You don’t even need to get into the science of aromatherapy to understand why it exists. Instead, we’ll appeal to your common sense when discussing its effects on the mind, body, and soul.
First, imagine yourself in a scenario where your surroundings aren’t smelling too hot.
We’re not going to get into specifics here for the sake of keeping things civilized (i.e., not gross). Still, we’re sure you’ve been in pungent situations that weren’t too kind to your olfactory senses.
Think then about how you felt in those foul-smelling scenarios.
When you’re in an environment that stinks enough, it impacts your mental health—you’re immediately in a bad mood. It can also affect you physically, making you feel sick to your stomach and possibly tense.
Okay. For the good of all things decent, let’s move on from the bad smells and focus on the good ones.
You could be at a great restaurant with rich, fragrant aromas or a massage therapy session with scented candles. Perhaps your significant other is wearing perfume or cologne that drives you mad. Either way, you get our point. We’re speaking of yummy smells—good times for all.
Consider how those smells make you feel. You’ll likely be happier and more relaxed. Depending on the scent and how much comfort it offers, it might increase your appetite or help you get to sleep.
Do you see how we don’t even need to get into the science of aromatherapy to convey its value? When things smell good, it makes life better—it’s as simple as that.
Of course, there is a science to aromatherapy. But it’s important to us to break it down to its most straightforward ideas rather than murk it up with overcomplicated details.
Also, we don’t have to stretch that far in relating aromatherapy to cannabis.
Who of us doesn’t get a wide smile on our face when we smell a fresh bud or after we spark up and those familiar unctuous scents swarm and satisfy our nostrils? Who’s mood doesn’t improve vastly when their favorite sativa, indica, or hybrid smells like heaven on earth?
On the above note, you might wonder, “Why does cannabis smell so gosh-darn good?”
The answer is terpenes, which are responsible for the odors and flavors in your preferred strains. Given these factors, terpenes play a crucial role in how cannabis can offer consumers aromatherapeutic benefits—the topic of this article.
How Do Terpenes Help You Relax?
This section will discuss three cannabis terpenes most associated with relaxation: linalool, myrcene, and limonene.
Linalool has a noteworthy relationship with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Note that the ECS regulates and controls many bodily functions critical to our well-being [1].
When linalool interacts with the ECS, it modulates serotonin, acetylcholine, and other neurotransmitter activity. These responses lead to positive, therapeutic benefits in the central nervous system.
Due to linalool’s impact on the ECS, it’s believed to aid in pain management, inflammation, and mood regulation when present in cannabis. These properties are all conducive to heightened relaxation.
As for linalool’s aromatic qualities in cannabis, it possesses a citrus scent that’s sweet and spicy [2].
Cannabis possessing myrcene interacts with your ECS in a manner that leads to a sedating and relaxing effect, helping with falling asleep and also reducing pain, anxiety, and stress [3]. When you smoke strains rich with myrcene, expect earthy, peppery, and spicy scents and flavors [4].
Limonene also helps regulate pain when it interacts with the ECS. It can trigger mood regulation and boasts anti-inflammatory properties, bolstering the therapeutic effects when indulging in strains rich in this particular terpene [5].
When present in cannabis, limonene offers traditional citrus scents that you’d find in fruits like orange, lime, and lemon [6].
Cannabis-Derived Aromatherapy Techniques
Here are a few possible ways to mesh cannabis with your aromatherapy practices:
- Purchase cannabis extracts with high terpene counts and place them in a diffuser. Be sure that the oil you’re using doesn’t have any carrier oils or other ingredients without hemp. In fact, the safer option could be to purchase your preferred and diffuse terpenes individually (without cannabis) to lower any risk.
- Consuming terpene-rich cannabis strains can have aromatherapeutic effects because of the potency of the scents involved. Studies have shown that these smells—just from smoking or simply sniffing a bud—can trigger your endocannabinoid system and provide various benefits [7].
- Utilize THC-or-CBD-based bath balms and salts rich in the relaxing terpenes we’ve discussed. This way, you’ll enjoy the relaxing scents and the hot water that soothes your aches and sends you to a place of the utmost bliss.
Recommended Strains And Products
Primarily, if you want to blend your cannabis with aromatherapy, it starts with finding strains rich in the terpenes we’ve discussed. For instance, Stash’s Lemon Triangle Kush is a highly relaxing, therapeutic strain, and it’s no coincidence that it’s rich in limonene. Moreover, it’s an uplifting strain—so it doesn’t just make you groggy.
Another of our strains, Gorilla’d Cheese, is packed with beta-myrcene and linalool. Unsurprisingly, it offers stress relief and mood elevation.
It’s then worth noting that our terpene-rich offerings go beyond cannabis flower. For instance, our Paradise Resin Jelly is packed with myrcene and limonene and boasts uplifting and pain-relieving properties.
We also have THC-based topical products, like our Lavender Epsom Salt Soak. Simply pour it into your bath and feel your pain melt away.
Cultivating A Relaxing Environment For Cannabis-Infused Aromatherapy
Here’s a breakdown of the components you should harness to ensure the optimal environment for cannabis-infused aromatherapy:
Optimizing Sensory Details
- Make sure to incorporate soft lighting (e.g., string lights or dimmable table lamps) to establish a relaxing and therapeutic ambiance.
- Hunt down a playlist of soothing music or ambient sounds, like instrumental scores, lo-fi jazz, nature sounds, or white noise.
- Incorporate pillows, throw rugs, plush blankets, and other comforting textures.
- Pair your cannabis/terpene scents with other calming aromas, such as lavender, chamomile, or other essential oils.
Responsible Cannabis Consumption
- Be intentional about dosing your cannabis. Start low and build up as you determine the best dosage for you.
- Focus on your emotions, bodily sensations, and breathing to be present in the moment.
- Write a journal or use meditative techniques to process your thoughts and feelings.
Make Your Relaxation Holistic
- Find a quiet space and turn off smartphone notifications to eliminate distractions.
- Drink herbal teas and have water on hand to remain refreshed and hydrated.
- Use deep breathing techniques to keep yourself grounded.
Conclusion: Enhance Relaxation With Cannabis-Infused Aromatherapy
Through the power of cannabis’s unassailable scents—primarily derived from terpenes—our favorite magical plant lends itself to aromatherapy and all its healing qualities.
For the most part, people enjoying cannabis just want to kick back and relax. They’re not looking to do anything crazy—they aim to feel better and chill out. Fortunately, our article has provided you with tips and tricks to harness cannabis’s aromatherapeutic qualities to help yourself be mellow and float on cloud 9.
You’ll increase your chances of achieving optimal relaxation by purchasing high-quality cannabis products that you can trust, which you’ll find in excess at Stash Dispensaries.
Check out our online store today, or send us an inquiry about the terpenes in our premium cannabis products.
Sources
- https://slumbercbn.com/blogs/wellness-blog/linalool-terpene-effects-with-cannabinoids-use#:~:text=Linalool%20terpene%20interacts%20with%20the,enhances%20the%20effects%20of%20cannabinoids*.
- https://mamedica.co.uk/linalool-three-unexpected-ways-this-terpene-can-benefit-you/#:~:text=In%20medical%20cannabis%20strains%2C%20linalool,with%20the%20smell%20of%20lavender.
- https://mamedica.co.uk/the-cannabis-terpenes-series-myrcene/#:~:text=Myrcene%20is%20known%20for%20its,of%20pain%2C%20stress%20and%20anxiety.
- https://mamedica.co.uk/the-cannabis-terpenes-series-myrcene/#:~:text=Cannabis%20strains%20with%20high%20levels,slightly%20spicy%2C%20peppery%20and%20earthy.
- https://butlerhemp.co/pages/answers?question=How+does+limonene+interact+with+the+endocannabinoid+system+in+relation+to+pain+relief%3F
- https://mamedica.co.uk/everything-to-know-about-limonene/#:~:text=Limonene%20has%20a%20distinct%20scent,as%20orange%2C%20lemon%20and%20lime.
- https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/blogs/news/cannabis-aromatherapy?srsltid=AfmBOopwQNJj6NPjVvuxXssrPArAwuLSsycvXhcng5__D2aX5aRh7QtZ
