Cannabis enthusiasts know that the plant offers more than just cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The aromatic compounds known as terpenes play a crucial role in the overall cannabis experience. These compounds are responsible for the diverse aromas, flavors, and even therapeutic effects of cannabis strains.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 cannabis terpenes, their effects, benefits, and the strains where they are most commonly found.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aroma of a cannabis plant. Think of it like the aroma of a flower that can be extracted into an essential oil. Terpenes themselves have their own effects, benefits, and uses which can also affect the experience someone can have when consuming cannabis. Cannabis terpenes naturally occur on the plant and are a method of protection against predators. To name a few of some of the most common terpenes, there is Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Pinene, and Bisabolol. There are also some less frequently talked about terpenes like: Eucalyptol, Trans-Nerolido, Humulene, Delta 3 Carene, Camphene, Borneol, Terpineol, Valencene, and Geraniol.
Every terpene has its own benefits. To further break things down, we can get into details about each specific terpene and their terpene effects as well as their benefits, and in which strains they are most commonly found.
Myrcene
The most well-known terpene is Myrcene. Myrcene is known for it’s musky, earthy aroma similar to clove. Some medicinal properties associated with Myrcene are: sedation, muscle relaxation, analgesic effects (reduction in pain), and reduced swelling. This terpene is also known for its influence on cannabinoids such as CBD and THC and increasing their effects. One of the strains this terpene can be found in is White Widow.
Limonene
With a citrusy smell, Limonene offers a plethora of benefits such as: decreasing stomach acid, anti-anxiolytic effects, anti-depressant properties, helps in the absorption of other terpenes, and has shown some promise in preventing cancer and aiding in weight loss.
Linalool
Linanool is one of the floral terpenes which gives off a lavender aroma. It’s health benefits may be associated with anesthetics, anti-convulsants, analgesics, anxiety reduction, and may also restore cognitive and emotional function.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene which carries with it a peppery, woody, and spicy aroma or taste. It’s medicinal properties seem to be: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and the protection of cells lining the digestive tract.
Pinene (Alpha and Beta):
The most recognisable aromas of Pinene would be exactly what the terpene profile name entails, that being pine and fir. Unlike most other terpenes profiles, Pinene is a little different in its medicinal properties, aside from having anti-inflammatory and cancer prevention properties, Pinene acts as a bronchodilator and anti-bacterial. Some strains this terpene profile can be found in are Headband and Pink Kush.
Alpha-Bisabolol
Another floral terpene profile, Alpha-Bisobolol resembles scents of chamomile and candeia trees. This terpene is mainly used in the cosmetic side of the cannabis industry for treating miner topical bacterial infections and wounds, as well as being used as a topical antioxidant and analgesic. This terpene however, is found in strains such as Headband and Pink Kush as well.
Eucalyptol
Just as the name reveals, this terpene profile is responsible for the smell of eucalyptus. Some early research shows some hopeful effects on Alzheimer’s Disease. This terpene is most frequently found in strains like Super Silver Haze and Headband.
Trans-Nerolido
This terpene profile has plenty of benefits, and has very particularly pleasant aromas of rose, citrus, and apples. In terms of wellness aspects, this terpene is known for its anti-parasitic effects, antioxidant properties, its aid in cancer prevention, and its antimicrobial benefits. Strains that this terpene can be found in are Sweet Skunk, and Skywalker OG.
Humulene
Similar to the terpene Caryophyllene, this terpene profile is full of woody, spicy, and earthy tones. It is known for appetite suppression, medicinal aspects like anti-proliferation (of cancer cells), inflammation reduction, pain relief, and anti-bacterial properties. White Widow, Headband, GSC, Sour Diesel, Pink Kush, and Skywalker OG are some strains this terpene profile can be found in.
Delta 3 Carene
Rosemary, basil, bell peppers, cedar, pine, and sweet undertones are the aromas of this terpene profile. Delta 3 Carene aids in healing broken bones, osteoporosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and memory stimulation.
Camphene
Another earthy terpene, giving off a hint of dam woodlands, this terpene offers benefits both internally and topically, it acts as an antioxidant, aids in topical ailments like eczema, psoriasis when it is being used to on the affected area, and has shown evidence in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Cannabis strains such as Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, and Mendocino Purps are a few of the strains containing this terpene.
Borneol
This terpene has both a herbal and minty aroma and is a great natural insect repellent, there has also been a study which showed a reduction of breast cancer cells with it’s consumption. This terpene is found in Amnesia Haze and Golden Haze in small amounts.
Terpineol
A different type of floral terpene, this terpene profile gives off lilac and apple blossom aromas with a touch of citrus. It has been used as a relaxant, it is the terpene responsible for the ‘couch-lock’ effect, and it also has antibiotic and antioxidant properties. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and OG Kush contain Terpineol.
Valencene
Sweet Valencia oranges is what this terpenes aroma gives off, it is used as an insect repellent when burned thus, preventing insect-born viruses. Strains with Valencene are Tangie, and Agent Orange.
Geraniol
The last of the top 15 terpenes, and one of the least heard of is Geraniol, which has scents of rose grass, peaches, and plums. It is aromatherapeutic, a neuroprotectant, and an antioxidant. Though it is not commonly heard of, it is found in commonly known strains such as Amnesia Haze, Afghani, Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, and Master Kush.
Buy Cannabis based on Terpenes you are looking for.
Though none of this article is meant to be used as official medical advice, it is a great way to learn about each terpene and the aromas they give and even some of the reported benefits of each of the ones we consume.
