Oct 20, 2023

Cannabis Terpenes: Everything you need to know!

There’s a lot to love about cannabis — the way it looks, the way it makes you feel. But, much like other types of plants and flowers, perhaps our favorite attribute is its iconic smell. Skunky. Sweet. Makes your eyes roll back and your body tingle.
While cannabis has distinct characteristics, different varieties and strains have their unique smell, be it pine, musky, or citrus, that triggers the senses. Terpenes are the reason for these aromas and flavors. Terpenes themselves can also promote specific effects on the mind and body. Think about lavender’s soothing effect, or how palo santo gives you a cozy feeling.

So, What Exactly Are Terpenes?

To date, more than 200 different types of terpenes identified in cannabis alone. However, many are present in such minuscule amounts that they are often undetected even when tested at a lab.

Terpenes are oils secreted from plant trichomes and are what give plants their unique fragrance, including cannabis. Terpenes act as protectors for the plant. The strong scents repel predators, such as insects, animals, and other hazards found in the natural world. Various factors play a role in the development of terpenes in the plant, such as temperature, sunlight, fertilizer, and soil type.
Broadly, terpenes can be broken down into four flavor categories: sour, sweet, spicy, and bitter. Besides delivering delectable bliss to your nose and palate, terpenes also contain energizing, anxiety-reducing, and sedative effects.

Which Terpenes Should You Look Out For?

The right blend of terpenes can enhance aspects of your cannabis experience — a heady high or reducing pain sensations. Terpenes have a lot to do with the unique experience of each strain. Here are a few terpenes we felt deserved some spotlight:

Linalool

The terpene linalool — found in lavender — helps promote a peaceful state. Due to its rich tranquilizing effects, linalool works well together with cannabinoids and can increase sleep and relax your body.
Linalool helps:
- Reduce anxiety and manage stress
- Promote relaxation and is deeply sedating
- Manage pain

Myrcene

Myrcene is found in several aromatic plants, including eucalyptus, some citrus fruits, lemongrass, wild thyme, mangos and more. Aside from being highly aromatic.
Myrcene helps:
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieve muscle tension
- Has a soothing effect
- Increases the effects of THC

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that mimics cannabinoids like CBD. Mostly found in cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Caryophyllene helps:
- Manage the symptoms of arthritis
- Reduce inflammation
- Combating stress
- Promoting sleep
- Gastrointestinal issues

Limonene

Limonene is what gives citrus fruit its burst of flavor. It’s commonly found in fruit rinds and peppermint
Limonene helps:
- Enhance mood
- Reduce heartburn
- Acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent
- Treats gastrointestinal complications and heartburn
- Helps with depression

Pinene

Commonly found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil — pinene gives you a bright, fresh whiff of the outdoors.
Pinene helps:
- Increase alertness
- Improves memory retention
- Counteracts some THC effects

Terpenes & Cannabis: Working Together

Terpenes, much like cannabinoids, have therapeutic properties. From assisting with healthy brain function to helping balance your ECS — terpenes can work with cannabis to help you feel more in check.