“I already know what weed I like and you can’t stop me from getting it again.” I get it, and you’re right. But it’s January, and I’m betting that you want a bit of adventure in your 2023. I know how daunting it can be to choose something new. It feels like a dare. But do not fear! While you can’t know for sure until you try it, the best indicator you have in your guess-timation tool belt is learning about terpenes. Love the smell of mint? Love the taste of fresh cracked peppercorns? That’s terpenes, bud. Which means you can begin to figure out what terpenes your system likes based on food and drink preferences, and vice versa. With that, here are five drinks and meals you might like, and the strain you’ll dig if you do.
Do you love a Gin and Bitter Lemon?
It’s a twist on a gin and tonic, and gives a robust bitter taste along with a splash of lemony citrus. Maybe as a treat you like to indulge in the sweetness of a lemon tart? Well, lemons, especially the peels, contain a terpene called Limonene, and it is a very common terpene found in cannabis, including one of Ghost Drop’s flagship strains, First Class Funk. This is a top shelf hybrid with generally high THC and terpene percentages, and might be just what your system needs to compliment that lemon tea you love so much.
Maybe you’re someone who loves getting the whole gang together to go try that new Hop Circle IPA with its dry, hops-forward taste.
Or maybe when you roast a chicken you love garnishing with a sprig of rosemary for that extra bit of woodsy charm. Well, it may be that your system is responding to the Beta-Caryophyllene present in hops and rosemary. If so, your system might also love a tango with BC Black Dunesberry Farms’ Mint Crème Cake. This strong indica owes its sweet and creamy tastes to other terpenes, but its Beta-Caryophyllene content is high enough that the spiciness kicks through.
Does a Thai Mango Cocktail turn your crank?
Does your mouth water if someone mentions Southwest Mango Chicken (boneless chicken, bbq sauce, mangoes, jalapeno, honey, salt and pepper)? I betcha it’s due to one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis: Beta-Myrcene. If it is, Green Organic Dutchman has you covered with it’s Organic Cherry Mints cultivar. This high THC percentage Sativa sports enough dominant beta-Myrcene that you can experience the entourage effect by eating a mango about an hour before consuming! Isn’t biology wild?!
Do you like to try exciting new twists on things, like substituting basil for mint in your Basil-Lime Margarita?
Maybe you love having a Basil-Sage Pesto on your pizza rather than a plain tomato sauce? Well, that could be the Alpha-Humulene present in basil and sage. And you’re in luck, because for dessert, you can try Wink’s Grapes and Cream. An Indica-dominant cross between Grape Pie X Cookies and Cream, this cultivar boasts a heavy Alpha-Humulene presence tempered by its fruity flavour and vanilla sweet aroma.
Alright, you like gin.
But did you know gin is derived from juniper berries which are not berries, but instead are female seed cones, like a pinecone? You like a pasta with fresh tomato and pine nuts? You’re fancy and fresh! And so is Pinene, a terpene found in pine trees, pine nuts, pine cones, and Chris Pine (probably?). You’re in for a treat with this one, because pinene is very present in Bold Growth’s Root Beer Float strain. This Indica dominant beauty has a lot of flavours and aromas working in its favor, but that freshness that pops out is unmistakably pinene. No matter what your tastes, learning about terpenes can help your next dispensary visit go from roulette to ruler. Make an informed choice and try something new today! I dare you.
