Cannabis Tolerance Explained: 2/12

Impact of Terpenes on Cannabis Effects

This is #2 in a series about managing tolerance to cannabis.

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Enhancing Cannabis Benefits with Terpenes

Terpenes are organic compounds made up of carbon molecules arranged in specific patterns, giving plants like cannabis their distinct aromas, flavors, and therapeutic effects. Think of them like the unique shapes in a child's building block set—each shape represents a different arrangement of carbon molecules. Just as combining different blocks can create various structures, different combinations of terpenes produce the unique characteristics we experience in plants.

In cannabis, they play an indispensable role in determining the flavor and aroma of cannabis strains but also significantly impact the overall effects we might experience, including…. tolerance. Understanding how terpenes influence cannabis effects and tolerance can help any consumer optimize their cannabis experience.

How Terpenes Influence Cannabis Effects and Tolerance

Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and the body’s endocannabinoid system like spices in a recipe, enhancing and balancing the overall flavor. This interaction, often called the entourage effect in cannabis circles, can boost the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and potentially affect habituation to THC, which is the hallmark of tolerance development. Some terpenes might intensify the effects of THC and CBD, while others may mellow them out, creating a more balanced and tailored experience.

For instance, myrcene is a famous terpene (found in hops, mangoes, basil, thyme, lemongrass, bay leaves) is known for its sedative effects and ability to enhance the psychoactive effects of THC, while limonene (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, mint, juniper, rosemary, pine needles) is associated with uplifting and anti-anxiety effects. By influencing the way cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain and body, terpenes can alter the intensity and duration of cannabis effects, potentially affecting tolerance.

Think of it this way: if you don't have the strength to open a car door, you might use a crowbar or even the Jaws of Life—the powerful hydraulic tool that can cut through metal and pry open vehicles to rescue trapped accident victims. On the flip side, welding the door shut or nailing boards across it would obviously make things harder. In a similar way, terpenes can interact with molecular receptors, either blocking them or opening them up, to help achieve the effects you're looking for.

Sample Terpenes + Effects

Here are some of the key terpenes found in cannabis and their primary effects:

(a more comprehensive table is below for subscribers)

Practical Applications

Understanding the effects of different terpenes can help you choose cannabis products that align with your desired outcomes and manage tolerance effectively. Here are some practical applications:

• Strain Selection: Choose chemovars (strains) with terpene profiles that match your needs. For example, if you want a relaxing experience, look for strains high in myrcene and linalool. For an uplifting effect, opt for strains rich in limonene or pinene.

• Balancing Effects: Use terpene-rich products to balance the effects of THC. For instance, if a high-THC strain is too intense, a strain with a higher limonene content can help counteract anxiety and create a more pleasant experience. This is particularly important for less experienced consumers, but for those with years of knowledge and experience, it’s also important to consider how different an experience might be, if you have a product that is rich, or weak, in its makeup of terpenes.

• Managing Tolerance: Vary your terpene intake by rotating between strains with different terpene profiles. This can help prevent your body from becoming too accustomed to any one type of effect, potentially slowing the development of tolerance. In the current marketplace (in which the organic grows still dominate any more machined man-made versions), it’s usually easy to achieve variety. In fact, most people complain that they struggle with consistency when buying products from dispensaries - they can’t seem to find the products that used to work for them, even if they go by the same name!

Take-Aways

Terpenes play a vital role in shaping the effects of cannabis and can significantly influence tolerance for most consumers. By understanding the properties of different terpenes, you can make more informed decisions about your cannabis use, optimize your experience, and manage tolerance more effectively.

Internal and External Links

• Internal: Benefits of Terpenes in Cannabis

• External: 7 Surprising Benefits of Terpenes in Cannabis Medicine

  

  Free Book Snippet

  The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, Chapter 14, Regimens for Better Sex, page 239:

  Terpenes: Some terpene components found in cannabis seem to enhance libido through a very specific increase in sexual desire. These include XX , xx, OO, ooo, and XxX [For these juicy details, you'll need to snag the book!] If you cannot find products that include these terpenes, consider preparing a very dilute solution of safety-tested terpene product that can be purchased online to an existing lubricant (one drop terpene to five drops coconut oil).

Below The Paywall:

A table of 20 terpenes, the known receptor effects on CB1 and CB2, other receptors, and their impact on the effects of THC and CBD, and a published references (with links) for each. Also, my comment on the battle ahead for the cannabis industry against Big Industry!