There is something about the aroma of cannabis that calms the mind and body. Whether it's the sweet fruity taste of Pineapple Trainwreck or that skunky smell bursting from a crushed bud of Sour Diesel , we now know there's something going on beneath their complex, flavorful bouquets.
Terpenes are the component you appreciate with your sense of smell, and knowing what they are and whether you are a medical patient or a recreational user will deepen your appreciation for cannabis!
What are cannabis terpenes?
Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD , terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis strains with distinctive aromas like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.
Terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes promote relaxation and stress, while others promote focus and sharpness.
Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for natural adaptive purposes: repelling predators and attracting pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant's terpene development, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even time of day.
Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and each strain tends towards a unique terpene type and composition. In other words, a strain like Cheese and its descendants will likely have a cheese-like odor, and Blueberry offspring will often inherit the typical berry odor.
The range of flavors that make up different cannabis strains is quite impressive, but arguably the most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant, such as cannabinoids . In recent decades, most cannabis strains have been bred to contain high levels of THC and, as a result, other cannabinoids such as CBDhave been left somewhat on the sidelines (with the exception of the last year!). This has led many to believe that terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains.
Every single terpene is associated with unique and very specific effects. Some promote relaxation and stress relief, while others promote concentration and sharpness. Linalool, for example, is believed to be relaxing while limonene elevates mood.
The effect profile of a given terpene can change in the presence of other compounds in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect . More research is needed to understand the effect of each terpene when used in harmony with others.
Their differences may be subtle, but terpenes can add great depth to the art of growing and cannabis knowledge. More importantly, terpenes may offer added medical value as they mediate our body's interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids.
Many cannabis testing labs now test for terpene content, so you may have a better idea of what effects one strain might produce, rather than another. With their almost limitless combinations of synergistic effects, we are confident that terpenes will open up new scientific and medical possibilities for cannabis research.
Most common cannabis therapeutics
(Elysse Feigenblatt / Leafly)
Alpha-Pinene
(Elysse Feigenblatt /Leafly)
Aroma: pine
Vaporizes at : 311º F (155ºC)
Potential effects: alertness, memory retention, neutralizes some effects of THC
Potential medical value: treatment of asthma , pain , inflammation , ulcers , anxiety , cancer
Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
myrcene
(Elysse Feigenblatt/Leafly)
Aroma: cardamom, clove, musky, earthy, herbal
Vaporizes at : 332º F (167ºC)
Potential effects: sedative "couch" effect, relaxing
Potential medical value: antioxidant ; treatment of insomnia , pain and inflammation
Also found in: mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
limonene
(Elysse Feigenblatt / Leafly)
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 peels, rosemary, juniper, peppermint
Beta-caryophyllene
(Elysse Feigenblatt/Leafly)
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
linalool
( Elysse Feigenblatt/Leafly)
Aroma: floral
Vaporizes at : 388ºF (198ºC)
Potential effects: mood enhancement, sedation
Potential medical value: treatment of anxiety , depression , insomnia , pain , inflammation , and neurodegenerative diseases
Also found in: lavender
humulene
(Elysse Feigenblatt/Leafly)
Aroma: hops, woody, earthy
Vaporizes at: 222ºF (106ºC)
Potential medical value: anti-inflammatory
Also found in: hops, coriander, cloves, basil
ocimene
(Elysse Feigenblatt/ Leafly)
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, mango, orchids and kumquats
terpinolene
(Elysse Feigenblatt/Leafly)
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