Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in a wide variety of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors, and they also play a crucial role in a plant’s survival and reproductive strategies. In the context of cannabis, terpenes can influence the overall experience of a strain, including its taste, smell, and potentially its therapeutic effects. I wanted to put together a detailed look at cannabis derived terpenes and their significance so you understand why they’re all the rage at the dispensaries.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes, often referred to as the “essential oils” of plants, are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a wide variety of plants, including cannabis. They’re primarily responsible for the characteristic fragrance of many plants and flowers, from the citrusy zest of lemons to the fresh scent of pine trees and the distinctive aroma of cannabis.
Found in high concentrations in the resinous trichomes of plants, terpenes are fundamentally designed to fulfill several roles in plant biology. They act as a defense mechanism against herbivores, pests, and environmental stresses, and play a vital part in the plant’s reproductive processes by luring pollinators with their enticing scents.
In nature, there are over 20,000 known terpenes, around 200 of which are present in the cannabis plant. These volatile molecules evaporate at relatively low temperatures, which is why they are so aromatic. The “fragrant” portion of essential oils that you might use in aromatherapy, for instance, is made up of terpenes.
Interestingly, many terpenes have been found to have medicinal properties. For instance, some terpenes are known to have a relaxing effect on the human body and can be used in sleep aids, while others can boost mood or reduce inflammation. Terpenes are also a key component of traditional herbal remedies, and their potential health benefits are a growing area of scientific research.
Terpenes in Cannabis
In the context of cannabis, terpenes contribute to the complexity of each strain’s unique profile, working synergistically with cannabinoids to provide a rich and varied spectrum of effects. This interplay, often referred to as the “entourage effect,” is part of what makes each cannabis strain distinct. Understanding the role of terpenes in cannabis is an exciting frontier in cannabis research, and offers a new lens through which to appreciate this multifaceted plant.
Over 200 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis plants. These terpenes are secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The concentration and ratio of terpenes can be influenced by various factors, such as the climate, soil type, age and maturation of the plant, and even the time of day.
Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects
While the research is still evolving, some terpenes are believed to offer distinct therapeutic benefits and may contribute to what’s known as the “entourage effect” — the idea that the combined effect of cannabis’s various compounds is greater than the sum of its parts. Here are a few of the most common cannabis terpenes:
- Myrcene: Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis, and it has a musky and earthy aroma. It’s also found in thyme, mango, and lemongrass. Myrcene is believed to have sedative effects and is often associated with the ‘couch-lock’ feeling provided by some strains.
- Limonene: Limonene gives strains a citrusy smell and is also found in fruits like lemons and oranges. It’s believed to have mood-enhancing effects and may help relieve stress and anxiety.
- Caryophyllene: This terpene, which smells of pepper and spice, is also found in black pepper and cloves. It’s unique because it can also act on the endocannabinoid system in the body. It may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Pinene: As the name suggests, pinene has a pine-like aroma. It’s found in many plants besides cannabis, including pine trees and rosemary. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and may also act as a bronchodilator, helping improve airflow to the lungs.
- Linalool: Linalool has a floral and spicy aroma and is also found in lavender. It’s been associated with calming and relaxing effects.
Other Known Cannabis Terpenes
While over 200 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, not all of them are present in significant amounts or thoroughly researched. However, several primary and secondary terpenes are consistently notable in cannabis. Here is a list of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, along with their unique aromas and potential effects:
Primary Terpenes:
- Myrcene: Myrcene is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis, sometimes making up over half of the terpene content in a cannabis plant. Myrcene has a musky and earthy aroma, with notes of fruit and cloves. It may have sedative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
- Limonene: Limonene has a strong citrus scent and is also found in citrus fruits. It may have mood-elevating effects and can potentially help with stress and anxiety. Limonene may also have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Caryophyllene: Also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, caryophyllene has a spicy and woody aroma. This unique terpene can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially offering anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Pinene: True to its name, pinene has a scent reminiscent of pine trees. It may have anti-inflammatory effects, and it may also act as a bronchodilator, improving airflow to the lungs.
- Humulene: Humulene, which is also found in hops, has an earthy and woody aroma. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Secondary Terpenes:
- Linalool: Linalool, also present in lavender, has a floral and spicy aroma. It may have calming and relaxing effects and could potentially help with anxiety and stress.
- Terpinolene: Terpinolene has a complex aroma with notes of pine, floral, and herbs. It is less common in cannabis but when present, it contributes to a sedative effect.
- Ocimene: Ocimene, found in a variety of fruits and plants, has a sweet and herbaceous aroma, often with a hint of citrus. It may have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
- Camphene: Camphene has a pungent smell and is found in many essential oils. It may have potential as an antioxidant and may also have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
- Eucalyptol: As the name suggests, eucalyptol is found in eucalyptus oil and has a distinctive minty aroma. It’s not commonly found in high concentrations in most cannabis strains, but when it is present, it may offer pain-relieving and anti-bacterial effects.
- Bisabolol: Bisabolol, with a floral aroma, is known for its presence in chamomile flowers. It may have anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Remember, the effects of individual terpenes can vary and may be influenced by other compounds present in cannabis. The understanding of terpenes and their effects is still a developing area of research, and much is yet to be discovered about how these compounds interact with the human body and with other compounds in cannabis. Always consult a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable dispensary staff member when making decisions about cannabis products for therapeutic use.
The Significance of Terpenes
While terpenes were once considered just the fragrant fingerprint of a cannabis strain, contributing to the plant’s unique scent and flavor, today we understand that these compounds play a much larger role in the cannabis experience.
Synergy with Cannabinoids
Terpenes work in harmony with the other active compounds in cannabis, specifically cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This interaction, known as the “entourage effect,” can modulate and enhance the effects of these cannabinoids. For instance, the terpene myrcene may potentially increase the psychoactive effects of THC, while limonene could work in conjunction with CBD to boost mood or reduce anxiety. In short, the overall impact of cannabis appears to depend on the delicate interplay of its diverse chemical constituents, including terpenes.
Therapeutic Benefits
Numerous studies suggest that terpenes may have medicinal benefits. For instance, some terpenes are known for their analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. Linalool, commonly found in lavender as well as in some cannabis strains, may have calming and anti-anxiety effects. Pinene, on the other hand, might act as a bronchodilator, potentially benefiting those with asthma or other respiratory issues. Importantly, research in this field is ongoing and many of the potential therapeutic effects of terpenes have not yet been thoroughly studied in humans.
Modulating the Cannabis Experience
Different strains of cannabis can produce remarkably different effects, and these effects are about more than just the THC content. Terpenes can substantially influence the character of the cannabis experience. Strains high in myrcene, for example, may tend to produce more relaxing, sedative effects, while those high in limonene may be more uplifting. As such, an understanding of terpenes can help users choose cannabis strains that are best suited to their individual preferences or therapeutic needs.
Future Research
While we have begun to understand the importance of terpenes in cannabis, there is still much we do not know. Many terpenes have not been studied extensively, and even for those that have, many questions remain. How do different terpenes interact with each other and with other cannabis compounds? How do the effects of terpenes change at different dosages or when consumed in different ways? Future research will continue to unravel the complex role of terpenes in cannabis and their full therapeutic potential. As our understanding grows, so too will our ability to harness the benefits of these remarkable compounds.
It’s essential to remember that the effects of cannabis are also influenced by other factors, including the strain’s cannabinoid profile, your individual biology, tolerance, dosage, and consumption method. If you’re interested in the therapeutic potential of terpenes, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable dispensary staff member.
