If you’re a part of the cannabis community, you would know well that the list of strains, accessories and methods of consumption is never-ending, and it keeps growing. No matter how much we think we know a lot about cannabis, we’re still constantly and slowly discovering new things in it, and with that, their unique effects.
Take the practice of vaping terpenes, for instance. While terpenes are gaining popularity very fast, many people aren’t aware that this chemical compound is responsible for the cannabis plant's distinct aromas and flavors. In fact, there’s much more to terpenes than just the recreational aspects, as you will find out in this comprehensive article on what vaping terpenes is all about. So, let’s clear the smoke once and for all!
What are Terpenes?
Before we go into the nuances of vaping terpenes, let us first understand what terpenes are. Cannabis enthusiasts are used to hearing about them on cannabis-related podcasts or while reading the dispensary’s product packaging. The fun thing to know is, terpenes are actually everywhere, even outside of the world of cannabis.
They’re basically organic, highly fragrant chemical compounds that occur in all kinds of plants. More specifically, they’re found in the essential oil of plants and flowers.
We can thank terpenes for the refreshing feeling we get from a whiff of lemon or say the calming pleasure we get from eucalyptus. Terpenes are the reason behind all of our favorite scents in nature, such as pine, lavender, and rosemary - and not to mention, cannabis.
It’s because of their aromatic properties, terpenes are often added to make-up, perfumes, lotions, insect repellents, and cleaning products. Your handy lip gloss or favorite perfume are likely to have terpenes in them.
On top of being incredible for aromatherapy, scientists have now started studying terpenes for their possible health benefits. In fact, some terpenes found in cannabis have the potential to work on both physical and mental ailments.
Vaping Terpenes: Why is it Appealing?
So, what is the appeal of vaping these fragrant chemicals, like say, one would usually do using a convection vaporizer? Why are terpenes popular among vapers?
It’s interesting to note here that combining terpenes with other compounds make them stand out further. They’re really not meant to be consumed on their own. Just like you wouldn’t drink up vanilla extract itself, right?
Make no mistake, terpenes aren’t psychoactive. They won’t get you high on their own, but adding compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) can have a great effect. Together, these compounds produce what’s known as an ‘entourage effect’, which is basically an overall positive feeling you get by combining terpenes and cannabinoids.
Studies show that when terpenes and cannabinoids are consumed together, the effects can be more profound or intense than consuming them separately.
Coming back to vaping, terpenes are therefore natural compounds and flavoring agents that give vapers a combination of great flavor and a euphoric feeling. It’s like getting the best of both worlds!
Unique Benefits of Vaping Terpenes
It can be said that terpenes are found in cannabis plants in abundance. So, why not take advantage of their benefits once you learn how to vape? Some strains have more terpenes than others, but it’s guaranteed that your favorite one, whatever it is, has enough in it.
The most common cannabis terpenes are limonene, myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. The good news is, each one has incredible healing properties. Let’s have a look at them:
Every terpene has its own laundry list of benefits and health effects. The ones listed above are just some of the most common ones. Now that you have a fair idea of the good things that come with terpenes, it shouldn’t surprise you that vape liquids are infused with cannabis terpenes.
But while purchasing, just be sure to always grab liquid containing natural terpenes and not synthetic ones, since the latter is low on quality.
How Do I Vape Terpenes?
If terpenes sound like your magic solution to pain and poor sleep, learning how to vape them will get you there! You can vape terpenes by consuming hemp or cannabis flower - since all flowers contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
Dry herb vaporizers are one of the smoothest and simplest ways to vape terpenes naturally from flowers. Or, you can find naturally derived terpenes in hemp and cannabis oils as well.
Once you’ve got your terpene oil, you can add it to cannabis flowers for an extra boost. Or, save yourself the work and search for a cart that’s already terpene-infused.
What are the Best Terpenes to Vape?
Those who already consume their cannabis via vape have probably already been consuming terpenes without even realizing it! Terpenes, in their non-isolated form, are naturally extracted with hemp and cannabis plant material that’s commonly vaped.
They’re what give those distinct aromatic profiles to certain brands, blends and strains. While every terpene has its own set of benefits, the two we often recommend are linalool and pinene.
Linalool is a terpene that’s prominent in floral-dominant extracts, especially those with a minty profile. It’s a great terpene for vaping because each hit helps the user feel relaxed and calm. It’s also found in lavender, which explains its soothing and calming vibes.
Pinene, on the other hand, is meant to help you focus harder at what you’re doing. Ever lit a pine-scented candle while zone cleaning or working? Vaping pinene is an ideal way to reel your attention back in.
Apart from these two incredible terpenes, you can vape any other kind you’d like to try out a variety of different flavors and effects.
Terpenes in Vape Pens: Tips and Tricks
An easy way to understand selecting a terpene is to look at how we choose a blend of tea. You start with a general idea of what you broadly want out of it - say, relaxation, boosting focus, or pain relief. So, that’s how you basically choose the terpenes you want, by considering the desired effect.
Try this out before crafting your blend. First, hunt for terpenes on the basis of what’s troubling you - anxiety, sleep disorder, or whatever else. Then over time, you’ll develop an instinct for the perfect terpene blends to produce all your preferred flavors and effects.
Is it Safe to Vape Terpenes?
It’s natural to question the safety of vaping terpenes before deciding to take a hit. It’s no secret that any form of smoking or vaping can trigger health concerns. However, vaping is believed to be much less harmful than packing a bowl or sparking a blunt.
Since vaping doesn’t involve combustion, it doesn’t create tar, which is the cancer-causing substance in smoke. Whenever you burn something, harmful chemicals are released into the air.
For this reason, a lot of stoners are packing up their stash and sticking with a vape instead. Terpenes are essential to the cannabis vaping process because without them, the liquid will lack the flavors, aromas and therapeutic effects we associate with weed.
In other words, terpenes are a crucial part of the vaping experience. While additional research is needed to prove more of the health risks of vaping, right now it seems to be safer than smoking, while still enhancing our favorite plant.
Vaping Terpenes: Will I Get High?
We’ve established that terpenes can be anywhere, from your best-loved fruit to your preferred cannabis strain. So, we know that consuming them alone won’t have you feeling elevated or euphoric.
The bottom line is, vaping terpenes won’t deliver any psychoactive effects unless combined with THC. It’s not yet known exactly how terpenes influence your high, but research shows they can certainly have some effect on the body.
Vaping Terpenes: Effects on the Body
There’s a whole lot of research to support the idea that terpenes operate pharmacologically in both the body and brain. In 2001, a review of the synergistic effects of terpenes in cannabis listed many potential mechanisms of action for these compounds. The authors suggested that terpenes may increase serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) activity.
They argued that these effects may “support synergistic contributions of terpenoids on cannabis-medicated pain and mood effects”. Although there are thousands of natural terpenes in the world, very few have been studied for their benefits and effects.
It’s Time to Start Vaping Terpenes!
It’s not hard to see why so many consumers are becoming obsessed with terpenes. Considering they’re pretty much modern alchemy, who wouldn’t want in on the magic of all-natural healing?
Hopefully, this guide helped inspire you to enhance your vaping experience with terpenes, apart from giving you a good idea of what terpenes are. So, as you try to find the perfect cannabis terpene blend for yourself, seek out premium vaping experiences with Firefly vaporizers, for great terpene flavor.
