What are Terpenes?
One of the aspects of medical cannabis that remains a mystery to many industry experts, and the one that most patients know little to nothing about, are the medicinal effects that terpenes have on the human body and mind.
Most people involved with cannabis have heard of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but few people know about terpenes and how they are an important component of their favourite medical cannabis strains.
All plants produce terpenes, which are the aromatic oils that generate each plant’s distinctive scent. These organic compounds are created by plants as a defense mechanism against animals and insects. They have also been proven to produce medicinal effects on the human body and mind.
Terpenes are a part of our everyday life. We use them in everything from food and perfumes to medicine. The use of plant-derived terpenes for holistic medicine is called Aromatherapy.
Depending on each terpene’s unique aroma profile, they can yield beneficial therapeutic effects on the body and mind like increased energy, mental clarity, stress relief, and can even help you to fall asleep. Aromatherapy has been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures around the world.
Most plants typically have uniform terpene profiles, for instance lavender consistently produces linalool, while lemons consistently produce limonene.
The uniformity and consistency of terpenes that occur in most plants differs when it comes to cannabis because the terpene profile changes drastically from one cannabis strain to another.
Why are Cannabis Terpenes Important?
Modern scientific research has identified over 200 terpenes in the cannabis plant. This current research implies that each strain of cannabis has its own unique combination of terpenes, that in turn produce distinctive aroma profiles and medical benefits. When terpenes are combined with cannabinoids, complex synergies occur that increase the medical efficacy of cannabis therapy; this result is called the “Entourage Effect.”
The Entourage Effect, in which terpenes play an important part, is thought to be the catalyst that generates the signature effects and medical benefits that specific cannabis strains produce. Without these terpenes medical cannabis is not as effective or as efficient.
Once you gain experience with different cannabis strains you will quickly be able to tell what a high quality strain specific cannabis flower will smell like due to its terpene profile.
What are some Examples of Terpenes found in Cannabis?
Below are ten of the most prominent terpenes that are found in our “mainstream” medical cannabis strains. As you go through the list, you will notice that there is a trend between the terpene profile and the strain’s characteristics and medical benefits.
Myrcene
Effects and Description: Most cannabis users are familiar with Myrcene, typically without knowing it. Myrcene is often associated with the heavier “couch-lock” and relaxation effects that accompany many Indica strains of cannabis. Myrcene produces aromas with ‘dank’ earthy smells and the scent of cloves and/or herbs.
Commonly found in: Wild thyme, hops, lemon grass, mango, myrcia and verbena flowers. Wild thyme leaves are roughly 40% myrcene by weight.
Examples of Strains high in Myrcene: Granddaddy Purple, Purple Kush, Shiskaberry, White Widow, Skunk #1, Cannatonic, Harlequin.
Pinene (α-Pinene and ß-Pinene)
Effects and Description: Pinene dilates the bronchial tubes allowing the patient to breathe easier. This has great potential medical benefits for patients who suffer from the symptoms of asthma. Other common effects caused by pinene include increased alertness and improved memory retention, meaning high pinene strains actually counteract some of the potential adverse effects of cannabis. Pinene smells as the name suggests, a pungent mixture of crushed pine needles and pine sap.
Commonly found in: Pine needles, pine nuts, dill, basil, sage, rosemary and parsley.
Examples of Strains high in Pinene: Pinene is found in some of the most popular medical cannabis strains like Bubba Kush, Romulan, Blue Dream, Trainwreck, Chemdawg, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Strawberry Cough and Super Silver Haze.
Linalool
Effects and Description: Linalool is a powerful agent for relieving symptoms of stress, it can have a positive influence on mood disorders, as well as alleviate inflammation and pain. Some studies even claim it may help with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Linalool smells loosely floral and most users associate the scent with lavender, as lavender, is one of the plants with the highest concentration of linalool.
Commonly found in: Lavender, mint, and other herbs in the lamiaceae family. Laurels, cinnamon, rosewood and other members of the rutaceae family. Birch trees and many other plants and fungi from both tropical and boreal regions.
Examples of Strains high in Linalool: Pink Kush, Lavender, LA Confidential, Grandaddy Purps and Amnesia Haze.
Caryophyllene
Effects and Description: Caryophyllene is the terpene responsible for the spicy aroma that some strains possess. The smell is unmistakable and similar to cloves or ground pepper.
Compared to other terpenes, Caryophyllene selectively binds to CB2 receptors creating an array of effects and potential medical benefits that most other terpenes do not. The activation of your CB2 receptors can help reduce inflammation; especially following injuries. One Study has shown this terpene can reduce the damage done by chronic inflammation in the brain and by doing so reduces the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Commonly found in: Cloves, Basil, Oregano, Cinnamon, Ylang-ylang, Black pepper and other spices.
Examples of Strains high in Caryophyllene: Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, Super Silver Haze, Chemdawg, and White Widow.
Limonene
Effects and Description: Limonene is the terpene most people associate with citrus fruit. It has a fresh citrus scent that can immediately relieve stress and elevate one’s mood. Medical patients have received relief from symptoms of nausea and stomach aches due to the medicinal effects of limonene. It has also been used in trials to treat cancer with inconclusive results, however it does appear to saturate the tumors and contribute to a slowing of cancerous growth.
Commonly found in: Naturally found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint. Also found in manufactured foods like ice cream, beverages, baked goods and puddings.
Examples of Strains high in Limonene: Hindu Kush, Gorilla Glue #4, Cinex, Sour Diesel and Super Lemon Haze.
Levomenol (α-Bisabolol)
Effects and Description: Medically speaking the molecule has been shown to be effective for topical use as a treatment for bacterial infections, as well as a great antioxidant that has anti-irritative and pain relieving properties.
Commonly found in: This terpene is found in chamomile flowers and the brazilian candeia tree. It exudes a sweet, floral aroma similar to the flowers it is drawn from.
Examples of Strains high in Levomenol: Harle-tsu, Headband, Sour Diesel, ACDC and Pink Kush.
Δ-3 Carene
Effects and Description: The anti-inflammatory effect of this terpene has helped with the treatment of osteoporosis, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Δ-3 Carene can also stimulate the mind and can aid in memory retention making it of particular interest in the medical application for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Commonly found in: Rosemary, basil, bell peppers and cedar trees. Δ-3 Carene has an aroma similar to that of the cypress tree; a woodsy sage scent with hints of sweetness throughout.
Examples of Strains high in Δ-3 Carene: Super Silver Haze and Super Lemon Haze.
Eucalyptol
Effects and Description: The scent is immediately recognizable with a fresh, cool minty aroma. Medical applications of Eucalyptol are generally to relieve pain and to slow the growth of bacteria and fungi when used topically. Eucalyptol also shows great promise in the treatment of asthma symptoms.
Commonly found in: As the name suggests this terpene comes almost exclusively from the eucalyptus tree.
Examples of Strains high in Eucalyptol: Super Lemon Haze, Headband and Girl Scout Cookies.
Camphene
Effects and Description: The aroma of this terpene is similar to the scent of fir needles, with undertones of earthiness and wood. While similar to Myrcene in scent, its effects are distinct. Most medical uses are for topical application, but when Camphene is combined with vitamin C it becomes a powerful antioxidant. Topical uses have shown success in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Commonly found in: Ginger and cypress. Camphene is also used in many fragrances and as a flavour additive in food.
Examples of Strains high in Camphene: ACDC, OG Kush and Mendocino Purps.
Geraniol
Effects and Description: Geraniol has a smell that reminds people of rose grass or sweet peaches. The majority of medical applications for Geraniol are a result of its antioxidant properties. Recent research has also shown that it has some neuroprotectant properties within the human brain. Geraniol has a smell that reminds people of rose grass or sweet peaches.
Commonly found in: Lemons or tobacco. Geraniol is most commonly used commercially in bath products and lotions.
Examples of Strains high in Geraniol: Strains such as Amnesia Haze, Island Sweet Skunk, Great White Shark, Afghani and Master Kush all contain Geraniol in trace amounts.
Final Thoughts
While THC and CBD are the rockstars of the cannabis scene, terpenes are the roadies, setting up the stage, getting the lights just right and making sure they shine their brightest.
In general, the medical and scientific research into the effectiveness of terpenes in the treatment of ailments and disorders has just started to gain attention from the medical community. With cannabis legalization occurring across large portions of the western world, we can expect to see more exciting discoveries in the near future about these molecules and their ability to revolutionize the way we look at cannabis as a medicine!
Please let us know what your experience has been like with terpenes and different strains by commenting below and be sure to join the Kanteeva community to learn more.
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