Almost everyone knows of the two major cannabinoids in cannabis – CBD and THC. While these cannabinoids provide several significant benefits for your overall health and mood, they’re not the only compounds in the plant. Different strains of cannabis contain various combinations of terpenes, all of which provide countless benefits of their own. Here’s what you need to know about terpene effects on your mood.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds produced by the cannabis plant. They’re responsible for the plant’s aroma and flavor. Scientists have identified more than 100 terpenes in cannabis, and each strain has a different terpene profile. As a result, each variety has a unique scent and taste.
Terpenes, which aren’t unique to cannabis plants (other plants contain them as well), do more than affect the taste and smell of a specific strain. They also play a role in the effects you feel when you use cannabis. They can help to alleviate pain, allow you to relax, and even improve your mood.
How Do Terpenes Affect Your Mood?
Various terpenes in cannabis have many effects on your mood. They can help you to relax at the end of a long day, melting away stress and anxiety so you can get some much-needed rest. They can help to put your mind at ease, which can help combat insomnia. They can also help to improve your overall mood, lifting you out of a funk and putting you in a better frame of mind.
Which Terpenes Are Best for Your Mood?
Different terpenes produce different effects. The following are some of the best terpenes for improving your mood.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene known for its effects on healing the body. It can also have a positive impact on the mind. One study found that it may be beneficial for treating anxiety and depression, and it may even be more effective than existing conventional medications such as SSRIs.
Limonene
Limonene (a terpene also present in lemons and other citrus fruits) improves the immune system and helps to reduce inflammation. It also helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boosting serotonin levels, and improving your mood.
Linalool
Linalool, which is an abundant terpene in lavender, is an excellent terpene for relaxing at the end of the day. It can also help to keep symptoms of anxiety and depression at bay, helping you feel better mentally.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, and it resides in numerous strains. It’s also one of the most effective for treating anxiety.
Ocimene
Ocimene, a terpene found in mangoes, mint, tarragon, and basil, has a sweet, earthy, herbaceous flavor and aroma. Along with providing many health benefits, it also helps to uplift your mood and boost your energy.
Pinene
Pinene, found in pine trees, provides anti-inflammatory terpene effects and opens up the airways to improve symptoms of asthma. It also helps to increase mental clarity and improves your memory.
Terpene Effects Can Be Used To Improve Mood
It’s not just cannabinoids that have an impact on your mood; terpenes play a role, too. The next time you’re at the dispensary looking for a product to improve your mood, look beyond the cannabinoid content and pay attention to the terpene profile.