Have you ever wondered why the cannabis plant takes on so many different smells and flavors? The culprit is terpenes – the small molecules found in the glandular trichomes of the cannabis flower that jump out of a bag of top-shelf cannabis and smack you pleasantly in the nose. There are over 200 different terpenes found in the cannabis plant, but a few appear much more regularly. Every cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile based on its genetic makeup, allowing cannabis connoisseurs the ability to distinguish among various stains based on smell alone.

Even more exciting than flavor profiles, however, is the revelation that terpene structures also contribute to the overall effect of cannabis on the user. When terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, they change how the cannabinoids effect the user, thus altering the strain’s effect. This synergy is commonly known as the “entourage effect,” and it explains why every strain seems to have a different “high.” If you’ve ever wondered why a sativa-leaning hybrid like Blue Dream gives you energy and gets your creative juices flowing, but strong indicas like Kush leave you melting into your couch, the answer is that they contain different concentrations of key terpenes Myrcene and Pinene.

And that’s not all. Terpenes also offer serious medicinal and therapeutic value. Terpenes have been identified as effective in treating inflammation, ulcers, pain, heartburn, anxiety, acne, asthma, sleeplessness, depression, fungus, and bacterial infections.

At Zion, we feel that knowing the terpene profile of the strains we sell is crucial to providing you with the information you need to make informed purchase decisions. Unlike most dispensaries, we test the terpene profile of all our strains, and we’ve integrated these terpene profiles into our menu along with the THC and CBD content. It’s part of our commitment to providing you with the best possible cannabis shopping experience.

Please, take some time to continue reading and familiarize yourself with five of the most important terpenes found in cannabis. Then, when you visit our store or order online (coming soon!), take note of the terpene profiles we provide for our strains. In no time, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true cannabis connoisseur.

CARYOPHYLLENE

Fragrance – Cloves, spicy, woodsy, pepper

Effects – Physical effects not detectable

Therapeutic Uses – Anti-inflammatory, arthritis, ulcers, gastroprotective, autoimmune disorders, & other gastrointestinal issues

Strains – Hash Plant

LINALOOL

Fragrance – Candy, floral, citrus

Effects – Sedation & anxiety relief

Therapeutic Uses – Anti-convulsant, anti-anxiety, anti-acne, & anti-depressant

Strains – Amnesia Haze, G-13, LA-Confidential, Lavender

PINENE

Fragrance – Pine. Also found in pine needles and rosemary

Effects – Energy, altertness

Therapeutic Uses – Pain, anti-inflamatory, asthma, antibacterial

Strains – Blue Dream, Day Tripper, Jack Herer, Chemdawg

MYRCENE

Fragrance – Earthy, musky and fruity clove-like scent. Also found in mangos, hops, and thyme.

Effects – Sedation and relaxation. Often described as “couchlock.”

Therapeutic Uses – Pain relief, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, muscle tension

Strains – OG Kush, Gatekeeper OG, The Purps

LIMONENE

Fragrance – Citrus, sweet, tangy, bitter. Also found in citrus rinds and juniper

Effects – Stress relief

Therapeutic Uses – Anti-anxiety, anti-depression, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, heartburn, gastrointestinal problems

Strains – OG Kush, Gatekeeper OG, Starmaster Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack The Ripper, Lemon Skunk.