What’s in Your Cannabis?

Discover More with OMG Cannabis

OMG Cannabis takes pride in educating our patients and customers the right way. We take the time needed to ensure you feel confident about the products you’re using. Cannabis is such a complex plant, and its research is constantly growing and evolving. We take that as our responsibility to always be up to date on current news in the cannabis industry.

As research continues, discoveries are being made every day. One of the most significant breakthroughs for cannabis research was the discovery of flavor profiles and terpenes and the way they interact with the body to provide specific effects and relief. This blog will discuss what terpenes and flavor profiles are and how you can use particular strains that are tailored to your needs.

Flavor Profiles and Terpenes: What are They?

Until recently, we didn’t know much about cannabis except for the terms THC, Indica, and Sativa. Cannabis is now commonly used for medical and recreational purposes, finally allowing some normalcy for the cannabis plant. A new normal with cannabis means more research and a deeper understanding of the plant.

With this new research, one of the most prominent discoveries was terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. There are over 150 terpenes found in the cannabis plant, each containing specific properties to support the plant. In nature, terpenes are responsible for the growth and overall survival of the cannabis plant, especially in the wild. For example, linalool, a terpene responsible for a floral scent, attracts pollinators — such as bees and other insects. Geraniol works to repel other insects that may come to do the plant harm. Terpenes protect the cannabis plant from seed to harvest through its entire growth cycle.

Flavor Profiles and Terpenes: How do They Work?

Terpenes are not cannabis-specific compounds. Have you ever walked into a flower shop and smelled the fresh, floral air or dabbled in aromatherapy with essential oils? Then you have used terpenes! Each terpene has a corresponding flavor and scent that gives specific cannabis strain its flavor profile. Floral, fruity, piny, and woody are the four typical flavor profiles. For instance, myrcene and limonene are both fruity terpenes. In abundance, you will find these in various fruity strains such as Tangie or Pineapple Express. Terpenes are everywhere and provide significant relief and support when used to their best abilities — but how do they work?

For a long time, CBD and THC were the only two compounds known to provide therapeutic relief. As research grows, scientists discovered that more than just THC and CBD work to bring you relief from various ailments. The three most common terpenes found in cannabis are limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Studies show that terpenes do a lot more than provide scent and flavor. Terpenes are known to offer anticancer, antiviral, antidepressant, antimicrobial properties, and more.

The Entourage Effect

Terpenes in cannabinoids have been shown to work together to provide a more powerful healing experience for cannabis users. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD work synergistically with terpenes in a phenomenon called the entourage effect, meaning these compounds work better if used together rather than separately. The idea is that these compounds’ positive attributes essentially compile on top of one another, bringing you the ultimate healing experience. Cannabinoids interact with our natural endocannabinoid systems. This research has made way for more holistic healing and wellness methods, including new extraction methods to retain more terpenes during processing, as they are volatile compounds.

Visit OMG Cannabis Today

OMG Cannabis is your go-to location for all things cannabis in Portland, Maine. Our state-of-the-art facility is located on 47 India Street, Suite C! We’re here for you every day of the week, from 11-7. We look forward to seeing you!