Whether you are new to cannabis or a longtime canna-consumer chances are you’ve never heard of terpenes and that is perfectly okay. If you are smoking purely for recreational purposes, you may want to investigate terpenes to find a flavor profile you like. If you are smoking for therapeutic purposes, investigating terpenes can lead you down a road that produces a list of strains better suited to your ailments or specific tastes. In this article, we will cover what terpenes are and what specific terpenes do. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds or substances produced in plants and even some animals. Cannabis contains a staggering 100+ compounds that provide it with its flavor and aroma. Most of these are terpenes or sesquiterpenes1. There are 11 primary terpenes and 20 secondary terpenes that make up how a cannabis strain will taste and smell2 but many of them also provide therapeutic effects. Now, we don’t aim to keep you here all day, so we will cover the 11 primary terpenes to keep it simple!
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It can make up over 60% of the terp profile in some strains. Myrcene gives marijuana its dank, skunky aroma. Myrcene can be found in several other plants but is most prevalent in Mangos. Strains that contain high levels of Myrcene provide relaxing sedative like effects and aid in pain management.
Limonene
Limonene is the second most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It gives cannabis the citrusy taste and aroma. Limonene can be found in many citrus fruits as well as spices like rosemary. It is often added to cleaning products for its lemon smell3. Strains high in Limonene are known for their energetic buzz and creative stimulation.
Linalool
Linalool can be found in various plants such as lavender. If you have smoked or smelled a strain that smelled like typical flowers, chances are it was high in Linalool. Strains containing a high level of Linalool may aid in relaxation and even sleep.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene gives some strains their spice rack aroma and flavor as it can also be found in many spices such as black pepper and oregano, just to name a few. It also provides a subtle earthy taste of wood. Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties and possibly helps curb impulsive and addictive behaviors such as nail-biting.
Pinene
Pinene, not so surprisingly, tastes and smells just like it sounds, of Pine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to reducing risk or memory loss caused by excessive THC consumption. That doesn’t mean we suggest you try to smoke your way to a stable memory but that also doesn’t mean we’d discourage it in the name of science.
Humulene
Humulene, much like Caryophyllene, gives off the spice rack taste and aroma and is also found in many spices such as sage and clove. Also an anti-inflammatory4, Humulene has been linked to appetite suppression. We know what you’re thinking and yes, that is possible.
Terpineol
This rare terpene is often found in strains also containing high levels of Linalool. It gives off a lilac taste that is often masked by the lavender taste of Linalool. If you have smoked a strain that tastes floral and grape, it probably contained both terpenes. Terpineol is known for its calming mood enhancing properties good in helping fight anxiety.
Valencene
Valencene is another rare terpene often found in citrus fruits giving bud that citrusy flavor5 like Limonene. Valencene is an anti-inflammatory and shows signs of being an anti-allergen. This terp can often be found in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Terpinolene
This terpene can be found in soaps and perfumes. Terpinolene tastes and smells like a combination of a Pinene with Humulene or Caryophyllene giving off flavors of spice rack and pine. This has also been linked to anti-inflammatory benefits.
Geraniol
This terpene gives off hints of Tabaco and has been linked to having neuroprotective benefits.
Ocimene
Ocimene provides dank aromas like Myrcene and flavors of tropical fruit. Like most terpenes on this list, it is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The Secondary Terpenes: Phellandrene, Delta 3 Carene, Alpha-bisabolol, Eucalyptol, Pulegone, Sabinene, Trans-nerolidol, Camphene, Borneol, Phytol, Fenchol, Camphor, Nerolidol, Guaiol, Bergamotene, Selinene, Octanol, Terpinene, Geranyl Acetate, Isopulegol
Summation
Terpenes can be very important for specific people. If you need something therapeutic, there is probably a terpene for what ails you. If you are very selective about how your bud tastes, you can find strains with similar profiles to ones you like. The cannabis industry has blown up in the last ten or so years and cannabis breeding has come a long way in dialing specific effects and flavors. It seems like weed growers went to Baskin-Robbins and told them to hold their joint, and it is strangely coincidental Baskin-Robbins originally carried 31 flavors and there are 31 primary and secondary terpenes in cannabis. Stoners and ice cream; a match destined to happen. So, the next time you go to buy some THC products ask about the terp profile and help tailor your own experience.