Marijuana 101: What Are Cannabinoids and Terpenes?
33 states have legalized medical marijuana use in the United States plus Washington DC. Since the 1990’s people have been using marijuana for health reasons and recreation. If you are a grower, user, or just curious about marijuana, you must understand what terpenes and cannabinoids are to understand cannabis.
Continue reading to discover the difference between cannabinoids and terpenes.
What Are Cannabinoids?
If you are in the marijuana industry, you likely already know what cannabinoids are.
Both THC and CBD are considered to be the most well-known cannabinoids. There are hundreds of cannabinoids in cannabis and currently more than 65 cannabinoids have been classified already. All together there are over 480 natural components within the cannabis plant.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the part of the cannabis plant that produces a mental and body high. It has mind-altering effects. THC works by binding with the brain’s natural cannabinoid receptors, which create a sense of euphoria. Many people consume THC through oils, capsules, flower, and edibles.
CBD is much different. CBD does not produce a high and is used for treating many different ailments. CBD comes from both hemp and cannabis plants. Products are created by extracting the CBD oils from the plant and turning them into a gel, gummies, oil, or supplement.
Generally speaking, CBD and THC both help treat medical ailments and disorders. Large doses of THC can have some bad side effects, while large consumptions of CBD are typically safe, since it is not mind altering.
CBD is becoming so popular that people are even giving it to their pets! CBD can help treat anxiety for your furry loved one and help them calm down when they are stressed. You can give them CBD by getting treats, oils, and water drops.
According to studies, any CBD that is safe for human consumption should also be safe for pets and children. However, only a limited number of vets actually recommend CBD for dogs as there are a limited number of studies. More studies still have to be done to see if it can work with cats as well as it does with dogs.
What are Terpenes in Cannabis?
Cannabinoids and terpenes have many differences. Terpenes are natural essential oils that control how things smell and taste. You have been experiencing them all of your life!
At least 20,000 different terpenes exist and the cannabis plant contains over 100 of them.
Both Indica and Sativa plants have terpenes. These terpenes help determine which plant, or strain, you have. The types of terpenes within the plants can even tell you if it is a Sativa, Indica, or hybrid.
One of the most important terpenes to know about is myrcene. This terpene has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Any strain that has more than 0.5% myrcene is considered to be an Indica, due to the sedative effect of myrcene when combined with THC.
Sativa plants contain less myrcene and sometimes high levels of Pinene. Pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties, but it also increases your mood.
The humulene terpene is good for people who want to decrease their appetite and gain from antibacterial properties.
The Caryophyllene terpene can make your marijuana have a peppery or spicy scent. This terpene can benefit people experiencing anxiety, depression, and inflammation.
Linalool terpene is best for those who want a relaxing and stress relieving experience. This terpene can actually help reduce anxiety from THC.
As mentioned above, terpenes control the way that we perceive taste and smell. Many times, people select their favorite strain by the taste or smell of the flower. If you know what terpenes are dominant in that strain, you will be able to easily find other strains with that same flavor profile.
How to provide patients with information about Cannabinoids and Terpenes
If you are looking to grow sales in your dispensary you can try marketing with information about cannabinoids and terpenes!
Finding a natural alternative to pain, sleep, and anti-nausea medications can be difficult. Teaching people about these active ingredients in marijuana can help them discover a healthier option for medications.
Depending on where you live, recreational and medical marijuana may both be accessible. Medical and recreational products have the same cannabinoids and terpenes and usually even the same exact products they are just sold under different tax rates generally.
Keep Calm and Get Your Learning On
Once you know the basics of cannabis and all of the components involved, you will be better able to education your consumers. Unfortunately, because marijuana has been banned for so long, many people think it is bad.
Many customers don’t know that cannabinol receptors are naturally produced in our brains. This fact can help them understand how the product can help them. Depending on the terpenes, they can also experience different effects.
It is important to know the differences in the batch’s “genetic makeup” for the product purchased. CBD and THC both have therapeutic and pain-reducing properties. THC, however, will produce a psychoactive high and show up on a drug test, while CBD does not.
There are many ways to market cannabis, using cannabinoids and terpenes, to help grow your sales. Many cannabis users know about THC and CBD, but not other important cannabinoids like CBN and CBG. Educating people can also help you increase company success. The HempStaff Dispensary Agent Training course covers that top dozen cannabinoids and terpenes and their medical properties to assist dispensary agents in their knowledge.
Customers will become loyal to your company when provided with optimal service and knowledgeable employees. Word of mouth is a large way to grow brand awareness, don’t forget that.
Giving your customers an excellent service and providing them with knowledge to better understand cannabis can help bring people back and keep your business running.
Be sure to check HempStaff reviews if you are looking for a job in the cannabis and hemp field!
