Last updated on June 17th, 2023
Boost the Flavor and Enjoyment of Your Vape with Terpenes
Vaping has become a worldwide phenomenon, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Many long-time cigarette and cannabis smokers have found vaping to be an enjoyable alternative to lighting up. Typically the odor from a customized vape pen (or e-cigarette) is much more pleasant than that from a tobacco cigarette or marijuana when smoked.
One quality that sets vaping apart is how amazingly customizable it is. Vape juices can be modified with an endless array of flavors and effects. One of the best ways to personalize your vaping experience is with the use of terpenes.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are essential oils found in fruits, herbs, and plants including cannabis. They naturally have a strong odor and are the main contributor to the taste, color, and scent of every single plant on earth.
Terpenes can be sweet, succulent, piney, earthy, citrusy, bitter, or any other word you can think of to describe the taste or scent of something. The enticing aroma of marijuana is due to the terpenes it contains. Different strains have their own distinctive scents and aromatic profiles that appeal to different people.
Terpenes add flavor and aromatize everything we smell and eat. The smoky flavor and aroma of meat are produced by terpenes. In the same way, the uplifting citrusy smell and sour taste of fresh lemon are also attributed to terpenes.
They also have several noted medicinal properties and are known for treating a number of specific challenges including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and inflammation.
Terpenes add aroma and flavor to every plant on earth
Why You Should Add Terpenes to Your Vape Liquid
One of the most appealing aspects of vaping is the freedom to choose your own flavor profiles. Terpenes allow you to do this by lending their natural flavors to vape juice. With a simple vaporizer and custom-blended e-liquid, you can take your experience to the next level.
All you have to do is add a few drops of terpenes to your e-juice. They are 100% legal in all 50 states.
Since terpenes will thicken the e-liquid, we recommend using an atomizer that is 1.4 ohms or lower. Lower ohm resistance atomizer are designed to handle thicker juices.
You can also use a Full-Spectrum CBD vape e-liquid. Full-Spectrum CBD contains terpenes. CBD isolate does not.
In addition to the flavor benefits, you may also derive certain health therapeutic benefits from specific terpenes. Vaping at low temperatures, lets you safeguard the potential benefits and flavors of the terpenes.
The Entourage Effect
Both marijuana and hemp are part of the same genus (cannabis) and species. Each strain of cannabis has its own unique makeup of terpenes that gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. The interaction of these terpenes with the cannabinoids creates what is referred to as the “entourage effect.”
The entourage effect intensifies the feeling you get from your experience. Whether it’s a THC-induced high, or a physical feeling not associated with a psychoactive experience, as with hemp derived CBD, vaping terpenes will get you there.
Here we have outlined the main flavor profiles and their potential health benefits every vape lover should know about.
Five Major Terpenes Commonly Found in Cannabis and Their Reported Health Benefits
1. Linalool
Lavender is one plant that contains Linalool
Linalool is a floral scent with spicy notes commonly found in cinnamon and coriander with the most noticeable scent being that of lavender. It’s one of the more pungent scents of the major terpenes and found in a lot of cannabis strains.
2. Myrcene
Myrcene has an earthy, musky flavor and aroma with notes of fruit. It is naturally found in mangoes, hops, and lemongrass. It is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis strains. Myrcene is most sought-after for its sedative and pain-relieving qualities but is also reported to help reduce inflammation.
Many people who smoke cannabis strains containing myrcene experience what is known as the “couch lock” effect.
3. Pinene
Pinene comes in two different forms – alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, and is known to elevate creativity, focus, and sharpness. In nature, it is the most frequently occurring terpene, with alpha-pinene being most commonly found in the cannabis plant.
Naturally, pinene has a fragrance reminiscent of pine trees and many herbs such as parsley, dill, and rosemary. It helps to minimize memory loss due to over-consumption of THC. Pinene has also been used for treating symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and arthritis.
4. Limonene
The terpene that is second most abundant is limonene. It’s found not only in some of the most popular strains of cannabis, but also in citrus fruits, cosmetics, and common lemon-scented cleaning products.
Citrus fruits contain the terpene Linonene
Most of us smell citrus and instantly feel energized. Not surprisingly, limonene has mood-boosting qualities with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Possible health benefits include relieving anxiety and feelings of depression as well as helping to reduce reflux and inflammation.
5. Caryophyllene
Undoubtedly, the spiciest terpene is caryophyllene, more specifically beta-caryophyllene. Its flavor profile is most commonly found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
Caryophyllene is well-known for being a pain reducer and has been researched for its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Honorable Mention
There are a few other terpene isolates that have widely recognizable flavors and aromas with their own noted benefits. They are found less frequently in common strains of cannabis than the major players listed above.
Terpinolene is most often found in perfumes, cosmetics, and some foods. It has a flavor reminiscent of anise – or black licorice, and mint, and an aroma of fresh lilac with a whiff of lemon.
It has antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. Terpinolene is extremely relaxing and is best known for inducing an intense “couch lock” effect.
Eucalyptol is the main contributor to the scent of eucalyptus trees with strong minty overtones. Trace amounts are present in some cannabis strains but it is most often found in medicines and cosmetics.
Eucalyptol has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and early research studies show it may have a positive effect on treating patients affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.
Conclusion:
There are several way to enjoy the benefits of terpenes. You can take drops sublingually (under the tongue), or add them to any vape juice. You can also buy full-spectrum CBD oil which will always include terpenes.
You can even get full-spectrum CBD disposable vape pens.
Terpenes of any flavor can be mixed together to create your own custom vaping experience. Keep in mind the effects of the terpenes you are mixing, whether they be sedative or energizing. You want to choose flavors and effects that are complementary.
Terpenes allow you to change your vaping experience to fit your needs or your mood. Different terpenes give different effects—uplifting your mood, reducing pain and inflammation, etc.—so you can choose whatever suits your fancy.
Choose something fruity, floral, spicy, or musky. The sky’s the limit. Your friends and cohorts will appreciate the pleasant aroma of spicy cloves or fresh lemon. And you will love the added benefits of heightened relaxation or a slight boost of energy.
