I mainly shop for dried buds that I can roll into a joint or pack into a pipe
I have always been interested in aromatherapy for relaxing, sleeping and getting rid of stress. I feel strongly that aromatic compounds produced by plants and fruits offer health benefits. The terpenes found in oranges, pepper, hops, lavender and herbs can positively affect the mind and body. There is a wide selection of terpenes found in cannabis. These terpenes are produced by the same glands that secrete THC and CBD and are responsible for the unique aroma. Strains can smell like berries, pine, citrus, fuel and all sorts of scents. These terpenes are believed to work synergistically with cannabinoids to influence effects. The four most common cannabis terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene and terpinolene. While cannabinoids are the main concern when determining how a strain makes a consumer feel, terpenes also add to those effects. When choosing a cannabis strain, I don’t pay much attention to whether it’s a sativa, indica or hybrid. I focus on the strain’s chemical profile, which consists of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabis strains can be separated into three broad chemical profiles or chemovars. Type I is high in THC percentage and low in CBD. Type II offers equal parts of THC and CBD. Type III is high in CBD and low in THC. I mainly shop for dried buds that I can roll into a joint or pack into a pipe. I typically enjoy a Type II because the even ratio of THC and CBD provide a mild high along with therapeutic properties. I enjoy the refreshing, lemon-like smell and flavor of limonene. I sometimes look for the pine-tree like scents and taste of the pinene terpene.