Terpenes are one of the essential parts of every cannabis product, but a big part of the cannabis community has no idea why they are so important. Here’s everything to know about them and how they can impact your cannabis experience!
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are naturally derived compounds found in various plants, including cannabis. These compounds are natural flavorants and aromatics that give cannabis its signature scent. Terpene content can vary, depending on the genetics of the cannabis plant. Some cannabis plants have one or two dominating terpenes, and some are more balanced and have layered flavors.
There are over 200 different terpenes that can be found in the cannabis plant alone, but it’s speculated that there are thousands of different types across other plants.
The most common terpenes and their signature aromas include:
- Limonene (citrus, bitter-sweet aroma)
- Pinene (crisp, woody, pine tree aroma)
- Myrcene (musky, earthy, and sometimes exotic aroma)
- Humulene (earthy or woody aroma)
- Linalool (floral, herbal aroma)
- Caryophyllene (woody or spicy aroma)
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene with zesty, citrusy, bitter-sweet notes that are popular both in the cannabis industry as well as the essential oil industry. Some popular strains that are high in limonene include Super Lemon Haze (sativa-dominant hybrid), Banana OG (hybrid), Lemon Skunk (sativa-dominant hybrid), and others.
Pinene
Pinene is a terpene found in pine needles, basil, rosemary, and cannabis plants. This terpene is popular for its refreshing, crisp aroma resembling the smell of a pine forest. Some popular strains high in pinene include Blue Dream (sativa-dominant hybrid), Harlequin (sativa-dominant hybrid), Big Smooth (indica-dominant hybrid), and others.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most popular terpenes across the cannabis industry, commonly present in commercial cannabis strains. This terpene is easily recognisable for its musky, earthy, and sometimes exotic flavour profile. Some popular strains high in myrcene include Grandaddy Purple (indica), Blue Dream (sativa-dominant hybrid), OG Kush (hybrid), and others.
Humulene
Humulene terpene can be found in hops, cannabis plants, sage, basil, ginseng, and various other plants. Humulene has a woody, earthy, spicy, and at times herbal scent. Some popular strains high in humulene include White Widow (hybrid), Girl Scout Cookies (indica-dominant hybrid), Sour Diesel (sativa-dominant hybrid), and others.
Linalool
Linalool is one of the most abundant terpenes across a large variety of plants, most notably lavender, mint, and cannabis. It’s a popular terpene due to its sweet, floral scent across the cosmetics industry as well as the cannabis industry. Some popular strains high in linalool include Lavender Kush (indica-dominant hybrid), Do-Si-Dos (indica-dominant hybrid), and others.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene with a distinct spicy, peppery aroma, which can be found in peppers, cannabis, and cinnamon. Some popular strains high in caryophyllene include Sour Diesel (sativa-dominant hybrid), Wedding Cake (indica-dominant hybrid), and others.
What’s the Difference Between Cannabinoids and Terpenes?
Both terpenes and cannabinoids are both naturally derived chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. While terpenes act as flavorants and aromatics, cannabinoids like THC and CBD produce certain effects in the human body. THC is the main psychoactive compound causing intoxicating effects, while CBD is known for its potential therapeutic effects.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect happens when terpenes and cannabinoids may work synergistically, enhancing and altering the overall effects of cannabis. This process is still being researched and studied in practice.
Several important elements play a role in cannabis effects, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles, dosage, personal tolerance to cannabis, and many other factors.
Choosing a cannabis product is easy when you know what to look for. Recognizing terpenes and their designated flavors can help with that choice. Find your nearest dispensary and get familiar with the wide selection of cannabis products that fit your potency and flavor preferences.