How do terpenes affect the body?

While terpenes alone can't get you high, researchers believe they can slightly alter the sensations and therapeutic benefits you reap from smoking cannabis. 

Much of cannabis's therapeutic properties are due to cannabinoids like CBD and THC.  Terpenes on the other hand have a "more subtle, indirect effect on the overall experience of inhaled cannabis," Woodcock says. They are largely responsible for the slight differences in effects between cannabis strains that otherwise are the same cannabinoid composition. 

However, some evidence suggests that terpenes do not change how CBD and THC affect the brain. 

Do they get you high?

Terpenes won’t make you feel high in the traditional sense. Still, some are considered to be psychoactive, because they affect the brain.

While terpenes aren’t intoxicating on their own, some think they may impact the effects of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the high feeling from cannabis.

Many cannabis connoisseurs and budtenders say that consumers place far too much emphasis on THC content when choosing a strain. Instead, they recommend focusing more on certain terpene profiles to get their desired effects.

Common terpenes and their effects

Different terpenes are thought to have varying therapeutic properties ranging from anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidant, and antidepressant effects, among others. 

There are about 400 known terpenes in cannabis, but experts have only linked a handful of them to specific effects.

Here are some common terpenes and their potential effects:

Myrcene. Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis as well as lemongrass, bay leaves, parsley, cardamom, thyme, and basil. Animal studies suggest it has sedative properties, but the evidence is weak and effects were only seen in high doses. 

Caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is responsible for the spicy scent of black pepper. It's also found in cloves, hops, and rosemary. A 2014 animal study found that it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in mice, but it's not clear if these findings are applicable to humans. 

Humulene. Humulene is found in cannabis as well as sage and ginseng. Animal studies have found that it has anti-inflammatory properties when used in mice and rats, but it's not clear if these are applicable to humans. 

Alpha-Pinene. Pinene is the most abundant terpene in nature, found in cannabis, pine trees, and Spanish sage. It has anxiety-reducing properties and is able to bind to neurotransmitter sites in the brain in the same way as drugs like Xanax. 

Linalool. Linalool, the primary terpene in lavender, is responsible for the plant's floral scent. Studies in animals and humans suggest that linalool has anxiety-reducing, antidepressant, mood-stabilizing, sedative, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Limonene. Limonene is often found in cannabis as well as lemon rind and other citrus fruits. Preclinical studies show that it has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-bacterial effects. 

The bottom line

Terpenes play an important role in the aroma and flavor of a cannabis strain. And they potentially work in synergy with cannabinoids and other cannabis plant compounds to produce psychoactive effects.

It's also worth noting that, aside from cannabinoids and terpenes, your physiology, previous cannabis experience, and the environment in which you consume cannabis can all influence how you feel. Terpenes are only one part of the puzzle, but they may be a fun opportunity to experiment with different goods and see which ones you like best.