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According to a recent survey, most cannabis consumers reported they were unfamiliar with cannabis ‘terpenes’.
Despite industry efforts to raise awareness around terpenes, the majority of patients are still unaware of what they are and why they are important.
What are cannabis terpenes?
Think of essential oils for cannabis. Cannabis terpenes are the aromatic oils that give users recognizable flavors such as mint, pine, berry and citrus. There are over 100 different terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis plant and terpenes play a distinct role in determining the effects of various strains and how they can help relieve different symptoms for various medical conditions.
How do terpenes work?
Similar to essential oils, each terpene has a different effect on the consumer. Some terpenes will leave users feeling relaxed or promote stress relief, while others boost productivity and focus. It's important for patients to be knowledgeable about cannabis terpenes, so they know which ones to look for to treat their unique medical condition.
Which terpenes are right for me?
In order for dispensary budtenders to make a thorough recommendation for products, you will first want to describe the symptoms you are experiencing. Try your best to paint a picture of what your normal routine looks like so the budtender will be able to set you up with the best strains to fit your lifestyle and treatment goals. For example, if you are a patient who experiences anxiety regularly and are in need of something to help with stress relief, a Sativa-dominant strain may not be the best fit for you since Sativa strains with a high THC content can sometimes give users more anxiety. In this circumstance, a hybrid or Indica-dominant strain with terpenes such as Myrcene, which promotes calming effects, or Caryophyllene, which is known to promote stress relief among users, may be the best fit.
Why don’t more people know about terpenes?
Nearly half of cannabis consumers who were surveyed reported they use cannabis with someone else, such as a friend, significant other, or family member. This directly correlates with how consumers tend to get their cannabis knowledge. When asked, half of respondents said that they get their cannabis information from friends. The survey stresses the importance of industry officials using their platforms to educate patients on basic cannabis knowledge, such as terpenes. It is important that cannabis brands and companies use their voices to educate consumers on basic cannabis fundamentals so they are aware of how cannabis can treat their medical condition.
For more cannabis education, be sure to follow us on social media where you’ll find posts about different terpenes, as well as strain recommendations known to alleviate symptoms related to your qualifying condition.
If you are a Missourian suffering from a qualifying condition, you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both THC and CBD products.
Click here to learn more about what Missouri Marijuana Card's certified medical marijuana physicians can do for you, or give us a call at 877-303-3117 and our friendly patient support team can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment through telemedicine.