosage
Method of administration
Previous experience with similar products
If you're uncertain about a product, talk with your recommending marijuana doctor or knowledgeable staff at your medical marijuana dispensary.
Cannabis Terpenes: The Bottom Line for Louisiana Patients
Terpenes help create the citrus, pine, earthy, floral, herbal, and spicy aromas found across different marijuana products.
Common marijuana terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, terpinolene, and humulene.
Scientists are increasingly interested in whether these compounds may also influence some of marijuana’s effects, but research is still developing. A terpene profile shouldn't be treated as a guarantee of how a medical marijuana product will make you feel.
For Louisiana medical marijuana patients, terpene information is best used alongside cannabinoid content, dosage, product type, and personal experience.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?
If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call, and we can answer any questions you may have.
Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?
Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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