Everything You Need To Know About Cannabis Terpenes

While you may have heard the word terpenes before, you may not be entirely familiar with what they are and why they are gaining popularity. That’s ok, we’re here to decode this topic for the novice user as well as the veteran looking to learn more about what’s in their favorite strains.

What are Terpenes?

In short, terpenes are the smells plants produce. All plants have them, from watermelon and gardenia to peas and olives. They are the largest class of organic compounds found in plants.

In cannabis, terpenes impart the distinctive scents and flavors of the many strains that exist today.

By selecting a cannabis product with the terpenes you enjoy most, you can ensure the cannabis products you ingest reliably fit alongside your personal preferences. The result is a more enjoyable and effective experience, overall.

Terpenes first entered the preview of researchers and scientists as early as 1910, when The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded Otto Wallach the Nobel Prize for his work with these unique substances.

Today, terpenes are best known for their role in giving cannabis its aromatic qualities. Both fragrant and familiar, these are among the most popular chemicals associated with cannabis. That popularity extends beyond cannabis culture, as well. Over the last three years, scientists have been investing their efforts in decoding terpenes’ overall role in cannabis and their interactions with us.

On the production front, terpene profiles provide a better-rounded picture of the quality and characteristics of a given cannabis strain. Retailers look for those insights as a selling point to customers. More data leads to a better understanding, which results in a higher level of personalization and customer satisfaction.

Types of Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Cannabis alone has more than 200 terpenes. Each has its own distinct profile and characteristics. The most common terpenes found in cannabis include:

• Alpha-pinene – This terpene is the pine scent we associate with cleanliness and clarity. It’s been researched for use reducing inflammation and clearing the airways of the lungs for easier breathing.
• Beta-caryophyllene – A spicy terpene found in black pepper and cinnamon, Beta-caryophyllene has been studied as an antimalarial substance and potential use in strengthening cells of the stomach.
• Beta-myrcene – A compound found in hops, perhaps the closest relative to hemp and cannabis, and has been studied for its role in pain relief and muscle relaxation as well as potential use as a sedative.
• Bisabolol – A floral terpene, bisabolol has been studied as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and anti-microbial used to combat cancer and skin lesions.
• Borneol – a minty terpene, this substance has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive (that’s pain relief) properties.
• Camphene – Exhibiting the smell of musky earth, Camphene is studied for its anti-oxidant properties and assistance in combating cardiovascular disease.
• Caryophyllene – a spicy terpene, Caryophyllene is thought to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This terpene may help to ease symptoms of insomnia, muscle spasms, and general pain.
• Delta-3-Carene – A terpene connected to pine and rosemary – This anti-inflammatory and reported bone stimulator has also been associated with assisting with memory faculties.
• Eucalyptol – Contrary to what its name may imply, this terpene is closer to a mint than eucalyptus. Offering anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, this terpene can aid in combating the effects of Alzheimer’s and offer some level of pain relief.
• Geraniol – A flowery scented terpene associated with peaches and rose grass, Geraniol may offer anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and neuroprotectant properties. Use cases would include cancer treatment and general pain relief.
• Humulene – An earthy scented terpene, Humulene provides anti-tumor effects alongside its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Humulene may also assist with appetite suppression.
• Limonene – Commonly associated with the bitterness and citrus flavor of lemon peels, Limonele has been studied for its ability to relieve anxiety and combat liver conditions as well as the bacteria responsible for causing acne.
• Linalool – A lavender-scented floral terpene associated with anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and anti-epileptic properties, Linalool is commonly used in those with conditions that cause seizures, depression, and insomnia.
• Myrcene – A spicy and citrus terpene, Myrcene is largely relied on for its relaxation and sedative properties.
• Pinene – A pine-scented terpene, Pinene has been associated with treatments for a number of ailments, from asthma and bronchitis to cancer and depression.
• Phytol – A sharp and floral terpene, Phytol is an immunosuppressant that may assist with skin irritations and wound healing as well as serve as a sleep aid.
• Terpinolene – A smoky and woody-scented terpene, terpinolene is considered to have antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It is thought to aid in the treatment of cancers, heart disease, and insomnia.
• Trans-nerolidol – a citrus and floral terpene, trans-nerolidol can assist with skin conditions due to its anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-parasitic properties.
• Valencene – A sweet and citrusy-scented terpene, Valencene is believed to provide anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties.

Terpene Interactions and the Entourage Effect

While terpenes on their own are already drawing a crowd from cannabis casuals and enthusiasts, it’s what they do in combination with other substances that has scientist excited.

According to Andrea Holmes, professor of chemistry and director of cannabis studies at Doane University in Crete, NE, terpene interactions with other substances in cannabis can be thought of “like a good marriage” she goes on to elaborate, “When you partner THC with limonene and pinene, it gives an ‘entourage effect’ that enhances the analgesic effect of THC. When you put them together, one plus one equals 10.”

These unique combinations of THC, CBD, terpenes, and other compounds could lead the way to advance cannabis medicine without the psychoactive stigma.

While the entourage effect has aroused interest from the scientific community, neurologist, founder, and CEO of CReDO Science, Ethan Russo, does not want that to be overlooked by the cannabis culture. He makes the case that, “Terpenes make the overall mixture more therapeutic. The effective dose of cannabinoids has a very narrow range.” Russo asserts that if the dose is too low, there is no benefit. However, if the dose is too high, unwanted side effects like anxiety emerge. With terpenes, according to Russo, “You can increase the dose to get more of a benefit with fewer side effects.”