THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and terpenes are both compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they have distinct differences in their effects and properties.
THC is the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” that many people associate with marijuana use. THC binds to specific receptors in the brain, producing the various cognitive and physical effects that have made it so famous.
Terpenes, on the other hand, are a large and diverse class of organic compounds that give many plants, including cannabis, their unique aromas and flavors. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include limonene, myrcene, and pinene. Terpenes are not just responsible for the smell and taste of a particular strain of cannabis, they also have therapeutic benefits and interact with other compounds in the plant, including THC, to produce different effects.
In summary, THC is the primary psychoactive component that gives users a “high”, while terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavor of a particular strain of cannabis, as well as contributing to its therapeutic effects.
