We previously had been looking at the growing science on terpenes and cannabis. Again, all plants have have terpenes. We are reminded by Montana Optimum Wellness that terpenes are organic compounds providing one of the base elements for essential oils. Terpenes were developed in the bio-processes of plants to ward off herbivores and attract pollinators. Little research has been done on specifically how the terpenes of cannabis interact with food as well as human biology. We will look at the five major terpenes found in cannabis strains and how one may balance the side effects of toking and/or enhance the effects by balancing it with a complimentary terpene.
The research I have been exposed to all speak to that terpenes can benefit and increase the effectiveness of cannabis use by balancing the effects. Researchers speak to finding terpenes that compliment another.
It is not as simple as Kush has mercene so if I eat a mango (that has mercene) then it should make me higher. Mercene produces relaxation and sedation. So possibly eating a salad with parsley, basil, and rosemary (all contain alpha-pinene and beta-pinene that gives alertness and energy) may help a Kush strain used for pain relief to not be so couch-locking…possibly? All of this is no research and new territory to explore.
Let’s look at alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. As a terpene it is often simply referred to as pine. Pine is found in strains like Chemdawg and Trainwreck. Pine is energizing, provides alertness, and creativity and medicinally is used to treat asthma and is an antiseptic. Pine may be to energizing for some users causing anxiety or paranoia. The terpene linalool is sedating, provides anxiety relief, and is present in lavender. Possibly sipping lavender tea while toking Chemdawg may balance the energizing effects. Again these are suggestions for experimentation!
Limonene is a citrusy terpene and is an element of the strains OG Kush and Super Lemon Haze. Limonene elevates moods and relives stress. Mercene, a terpene that sedates and relaxes the body and is found in lemongrass as well as hops. It may be good to balance effects by drinking a beer brewed with hops while enjoying 4:20. That may add a little body relaxation to the mood elevation. Give it a try!
Caryophyllene is a spicy, woody, earthy terpene found in pepper as well as cloves and is present in strains such as Girl Scout Cookies and Gorilla Glue #4. Caryophyllene relieves inflammation and anxiety. Balancing Girl Scout Cookies with the peppermint tea that contains limonene may elevate the mood as well. Only way to know is to give it a try!
All of this is new research and possibilities with cannabis. Yesterday, I ate a mango after dosing with some Chemdawg. Did it provide extra sedation or relaxation from the mercene?…I have no clue! I was definitely relaxed but it being from the Chemdawg on its is a distinct possibility. Whether you add terpene supplementation or not…happy 4:20!
