In this installment of “Talking Terpenes with the LEGION,” we discuss how terpenes are used and take a look at three very important terpenes found in cannabis: Myrcene, Limonene, and Terpinolene.

How Are Terpenes Used?

You probably know that a certain strain of cannabis has a reputation for sparking creativity, while another might get a bad rap for leading to “couch lock.” Given that there are more than 140 terpenes found in cannabis plants, it is logical to assume that various combinations could generate various effects. Remember that “with a growing interest in Cannabis oils for self-medication it is important not to overlook the importance of quality control and standardization” (International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines). Industry leaders like The Legion of Bloom consistently publish the results of their lab tests to ensure consumers can access the information they need prior to making purchases. The Legion of Bloom prides itself on being a sustainable cannabis company that cultivates with care, paying attention to every step of the growing, harvesting, and extraction processes that spawn the products you know and trust. Our products are lab-tested for purity, pesticides, and potency; we use no additives—that’s right, there’s no PG, no VG, no MCT oil—just cannabis oil and quality terpenes.

Terpenes are therefore something that many people want to learn more about…and for a very good reason at that. Many cannabis experts believe that certain terpenes may soon be scientifically and verifiably linked with different kinds of medicinal or recreational experiences. If you figure out how terpenes impact your personal reception of various plants and botanical derivatives—like the nutritious fruits and vegetables that you eat or the essential oils you have grown to love—you may begin to check out terpene profiles as you peruse the many products that The Legion of Bloom offers to our clientele. Using a proprietary, natural stream distillation process, The Legion of Bloom skillfully extracts the highest quality terpenes directly from your favorite strain. Since it’s a full spectrum extraction, we can infuse your Monarch cartridge with the entire range of terpenes, terpinoids, and flavonoids from the specific strain.

In essence, certain consumers pay attention to how the top ten terpenes present in cannabis make them think, act, or feel, and make future decisions based on previous experiences. What follows is a brief introduction to the top ten terpenes that are naturally found in cannabis, and an overview of how they function in familiar plants and derivatives.

The Top Ten Terpenes Found in Cannabis

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is an aromatic terpene that immediately announces its presence in the air, and as a result, it is often held culpable for the easily recognizable smell of plants such as marijuana and lemongrass. In addition to being found in cannabis, Myrcene is abundant in certain fruits, which is why some people choose to complement their experiences with a nice slice of mango on the side. Myrcene sometimes occupies a fairly large share of a strain’s particular terpene profile, and is perhaps the most commonly discussed cannabis terpene today due to its reputation for being a slight sedative that can result in a heavy body high (ie “couch lock”). It is typically deemed the most prominent terpene in cannabis (especially in Indica strains), and it is particularly important because it purportedly activates or enhances other cannabinoids, most notably THC. From a purely scientific standpoint, Steep Hill suggests that Myrcene “allows [THC] to take effect more quickly” and “increase[s] the maximum saturation level of the CB1 Receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect.” While some people prefer this sort of intense cerebral high, others shy away from it and opt for products with lower levels of Myrcene. This is why so many people are curious about a strain’s terpene profile, and why Myrcene levels are something experienced cannabis lovers want to scope out prior to consumption or use.

2. Limonene

As the name implies, Limonene is a terpene that summons the aroma of a vast citrus grove and serves up the distinct scent of fresh lemons and limes. For many people, Limonene is uplifting and invigorating, which is why it is often featured in bath products that are designed to perk you up a bit. While citrus fruits are often consumed via tasty and refreshing juices, their extracts and rinds often become key components of non-toxic cleansing agents and common household products. This versatility makes Limonene a particularly valuable terpene that may be of interest when featured in cannabis products. In the plant world, Limonene has been recognized for its antifungal properties, and it is revered for its ability to calm both the digestive tract and the mind. Limonene has the ability to relieve stress and regulate—or even elevate—your mental state, which means that strains containing this terpene might put your mind at ease and help you steer clear of total paranoia. People who want to include herbal remedies in holistic treatment plans agree that Limonene can be a promising homeopathic solution for the side effects of harsher medical treatments, including those for cancer. Fortunately, Limonene has the added benefit of sometimes functioning as a natural mood booster,, making it a key terpene to consider when making cannabis-based purchases.

3. Terpinolene

If you can imagine yourself scrubbing paint off of your body…you can probably call to mind the pungent smell of turpentine. Although Terpinolene is indeed a terpene found in turpentine, it has a much more appealing role in the plant world, where it is known for being a beneficial compound that is abundant in even the most modest window sill herb gardens. You can find Terpinolene in plants like parsley, nutmeg, oregano, and rosemary. It is also present in valerian, the popular medicinal herb, and it emerges in the oil that is carefully extracted from a eucalyptus tree. This means that you’ll find Terpinolene in many food and health products at your local organic grocery store, including fragrant fresh herbs in the produce section and all sorts of supplements and medicines that promote a general sense of well-being. People who are restless or unable to sleep soundly sometimes turn to valerian root capsules to coax them to bed—and this calming effect is often attributed to Terpinolene. While the Mayo Clinic notes that “herbal supplements aren't monitored by the Food and Drug Administration the same way medications are,” because of its purportedly sedative properties, valerian is nevertheless attractive to those seeking a natural solution for insomnia. In addition, homeopathic remedies for asthma and other bronchial issues often include eucalyptus essential oil as part of an integral approach to holistic health treatments. Eucalyptus oil is often turned into soothing topical creams and ointments, so it seems like other plants high in Terpinolene—like cannabis—might have the potential to function in a predictably similar manner.

Here are a few LEGION products that contain these terpenes

Myrcene - Blue Zskittlez Monarch cartridge

Limonene - Lemon Cookies Strain Specific PAX pod - Brand New - look for it on the shelves starting next week!!!

Terpinolene - Revive Terrapen 1:1 Pod

Have a favorite strain with these terpenes in it? Go to today's #TerpeneTuesday Insat Post on @thelegionofbloomca and leave us a comment maybe we will add your favorite strain to the lineup.

Look out next Tuesday as we continue Talking Terpens and cannabis in part 4 of the series.

Thanks for the support! Enjoy #thelegionlife