Terpenes 101 – The Pass

Terpenes 101: Understanding the Hidden Gems of Cannabis

THC and other major cannabinoids have long been lauded as the crown jewel of the cannabis plant. Considering almost every product you see is packaged up with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids percentages at the forefront of online menus and packaging, it’s easy to see why many new, and even long-time, smokers would think this. 

Many consumers focus solely on THC levels, looking at factors like potency and cannabinoid composition. However, cannabis is so much more than THC. 

Terpenes are another compound in the cannabis plant that have a crucial role in the effects of your favorite products. At The Pass, we are dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to make informed purchases so you can best support your cannabis experience.  

Let’s look beyond THC and tap into the hidden gems of cannabis.

 

What are terpenes, and why are they important?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in all plants, such as pine trees, lavender, herbs – and cannabis. These compounds contribute to the aroma, flavor, and color of a plant, often thought to offer therapeutic properties as well.

When it comes to cannabis, terpenes have a significant role in its effects and therapeutic properties, working synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create a unique experience for you as a consumer.

Research available around terpenes and their potential health benefits continues to grow, offering valuable insights into how cannabis can be used for health and wellness. For instance, a May 2024 study found that terpenes could be an effective and side-effect-free treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. 

According to Leafwell, terpenes have been shown in scientific research to exhibit the following properties:

• Anticonvulsive
• Antidepressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Anti-cancer/anti-tumor

Ultimately, the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids results in a more balanced and effective therapeutic experience, providing a broader spectrum of health benefits than cannabinoids alone.

For this reason, understanding terpenes is crucial so you can curate a more personalized and enjoyable cannabis experience the next time you’re shopping at the dispensary.

 

Popular terpenes and their benefits

There are over 20,000 terpenes in nature, with hundreds of these different terpenes found in the cannabis plant alone. Each has its own set of therapeutic benefits, aromas, and other valuable properties.

Don’t worry; you don’t need to memorize all of them. There are some popular terpenes to look out for the next time you’re shopping at our Berkshire dispensary:

Myrcene

Myrcene is characterized by its musky and earthy scent. This terpene is commonly known for its sedative effects and ability to promote muscle relaxation. Myrcene is particularly beneficial in cannabis products aimed at aiding sleep and relieving pain. 

By increasing cell permeability, myrcene also enhances the absorption of cannabinoids, potentially boosting the overall therapeutic effects of the product. This makes myrcene-rich cannabis strains ideal for those seeking relaxation and relief from muscle tension.

Limonene

Limonene, distinguished by its bright citrus aroma, is a terpene prevalent in many cannabis strains. You can often find limonene in plants like citrus fruits, such as lemon and orange. 

It is known for its mood-elevating properties and ability to provide stress relief, making it particularly beneficial for those seeking an uplifting and calming experience. 

Pinene

Pinene has a distinctive pine-like fragrance, and it is commonly found in pine trees and herbs like dill, parsley, and more. This terpene is known for its potential benefits in promoting alertness and improving memory retention, making it useful for enhancing focus and cognitive function. 

In cannabis products, pinene may contribute to a more energizing and mentally stimulating experience, complementing the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Its presence can also add to the strain’s overall aroma and flavor profile, offering consumers a refreshing and invigorating sensation.

Linalool

Linalool is characterized by its floral aroma with distinct lavender notes. This terpene is prized for its potential benefits in anxiety relief and anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable for promoting relaxation and soothing both the mind and body.

In cannabis products, linalool contributes to a calming and tranquil experience, often sought after for its anxiety-reducing effects. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can support overall wellness, potentially aiding in the management of conditions such as chronic pain and inflammation when combined with cannabinoids like CBD.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene, also known as beta-caryophyllene, is easily recognizable with its spicy and peppery scent, commonly found in cannabis and other plants like black pepper. This terpene is valued for its potential benefits in pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for alleviating discomfort and supporting overall wellness.

In cannabis products, beta-caryophyllene interacts with CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties and potentially enhancing the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This makes beta-caryophyllene-rich products beneficial for individuals seeking natural pain relief and inflammation management.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has a floral and herbaceous aroma, often found in plants like lilac, nutmeg, apples, and more. This terpene is noted for its potential antioxidant properties and calming effects, making it beneficial for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. 

In cannabis products, terpinolene contributes to a soothing experience, often sought after for its mild sedative qualities that can help alleviate anxiety. This makes terpinolene-rich cannabis strains appealing to those seeking a blend of relaxation and antioxidant benefits.

Emerging research is also demonstrating terpinolene’s potential to reduce the risk of heart disease when used in conjunction with other nutrients.

 

The importance of terpene profiles over THC levels

As you can see, there are so many amazing potential benefits that terpenes bring to the table.

Yet, many individuals still prioritize strains with high THC levels, believing that potency alone determines the quality of their experience. 

Choosing high-terpene products can provide a more balanced and enjoyable cannabis experience compared to focusing solely on THC content. Moreover, the higher the THC level, the lower the terpene content, consequently limiting the complexity and therapeutic potential of the strain. 

Understanding and balancing terpenes alongside cannabinoids is, therefore, crucial for tailoring cannabis use to individual preferences and therapeutic needs, ensuring a holistic and satisfying journey into the world of cannabis consumption.

Shopping by terpenes

The benefit of shopping by terpene is that you can match terpene profiles to desired outcomes, such as relaxation or energy, allowing you to completely tailor your cannabis experience. 

At The Pass, we’re making shopping by terpenes easier than ever. The next time you’re in our Berkshire store, you’ll see terpene stickers on select Pass products to indicate high-terpene content.

Some of our favorite terpene profiles are included in strains like:

• Lemon Mints
• WiFi Sunset
• Apple Tartz

Our Menu: Terpenes & Cannabis Concentrates

In addition to our staff favorites, we have a wide variety of terpene-rich cannabis concentrates. These products often have higher terpene levels (over 2.5%) due to the solventless extraction process used to create them, allowing for terpenes to be preserved and concentrated along with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

The Pass is a concentrates destination in Massachusetts. Our top products happen to be concentrates with high terpene profiles, meaning you’re going to get a smooth consumption experience. 

Here are some of our recommendations:

• The Pass Lemon Mints Hash Rosin
  • Made from fresh-frozen Pass flower, this rosin boasts a lemony profile with nutty undertones. Top terpenes are caryophyllene and limonene.
• Blue River Terps Banaoreoz Live Rosin
  • One of the premier concentrate brands in the state, this rosin has a sweet and creamy aroma with notes of berries, pine, and gas. Includes caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene.
• Harbor House Super Boof x Albarino Cold Cure Live Rosin
  • A close partner of The Pass, known for their high-quality products, this rosin has sweet floral and citrus notes. Top terpenes are limonene, beta-myrcene, and linalool.
• Berkshire Bud Gastro Pop Live Badder Baller Jars
  • This badder has a spicy, grape fizz aroma to match its dramatic look. Packed with beta myrcene, beta caryophyllene, and limonene.

Our solventless concentrates boast richer flavors and aromas, preserving the diverse taste profiles of various cannabis strains.

 

Enhancing your smoking experience

In addition to all the therapeutic effects, terpenes also enhance the smoking experience primarily by contributing to a smoother, more flavorful smoke that is less harsh on the throat. This is often because of the various aromas and flavors that they provide to cannabis smoke or consumption, ranging from fruity and citrusy to earthy and piney notes and more. 

Additionally, depending on the terpene, you may experience therapeutic properties that reduce irritation and inflammation, further contributing to a smoother inhalation experience. Overall, terpenes play a crucial role in enhancing the overall sensory and physical comfort aspects of smoking cannabis.

Explore terpenes at The Pass dispensary

Long story short: Terpenes are key to unlocking the full potential of cannabis.

Whether you’re new to cannabis or consider yourself a connoisseur, we encourage you to look beyond THC levels when choosing products at our Sheffield, MA, dispensary. Consider both terpene and cannabinoid profiles for a comprehensive approach.

You can deep dive into our Strain Library or online menu to explore our different cannabis flowers and their terpene content before you arrive to shop with us.

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask our budtenders about terpenes and how they can help with your specific needs and preferences. We also have an educational card available in-store for customers to learn more about terpenes.