What Are Terpenes? Exploring the Secret Ingredients in Cannabis

Ingredients in Cannabis

Terpenes are a class of natural aromatic substances found in most plants, including the cannabis plant. They know to be responsible for the plant’s unique, soothing aroma. Basically, terpenes are what you smell, and so learning about them will help you appreciate marijuana even better. Studies point to the fact that some terpenes promote stress-relief and relaxation while others promote acuity and focus.

Quite simply, terpenes are aromatic or essential oils that flavor the varieties of the cannabis plant. Over 100 terpenes recognized in cannabis, but each strain of the plant has a unique terpene composition. Which explains why some may smell cheesy. While others may smell like berries although more studies needed to fully understand this. It’s quite likely that the terpene compositions of these varieties play a significant role in determining and distinguishing their effects.

Also, the effects of a single terpene may vary in different strains owing to the presence of other compounds. This is known as the entourage effect.

Top 8 Cannabis Terpenes

Below is a brief guide to introduce the eight foremost terpenes found in varying percentages throughout all cannabis strains and the strains predominant in.

• Myrcene – Blue Dream

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in modern commercial marijuana and is thought to have a calming, sedating, and relaxing effect. Other plants that possess myrcene include thyme, lemongrass, hops, and mango. Myrcene has a musky, herbal aroma that’s a combination of cardamom, cloves, earth.

Potentially, myrcene could be useful as an antioxidant, as well as in therapy for insomnia, inflammation, and pain.

• Limonene – Strawberry Banana

Believed to relieve stress and anxiety, limonene is a terpene with a citrus smell that’s also found in lemon and orange rinds as well as in rosemary, peppermint, and juniper plants. Associated with stress relief and improved mood.

Limonene is being studied for the treatment and relief of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and cancer

• Caryophyllene – GSC (Girl Scout Cookies)

This is the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid (an active ingredient of the cannabis plant, e.g., THC and CBD). This means that caryophyllene stimulates the endocannabinoid system, which produces anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving effects.

Caryophyllene is also present in cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon and possesses the potential to treat pain, anxiety, depression, and ulcers.  The terpene has an aroma with a woody, peppery, spicy, clove-like smell. It can help treat pain, anxiety, depression, and ulcers.

• Terpinolene – XJ-13

Terpinolene is the dominant terpene in one in ten cannabis varieties. This terpene found in nutmeg, lilac, tea tree, conifers, apple, and cumin plants, identified by a herbal, piney, and floral aroma.

The therapeutic potentials of terpinolene include antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It also has uplifting effects.

• Pinene – Big Smooth

The most abundant terpene in the natural world, pinene, may be useful for treating pain, inflammation, and anxiety.  Found in pine needles, dill, rosemary, parsley, and basil.

Studies show pinene’s potential for treating ulcers, asthma, cancer, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. The effects of consumption of pinene include may include alertness and memory retention. Also thought to counter some effects of THC.

• Humulene – Gelato

With a herbal, woody, and earthy aroma, humulene is found in hops, wood, coriander, basil, and cloves. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ocimene – Clementine

Ocimene’s sweet aroma mix of citrus, herbal, woody, and earthy makes it a useful ingredient in perfume production. Also found in mint, orchids, mangoes, pepper, basil, kumquats, and parsley. It has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and decongestant properties.

• Linalool – Zkittlez

This terpene has a floral smell thought to have calming and relaxing effects. Linalool may be useful for sedation and mood improvement. It is also present In lavender and birch bark.

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