Posted on November 28, 2022 by Munchies

If you’re just getting into the world of cannabis, one word you might hear being thrown around a lot is terpenes. Don’t worry if you are confused because we’ll give you a detailed explanation right now.

So, what are terpenes, and what do they do to the human body? Well, terpenes are sometimes referred to as the essential oils of marijuana, and one of the things that they are known for doing is stimulating appetite.

There are also those terpenes that can suppress appetite. Let’s get to it and figure out everything there is to know about weed, terpenes, and appetite.

Key Takeaways

  • Terpenes are essentially the essential oils found in cannabis and other plants.
  • Some terpenes stimulate appetite, whereas others do the opposite.
  • Myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene are the terpenes that make you hungry.
  • Terpenes affect the way in which the body produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone.

What Are Terpenes?

Technically speaking, terpenes are large groups of volatile and unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants’ essential oils, which is why as far as weed is concerned, they are often referred to as the essential oils of cannabis.

To put it simply, terpenes are substances or compounds found in plants responsible for how they smell and taste. In weed, terpenes also help to determine the pigmentation and color of the plant itself. 

The main point of terpenes in plants such as cannabis is to make them look and smell better to insects, particularly pollinators, while making the plants seem less attractive to potential threats.

As far as cannabis is concerned, the terpenes are found in the trichomes, in those white crystals that cover the exterior of your buds. Those cannabis trichomes contain little resin glands that produce terpenes. Those crystals don’t just contain the THC that we all love, but the flavor and smell too.

How Do Terpenes Make You Hungry?

To be clear, there is very limited research on how terpenes affect appetite. Yes, it is known that terpenes can stimulate appetite or suppress it in some cases. However, exactly how this all works is relatively unknown.

That said, it is thought that when your body takes in terpenes, it alters the way in which your endocannabinoid receptors work, particularly in your brain and digestive tract. When these endocannabinoid receptors in your digestive tract start interacting with cannabinoids and terpenes, it can change the amounts of certain hormones that are produced.

Ghrelin is the hormone responsible for producing sensations of hunger. Certain terpenes are thought to increase the ghrelin your body produces. Terpenes that can increase appetite are ideal for those suffering from nausea, a lack of appetite, and other such hunger related issues. 

There are of course also terpenes that may reduce the amount of this hunger hormone, therefore suppressing your appetite. Lets begin by covering which terpenes make you hungry. 

Terpenes That Increase Appetite

Let’s now take a look at some of the most common terpenes that studies have shown to aid in  increasing your appetite. It’s all about giving you those munchies. 

Myrcene Terpene

Myrcene is a terpene that is often found in cannabis, lemongrass, mango, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, and more. 

This terpene features a herbal, musky, and clove-like aroma, with some hints of citrus like lemon and bergamot scent.

Strains High in Myrcene Terpene

Let’s take a look at some cannabis strains that are known for containing fairly high levels of the myrcene terpene.

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is an indica strain with a fairly low 17% THC level, a cross between Skunk, Afghan, and Mendo Purps. It features a sweet, grape, and berry-like flavor that is pretty tantalizing. Due to its low THC level, it is ideal for beginners. 

This strain is known for producing feelings of happiness and euphoria, followed by heaviness and physical relaxation. 

We actually have our own Granddaddy Purple HHC Vape Cartridge for you to check out.

Green Crack

Green Crack is a sativa strain made by crossing an unknown indica with Skunk #1. This indica strain contains around 17% THC and will produce feelings of happiness and euphoria, while making you talkative, focused, and energetic. 

This strain features a very fruity, tangy, and slight citrus-like scent and flavor, which is thanks to the myrcene and other terpenes contained in it.

Alien OG

Alien OG is a hybrid cross between Alien Kush and Tahoe OG. It does lean more towards the sativa side of things, as it will make you feel happy, energetic, and euphoric. 

This strain features a herbal, lemon, and piney flavor that most people really enjoy. Thanks to its moderate 19% THC level, it’s a good choice for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. 

If this sounds like something for you, check out our Alien OG 1 Gram HHC Vape Cartridge.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a cross between Afghani and Thai and comes complete with a moderate 18% THC level, therefore making it ideal for beginners. Because it’s an indica, it is going to make you feel relaxed, happy, sedated, and hungry. 

This is the kind of weed that is going to lock you into your couch. Northern Lights is well known for its pungent odor and flavor, as it can be quite sweet and spicy.

Caryophyllene Terpene

Caryophyllene is another terpene known for stimulating appetite, and it can be commonly found in black pepper, basil, cloves, and oregano. 

This terpene features a peppery and spicy aroma, combined with woody undertones.

Strains High in Caryophyllene Terpene

Let’s take a look at some of the strains that contain a lot of the caryophyllene terpene.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is an indica strain that contains around 17% THC. This hunger inducing strain produces strong indica-like effects of sedation, heaviness, sleepiness, hunger, and more. 

Due to its fairly low THC content, it is an ideal choice for beginners. The main flavor here is coffee, although you’ll also notice the taste of sweet chocolate and hashish.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is an indica-dominant strain made by crossing Durban Poison with OG Kush. This strain produces sensations of hunger, sleepiness, and sedation, combined with euphoric and happiness inducing effects. 

Its 19% THC level is strong enough to really make you feel it but not so strong that you won’t know what you are doing anymore. This strain features aromas reminiscent of mint, lemon, and sweet cherry.

White Widow

White Widow is a hybrid strain that is made by crossing a South Indian indica with a Brazilian sativa landrace. This strain does lean more towards the sativa side of things, as it will make you energetic, focused, and euphoric. 

This particular strain has a very woody, peppery, and spicy aroma that many people very much enjoy.

Chemdawg

Chemdawg is a hybrid cross that is made by crossing Sour Diesel with OG Kush, and it does lean towards the sativa side of things, as it produces effects of euphoria, happiness, and will make you feel fairly energetic, at least at first. 

This strain features a very strong and conjured odor that you could smell from far away, with a distinct diesel-like smell. Thanks to its moderate 18% THC level, it’s something that everybody can enjoy.

Terpenes That Stimulate Appetite

If you need your appetite stimulated so you can stomach that second dinner, here are two more terpenes to look out for.

Limonene Terpene

The limonene terpene that is found in cannabis is known for producing sensations of hunger. It has a strong citrus-like scent and flavor. 

This terpene is often found in many citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and more, as well as in rosemary and peppermint.

Strains High in Limonene Terpene

Let’s take a look at some strains that have high concentrations of the limonene terpene.

Grape Runtz

Here we have a strain of marijuana that will make you feel hungry, and it is all thanks to that special terpene that produces grape, citrus, and fruit flavors. Yes, this strain does somewhat taste like grape. 

It features up to 23% THC and is indica-dominant, so it’s definitely something that is going to make you feel sedated and hungry. Due to its high THC content, it’s not particularly ideal for beginners. 

If you like grape, check out our Grape Runtz Delta 8 Disposable Vape.

Berry Pie

This particular strain is a sativa, so you know that it’s going to make you feel euphoric, hungry, and energetic, while also allowing you to be focused. 

However, its top effect is hunger. In terms of flavor, here you are going to get notes of berry, citrus, and sweet fruitiness. It features around 22% THC, so it is fairly strong. 

Our Berry Pie Delta 8 Disposable Vape might be something worth checking out.

Bubba Kush

We already covered the Bubba Kush above, so we aren’t going to spend much time on it, but this strain does contain a high amount of the limonene terpene, in combination with the caryophyllene terpene.

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a sativa strain that contains roughly 19% THC, so it is moderately strong. This is a cross between Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk, and it is actually a two-time cannabis cup winner. Here you will feel energetic, euphoric, happy, and hungry. 

The aroma here is reminiscent of sweet fruits, citrus, and zest. This is one of those things that does taste like candy, and it will definitely make you feel hungry.

Trainwreck

Trainwreck is a hybrid strain with very strong sativa effects, so it will make you feel happy, euphotic, focused, and energetic. In terms of flavor, here you are going to taste pine, citrus, and sweet fruitiness.

Pinene Terpene

The pinene terpene found in many strains is known for stimulating appetite and features an earthy, sweet, and pine-like flavor. 

It can be found in cannabis, basil, dill, rosemary, and conifer trees.

Strains High in Pinene Terpene

Let’s take a look at some strains that are known for containing high concentrations of the pinene terpene.

Blue Dream

Blue dream is a hybrid strain of marijuana that is sativa dominant, and contains roughly 18% THC, so it’s not overly strong. 

Here, you are going to feel both a body high and a cerebral high, characterized by happiness, euphoria, and creativity, followed by heavy sedation. This particular strain tastes like pine, sweet berries, and has a hint of citrus. 

Check out our very own Blue Dream Delta 9 Gummies.

OG Kush

OG kush is a hybrid strain of marijuana that contains roughly 18% THC. It is an open cross between Chemdawg, Hindu Kush, and Lemon Thai. Its top effects include hunger, happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. 

This strain tastes like pine, spice, skunk, and diesel, therefore making for a very complex flavor profile.

If this sounds like something you’d like to try, check out our OG Kush Delta 8 Vape Cart or our brand new OG Kush HHC Disposable.

Jack Herer

Here we have one of the most popular strains of sativa out there at this time, complete with roughly 18% THC, so it’s not overly strong. 

This cross of many other popular sativas will make you feel energetic, creative, focused, happy, euphoric, and talkative. It allows for a very clear-headed high, with flavors of pine, citrus, and spice.

Dutch Treat

Here we have this strain of cannabis that is made by crossing Northern Lights with Haze. This hybrid strain leans more towards the sativa side of things, as it will make you feel happy, euphoric, and energetic. The flavor profile here is reminiscent of pine, eucalyptus, and sweet fruits.

If this sounds good to you, try our Dutch Treat Delta 8 Vape Cartridge

Romulan

Here we have an indica strain that is made by crossing a North American Indica with the White Rhino strain

Here we have a strain that smells very strong like pine, and it also features very intense and heavy-hitting cerebral effects that are going to make you feel happy, followed by sedation, relaxation, and anger.

Terpenes That Suppress Appetite

There are then also terpenes that suppress appetite, one specifically, humulene.

Humulene Terpene

Humulene has a woody, herbal, and hoppy flavor combined with undertones of spice, and can be found in weed, ginseng, ginger, sage, hops, and more.

Strains High in Humulene Terpene

Here are some strains known for containing high amounts of the humulene terpene.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a sativa strain made by crossing Super Skunk with Chemdawg. This strain is going to hit you very fast and hard with a cerebral high that is very energetic and happiness-inducing. 

It has about 18% THC, it won’t make you feel hungry, and its main aroma is that of diesel.

White Widow

White Widow is a hybrid strain that is fairly well balanced, with a low 15% THC level. It’s not very strong at all, it won’t make you feel hungry, but it will make you feel focused, energetic, and happy. 

Here you will get a strong woody, peppery, and earthy flavor. Seeing as this strain contains terpenes that can both suppress and stimulate appetite, whether or not it will make you feel hungry is something you will have to figure out on your own.

OG Kush

We already covered OG Kush above, and yes, it does contain terpenes that can both stimulate and suppress appetite.

Edibles for Appetite Stimulation

If you are looking for edibles that are rich in all of these terpenes and more, you should check out our huge selection of cannabis edibles available right here at Delta Munchies.

**(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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