What Are Terpenes?

Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.

Terpenes may play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity.

Terpenes are known to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.

Alpha-Pinene
Taste Description: Woody, piney, camphoraceous

Odor Description: Sweet, piney, earthy

Occurrence in Nature: Rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

Proposed Benefits:

α-Pinene boosts energy, improves focus and memory, acts as a bronchodilator, and is an anti-inflammatory. Gives evergreen trees their smell. Can counteract the unwanted effects of THC, such as anxiety and short-term memory.

 
Beta-Caryophyllene
Taste Description: Spicy, clove, woody, nut, powdery

Odor Description: sweet, woody, spice, clover, dry

Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, oregano, cloves, basil, rosemary

Proposed Benefits:

It’s been known to reduce inflammation in the brain and reduce chemicals that cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation. May help fight bacterial dental plaque build-up and help provide pain relief topically.

Humulene
Taste Description: Herbal, woody, hoppy, spicy, earthy,

Odor Description: Woody, herbal, musty, hoppy, spicy, earthy

Occurrence in Nature: Basil, cardamom, grapefruit, lemongrass, orange, rosemary, allspice, sage

Proposed Benefits:

Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and a natural insecticide. Abundant in hops and is responsible for the flavor, unmistakable tang, and aroma of all varieties of beer. It’s known to suppress hunger.

Limonene
Taste Description: Sweet, orange, citrus, terpy

Odor Description: Sweet, citrus, peely

Occurrence in Nature: Anise, Cardamom, celery, parsley, rosemary, juniper

Proposed Benefits:

Improves mood, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, relieves nausea, helps boost the body’s cancer-fighting systems, is an anti-inflammatory and cell rejuvenator. Mostly found in sativa strains and found in the rind of citrus fruits.

Myrcene
Taste Description: Cooling, minty, citrus, green spicy, camphoraceous

Odor Description: Woody, citrusy, leafy, minty

Occurrence in Nature: Allspice, angelica, anise, basil, blueberry, cardamom

Proposed Benefits:

Anti-Inflammatory, sedative, muscle relaxant, pain relief, analgesic, promotes sleep and relaxation. Mostly found in Indica strains.

Terpineol
Taste Description: Citrus, woody, lemon, lime, soapy

Odor Description: Pine, lilac, citrus, woody

Occurrence in Nature: Anise, Allspice, Apple, Apricot, Basil, Cinnamon

Proposed Benefits:

Pain relief, anxiety relief, antibiotic, antimicrobial effects, anti-seizure effects, gastro protective. Used in skin creams and salves, aromatherapy and helps keep immune system strong

Linalool
Taste Description: Citrus, orange, lemon, floral, waxy, aldehydic, woody

Odor Description: Citrus, orange, floral, terpy, waxy, rose

Occurrence in Nature: Allspice, anise, basil, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, nutmeg

Proposed Benefits:

Anti-anxiety, sedative, pain relief, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, and prevents seizures. Calms and soothes and helps support body’s response to pain. It’s mainly found in Indica strains.