What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

For many cannabis lovers, the smell alone is enough to intrigue you. There’s something about the skunky, fruity fragrance of Purple Lamborghini Exotic AAAA or the citrusy sweet smell of Sunset Sherbet that is simply intoxicating.

What gives a cannabis strain its distinct smell? Terpenes do! Let’s take a closer look at what terpenes actually are.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils that are secreted from the cannabis plant’s glands, in the same way that cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are. These terpenes are what give a cannabis strain it’s distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, or pine.

What role do terpenes play?

Do terpenes only add flavor? Many believe that terpenes play a significant role in how certain cannabis strains interact with our bodies. Each terpene has characteristics and effects that make them unique. For example, Alpha-Pinene promotes alertness and memory retention, making it an ideal choice for daytime use. Different terpene profiles have completely different effects and these effects are predictable.

While the classification of “sativa” and “indica” gives us a starting place to assess what the effects on our body may be, we are now looking at the terpene profile to give us greater insights. The synergy between the compounds has been coined as the “entourage effect” and is meant to describe how the effect profile of any given terpene may change in the presence of other compounds. The differences may be subtle but can give us a greater understanding of a strain’s potential effects. Most importantly, terpenes may offer additional value as they mediate our body’s interaction with cannabinoids.

The terpene myrcene, for example, can reduce resistance in the blood-brain barrier, enabling easier passage of other beneficial chemicals. Pinene helps counteract compromised cognition and memory caused by THC. A combination of terpenes pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene help unravel anxiety. Mixing terpenes linalool and limonene with the cannabinoid CBG shows promise in the treatment of MRSA. THC plus CBN yields enhanced sedating effects. Linalool and limonene combined with CBD is being examined as an anti-acne treatment.

Are they only found in cannabis?

No! Other strong smelling plants and flowers also produce terpenes to ward of wouldbe predators and attract pollinators. Myrcene, for example, is also found in mango, lemongrass, hops and thyme. Limonene is also present in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint.

What are the most common terpenes?

Check out some of the most common cannabis terpenes below and see if any sound familiar!

• Terpene: Alpha-Pinene

  Aroma: Pine
  Vaporizes At: 311ºF (155ºC)
  Potential Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects
  Potential Medical Value: Treatment of asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, cancer
  Also Found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

• Terpene: Myrcene

  Aroma: Cardamom, cloves, musky, earthy, herbal
  Vaporizes At: 332ºF (167ºC)
  Potential Effects: Sedating “couchlock” effect, relaxing
  Potential Medical Value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation
  Also Found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops

• Terpene: Limonene

  Aroma: Citrus
  Vaporizes At: 348ºF (176ºC)
  Potential Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
  Potential Medical Value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer
  Also Found in: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint

• Terpene: Beta-Caryophyllene

  Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
  Vaporizes At: 266ºF (130ºC)
  Potential Effects: Stress relief
  Potential Medical Value: Treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, ulcers
  Also Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon

• Terpene: Linalool

  Aroma: Floral
  Vaporizes At: 388ºF (198ºC)
  Potential Effects: Mood enhancement, sedation
  Potential Medical Value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease
  Also Found in: Lavender

• Terpene: Humulene

  Aroma: Hops, woody, earthy
  Vaporizes At: 222ºF (106ºC)
  Potential Medical Value: Anti-inflammatory
  Also Found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil

• Terpene: Ocimene

  Aroma: Sweet, herbal, and woody
  Vaporizes At: 122ºF (50­ºC)
  Potential Medical Value: Antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial
  Also Found in: Mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats

• Terpene: Terpinolene

  Aroma: Piney, floral, and herbal
  Vaporizes At: 366ºF (186ºC)
  Potential Effects: Relaxing
  Potential Medical Value: Antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer
  Also Found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs

Selecting Strains

It may seem overwhelming, but understanding how cannabinoids and terpenes work together can help you select strains based on the desired effect. For example, if you were looking for a strain that would reduce anxiety and depression, you may want to try a strain such a Sour Diesel or Sour Power that contains the terpene Limonene. Take note of how different strains and terpene profiles affect you so that you can make educated decisions based on what suits your individual needs.

More Information

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email us at info@thehealingcowellness.com. We are happy to talk through your unique needs to find the strain that’s right for you!