With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, there are now a myriad of cannabinoids on the marketplace, all of which are varying in their bodily effects, legality, and availability. Many of these cannabinoids are popularly sold as edibles and cartridges, some of which can only be consumed as such. As terpenes are a key ingredient in determining the flavor and physiological effect of these, we’ve decided to recommend ideal terpene profiles to pair with each cannabinoid! 

For those unfamiliar with terpenes, here’s a little reminder:

What are terpenes? 

Terpenes are all-natural aromatics, ingredients added to cannabis products, food, drinks, just about anything that has a flavor or fragrance can benefit from the addition of terpenes. Terpenes are compounds found in plants, essential oils, and cannabis, and are responsible for their unique odor. These compounds provide a myriad of mental and physical benefits when interacted with. Even in small concentrations, terpenes can have dramatic benefits as they interact with enzyme systems, neurotransmitters, and second messenger systems to create physiological effects. 

By now, most people can name at least one strain of cannabis. Many have heard of Pineapple Express, or OG Kush, but few could tell you what actually distinguishes them. Cannabis is a beautifully sophisticated plant, and we’re here to help break down the specific cannabinoids, as well as a terpene profile which it would pair well with.

‘Sativa’ and ‘Indica’ are rapidly becoming outdated terms. Like a library organizing its books by fiction or nonfiction, this categorization is much too shallow. 'Terpene Profile' is a way to more deeply understand why a certain strain makes you feel the effects you aim to achieve. 

Remember, these are just recommendations! If you have a favorite terpene profile, try it with each cannabinoid to see what pairs the best! Whether it’s distillate, an edible, tincture, or a another product, these cannabinoids pair well with (botanically-derived, or cannabis-derived) terpenes, no matter the medium!

CBD

Effects & Uses:  Pain Relief, Sleep Aid, Chronic Stress/Anxiety

Terpene Profile to pair CBD with: Grape Ape, Myrcene. 

GRAPE GOD

Grape God is an indica dominant strain blend that comes from legendary roots, and is known for being an ideal choice as an evening strain blend. Grape God is the descendent of Grapefruit and God Bud.  It’s myrcene-dominant, meaning myrcene is it most prominent terpene isolate within its profile. Consider trying Inca Trail's Grape Ape Boosted for a deliciously deep grape flavor.

MYRCENE

Myrcene is an isolate (meaning one sole terpene) and is anti-inflammatory and a sedative. A great pair for a CBD product would really be any myrcene-dominant terpene profile.

The first published claim for myrcene reducing pain was generated in 1990 by scientists in Brazil. They concluded that myrcene reduced pain by increasing the brain and spinal cord’s own opioid chemicals, but this has been deemed controversial by some and often debated, so if you're using CBD to ameliorate chronic pain, myrcene is an excellent additive. 

Myrcene is known for its sedative and muscle relaxant effects as well, and most cannabis strains are packed with this peppery isolate. The terpene enhances the effects of GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid) at the GABA-A receptor, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA limits nerve transmission, which prevents nervous activity and can greatly reduce anxiety. CBD is the most popular cannabinoid for this reason, it's commonly used to attack anxiety, consider pairing these terpenes with your CBD!

DELTA-8

Effects & Uses: Euphoria, Feelings of Relaxation/Comfort/Calm, Improved Appetite

Terpene Profile to pair Delta-8 with: CALM, Linalool, Blueberry Widow

CALM

Inca Trail’s Calm is an effect-based profile, with terpenes curated for a calming, sedative effect. If a relaxing night in is what you’re looking for a Calm Delta-8 cartridge/edible would be precisely what you’re looking for.  

Calm has a handcrafted profile with isolates including limonene and linalool, terpenes which are often associated with feelings of ease and tranquility, while smelling floral and deliciously sweet.

LINALOOL

Linalool is a single terpene isolate, and may be a better pair for those looking for a single note of flavor and aroma. Linalool has a soothing, clean floral aroma with a slight citrus impression. With linalool, think of the calming touch of lavender. 

BLUEBERRY WIDOW

This strain is heavy in humulene, caryophyllene, and terpinolene making it a great strain to consume on the couch with a good meal and a good movie.

This profile has a strong sweet aroma that can include a sour citrus or pine. Slightly indica dominant, blueberry widow provides a more mental and cerebral effect. The blissful relaxation that this strain provides may lead to drowsiness and can help you get more relaxed sleep. Try the BOOSTED profile for a sweet, baked blueberry muffin flavor reminiscent 

Delta-8 is probably the most popular alt-cannabinoid to come from these recently legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids. If you’re looking for a good terpene profile to pair with your delta-8 distillate, or if you’re looking for a new product for your next movie night, give these profiles a try!

DELTA-10

Effects & Uses: Uplifting, Energizing, Stress Relief

Terpene Profile to pair Delta-10 with: ENERGIZE, Sour Diesel (Boosted), Limonene

ENERGIZE

Energize is another one of Inca Trail’s Purpose blends, terpene profiles curated for their physiological effects. Energize would pair well with delta-10, as it’s packed with alpha and beta-pinene, along with dozens of other stimulating isolates. Perfect for that 3:00 slump at the office, or before a long or intense workout. Tune in and turn on with an Energize delta-10 product! The invigorating pine and delicious citrus aroma will hype you up for whatever is next. 

SOUR DIESEL (BOOSTED)

Sour Diesel’s terpene profile has earned itself a reputation for its ability to produce a “no-couch-lock” effect that guarantees an energizing, uplifting feel.

With beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and alpha-pinene in its profile, Sour Diese Boostedl has an earthy aroma with hints of tart citrus, that will get you a kick of motivation.

LIMONENE

Limonene is a terpene isolate found in the peels of many citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. Known for adding a vibrancy, brightness, and delicious lemony flavor to everything, this isolate would pair great with the uplifting, energizing effects of delta-10. Plus it's one note, and tastes like zesty lemons!

RELATED: LIMONENE EXPLAINED - TERPENE BLENDS AND STRAINS WITH THIS POPULAR ISOLATE!

HHC

Effects & Uses: Energy Boost, Increased Appetite, Anti-Inflammatory 

Terpene Profile to pair HHC with: Forbidden Fruit, Humulene, CREATE

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Forbidden Fruit is a terpene profile which exudes a sweet aroma of flowers and fruit, accentuated by a fruity, lemony zest. Forbidden fruit is commonly used to treat migraines, chronic pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Both HHC and Forbidden Fruit are shown to increase appetite, so make sure to try them together if you’re looking to get the munchies!

STRAWBERRY COUGH

Strawberry Cough + HHC go together like PB&J. This iconic strain blend has a distinct sweet strawberry flavor, along with alpha-pinene and myrcene, two anti-inflammatory isolates. Its uplifting effects will kick you out of your seat and make you want to get stuff done.

HHC is also known to provide psychedelic effects! While there is no known terpene that provides such similar effect, we do have a CREATE blend, a terpene profile handcrafted to invoke innovative and creative thought. However, do know that the Inca Trail staff is working tirelessly to find the world's first psychedelic terpene blend. It may be a while...

THC-O

Effects & Uses: Psychedelic effect, Anxiety-Aid, Sleep Support

Terpene Profile to pair THC-O with: SLEEP, Kosher Kush, Linalool

SLEEP

Inca Trail’s SLEEP Purpose blend is a handcrafted terpene profile, loaded with linalool, nerolidol, and other soothing, nighttime isolates, perfect for insomniacs who struggle to soothe their minds and find rest. It’s floral, lavender scent imbues the user with a fresh and calming aroma. 

KOSHER KUSH

Kosher Kush boasts a wide array of isolates in its terpene blend including limonene, linalool, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, among many others. Kosher Kush is an indica strain blend with a delicious flower scent coincided with a strong earthy aroma that is mixed in with hints of fresh pine.

This supreme indica is known to be very useful to insomniacs, as it can inspire a deeper sleep even in those who struggle to soothe their minds and find rest.

LINALOOL

Linalool and linalool-dominant terpene profiles are best if one is seeking anxiolytic properties. This terpene isolate is derived from lavender, cannabis, and other sources, and is known for its soothing, calming effects on the mind and body. 

Other general reported effects of THC-O include: 

• Buzz
• Body High
• Consciousness expansion
• Joy
• Psychedelic effects
• Relaxation

THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid known to product psychedelic effects in users. Said to be three times as strong as regular delta 9 THC and five times as strong as delta 8 THC, this cannabinoid is best to start slow with. 

Enthusiasts are interested in the compound because of how easily it is absorbed by the body, producing profound and potent psychotropic effects. 

Reviews of THC-O seem to suggest it could help manage pain, boost appetite, and reduce anxiety. Users also suggest it has shown to have tranquilizing, relaxation, and sleep-supportive properties. These properties would make it ideal to pair it with a myrcene or linalool-heavy indica terpene profile. 

THC-V

Effects & Uses: Anxiety-Aid, Euphoria, Appetite-Curbing, Energizing

Terpene Profile to pair THC-V with: Alpha-Humulene, AWAKEN

HUMULENE

Coined 'Diet-Weed' because of it's appetite suppressing effects, THC-V would pair ideally with Humulene. Humulene is an isolate which is commonly known (but not definitively proven) to suppress the appetite and inhibit the munchies. Although it is disappointing that no official studies have been completed on its anorectic properties, it's widely acknowledged throughout the medical cannabis community, especially in testing labs, that humulene works in a similar fashion to the cannabinoid THCV by suppressing appetite. Hopefully in the near future, as federal legalization of cannabis occurs, scientists will work to quantify the anorectic effects of humulene and other terpenes on patients.

RELATED: APPETITE-SUPPRESSING TERPENES FOR LOSING WEIGHT

AWAKEN

Another Inca Trail Purpose Blend, AWAKEN and THC-V are the ideal combo to start your day. With Humulene, Beta-Caryophyllene and a few more isolates, this profile is handcrafted for those groggy wake-n-bakers who prefer the sativa side of cannabis. Best served with a morning coffee! 

THC-P

Effects & Uses: Pain Relief, Relaxation

Terpene Profile to pair THC-P with: Beta-Caryophyllene, Do Si Dos

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

According to some studies, THC-P is 30x more effective than THC at binding with CB1 receptors. This makes it a perfect pair with the terpene isolate beta-caryophyllene. 

Beta-Caryophyllene is commonly used for pain relief as it it known to bind to the CBG2 receptor and provide anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and analgesic effects. This isolate has a stinging, spicy flavor with a slew of positive physiological benefits.

DO SI DOS

If you're looking for a Linalool-heavy, indica-leaning with a sweet flavor, try Do Si Dos BOOSTED. This profile tastes like Girl Scout cookies, while providing a mellow, chilled-out effect on the mind and body. 

As Always..

Of course when it comes to the specific product, the medium is the message. Distillate and edibles cater themselves to a different terpene profile than a lotion, but as always we encourage you to experiment, and always feel free to ask the experts for assistance in finding your perfect terpene profile! 

Be careful when trying new cannabinoids, it’s always best to start small. This article is by no means a definitive list of the effects & uses of the above mentioned cannabinoids and terpene profiles. Let us know of any good combinations we missed!!