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A recent survey found that 70 percent of cannabis consumers haven’t heard of terpenes.
But why are terpenes important? How can they help medical conditions? Despite industry efforts to raise awareness around terpenes, the majority of patients are left asking these questions.
What are cannabis terpenes and how do they work?
Cannabis terpenes provide aromas and flavors that appeal to users such as mint, pine, berry and citrus (think essential oils). With more than 100 different terpenes identified in the cannabis plant, there are several factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age, fertilizers and more. Terpenes play an important role in determining the effects of various strains and how they can help relieve different symptoms for various medical conditions.
Similar to essential oils, each terpene has a different effect on the consumer. For example, terpenes can leave users feeling relaxed or promote stress relief, while others boost productivity and focus. Do some research on cannabis terpenes to understand what to look for to treat your unique medical condition.
Which terpenes should you consider?
In order for dispensary budtenders to make the best recommendation, desribe the symptoms from which you need relief and your normal routine so the budtender can set you up with the right strains to fit your lifestyle and treatment goals. For example, if you’re hoping to relieve anxiety, a Sativa dominant strain may not be the best fit for you since sativa strains with a high THC content can actually give users more anxiety. Depending on your lifestyle and routine, consider a hybrid or indica dominant strain with terpenes such as Myrcene, which promotes calming effects, or Caryophyllene which is known to promote stress relief.
What does the research say about terpenes?
The latest research shows that nearly half of cannabis consumers reported that they use cannabis with another person, such as a friend, significant other or family member. This directly correlates with where consumers get their cannabis knowledge from – with half of the respondents saying they get their cannabis information from friends. In order to inform patients on cannabis knowledge, the survey stresses the importance of industry officials, brands and companies to use their platforms and voices to educate consumers on cannabis fundamentals to make aware of how cannabis – specifically terpenes- can treat their medical condition.
For more cannabis education, including information on different terpenes and strain recommendations, be sure to follow us on social media.