Terpenes may be a newer term to those in the cannabis scene. We used to judge our cannabis by strain; indica, a heavy high, “in da the couch”, versus sativa, a livelier, headier, high. We now know it’s not just the strain or cannabinoid profile, but terpenes that in addition to giving cannabis it’s strong smell, direct the type of high you may experience and the medicinal benefits you will reap.
Myrcene
Perhaps my favorite terpene is Myrcene. This is the most abundant cannabis terpene and conspicuous one attached to the couch lock effect, often inducing sleep. It is also found in hops and mangos and has a sedative effect on most. If a cannabis strain is fifty percent or more myrcene, it can be considered an indica, and less than fifty percent, a sativa.
The medicinal effects are far ranging from fighting symptoms of diabetes, an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, helping sleeplessness, and depression. Most notably, myrcene can offer pain relief with an efficiency comparable to opium, without the side-effect of addiction.
Strains testing high in Myrcene are White Widow, Pure Kush, Himalayan Gold, Skunk#1, Lovrin 110, and El Niño.
Linalool
Linalool, comes in as…