We’re Talkin’ Terpenes!

We’re Talkin’ Terpenes – and more! 

Join Amanda and Danielle for this CannaConversation as Danielle walks us through a bit of her Mindfully Medicating course, reviewing some canna-basics and talkin’ terpenes.  It was recently brought to our attention that the average listener may not understand some of the terms that are used pretty often on the show, so we thought we could take this opportunity to scratch the surface of how cannabis works as medicine. 

We start off talking about common terminology and explaining what cannabis is, how it’s been used as medicine for centuries but only within the last 80 years being made federally illegal in the US. Danielle explains the different classifications of cannabis and why those classifications are less important in determining the plant’s effects as is the terpene profile (which are explained later in the episode).

From there we roll right into the science behind what makes cannabis work so well in our bodies – the endocannabinoid system.  Danielle continues on to explain the different receptors within our endocannabinoid system and where each of them are located. 

So what are our endocannabinoid systems/receptors receiving? The phytocannabinoids that are found in cannabis, of course! Cannabinoids are compounds which include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis; cannabinoids produce their effects by interacting with specific receptors, located within different parts of the central nervous system. Cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate – how they send, receive or process messages. You’ve heard of THC (tetrahydro-cannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol), but did you know there are over 110 known cannabinoids within the cannabis plant? Each of them having their own medicinal benefits and vaporization/activation temperatures. In this episode, we cover a select few to discuss.

The conversation really takes off when the ladies start Talkin’ Terpenes! 

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They’re responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of vegetation. In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others. Terpenes are thought to protect plants from harsh weather and predators. Cannabis researchers and consumers are increasingly looking at terpenes as a way to classify cannabis products and predict their effects. 

The main thought is that the terpene profile – the dominant terpenes – of a strain work in tandem with the cannabinoid content – the amount of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids – to produce the effects people associate with different strains.This helps to explain why two different strains with the same THC content, can produce totally different experiences.

Towards the end of the episode, Danielle briefly touches on “The Entourage Effect” – which refers to the idea that “everything works better together” or that the effects of cannabis will be greater when all components of the plant are working together synergistically to produce the optimal effect. 

If you are interested in learning more about cannabis and would like to enroll in Mindfully Medicating – please send us an email for more information. 

If you are interested in discussing the material covered in this episode further, reach out to us by email or on our social media: @Midwest_CannaConcierge to speak directly to a cannabis advisor! 

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