Terpene 411

What are Terpenes? 

Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aroma and flavor profiles of different cannabis strains and are also believed to play a role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

 

Terpenes are produced in the same glands as cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and work together with these compounds to produce the effects commonly associated with cannabis use. This is known as the entourage effect, which suggests that the combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis can have a more significant effect than any single compound on its own.

 

Terpenes have a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects. Some terpenes, such as limonene and pinene, are believed to have anti-cancer properties, while others, such as linalool and myrcene, are believed to have neuroprotective effects.

 

In addition to their potential therapeutic benefits, terpenes also play an essential role in the flavor and aroma profiles of different cannabis strains, making them an important factor for consumers who are looking for a specific taste or scent.


Here a list of a few of the terpenes that are found in cannabis along with a brief description of the terpene's medicinal properties.

• Myrcene: This terpene has a musky, earthy aroma and is found in many cannabis strains. Myrcene is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects.

 

• Limonene: As the name suggests, this terpene has a citrusy aroma and is found in many lemon-scented strains of cannabis. Limonene is known to have anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects.

 

• Pinene: This terpene has a fresh, piney aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as other coniferous plants. Pinene is known to have anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and memory-enhancing effects.

 

• Linalool: This terpene has a floral, lavender-like aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in lavender. Linalool is known to have anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic, and sedative effects.

 

• Caryophyllene: This terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in black pepper. Caryophyllene is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.

 

• Humulene: This terpene has a woody, earthy aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in hops. Humulene is known to have anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressant, and antibacterial effects.

 

• Terpinolene: This terpene has a fresh, herbal aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in sage and rosemary. Terpinolene is known to have antioxidant, sedative, and anticancer effects.

 

• Bisabolol: This terpene has a floral, sweet aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in chamomile. Bisabolol is known to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effects.

 

• Ocimene: This terpene has a sweet, herbaceous aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in mint and basil. Ocimene is known to have antifungal, antiseptic, and decongestant effects.

 

• Terpineol: This terpene has a floral, piney aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis as well as in lilacs and pine trees. Terpineol is known to have sedative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.