{"id":1388,"date":"2017-12-20T08:22:13","date_gmt":"2017-12-20T08:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cbd\/terpenes-and-the-entourage-effect"},"modified":"2026-05-19T00:15:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:15:38","slug":"terpenes-entourage-effect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cannabis-and-your-body\/terpenes-entourage-effect","title":{"rendered":"Terpenes and the entourage effect"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It's becoming more and more common to hear people talking about marijuana's entourage effect, but what does the entourage effect mean and why is it important? The entourage effect has a lot to do with the therapeutic qualities of the cannabis plant, and interestingly, it also has a lot to do with the unique chemical compounds responsible for the smells and flavors of marijuana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhat are terpenes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the cannabis plant's most appealing qualities are the aromas and flavors experienced during consumption, and for that, you can thank terpenes. Whether you smoke cannabis flower<\/a>, dab concentrates<\/a>, or vape your favorite strain<\/a>, terpenes are hard at work delivering tasty citrus, diesel, woody, pine, skunky, coffee, spicy, herbal, or tropical flavors to your palate. Many of the most popular cultivars, or strains, are named after their scents and tastes. Blueberry is named for its sweet, citrusy blueberry flavor, Sour Diesel for its pungent and intoxicating fuel-like aroma, and Cheese for, well, its cheesy taste and smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But terpenes do more than provide flavor and aroma. They also support other cannabis compounds in producing physiological and cerebral effects. There is synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes, not to mention other secondary metabolites and phytochemicals. This is the essence of the entourage effect, and it's the reason terpenes have revealed themselves to be such a critical piece of the cannabis puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis contains hundreds of molecules that have the ability to directly interact with our bodies and minds. Phytocannabinoid molecules, like THC and CBD, are relatively unique<\/a> to the cannabis plant, but other plant-derived molecules such as flavonoids<\/a> and terpenes also bind to our cells and receptors, influencing our experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t

\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"terpenes\"\n\t\t\t<\/a>Photo by: Gina Coleman\/Weedmaps<\/cite>
Terpenes are a large class of molecules that are produced by many species of plants, including conifers and citrus fruit trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t