Terpenes
Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.
Terpenes may play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity.
Terpenes are known to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.
Alpha-Pinene
Taste Description: Woody, piney, camphoraceous
Odor Description: Sweet, piney, earthy
Occurrence in Nature: Rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
Proposed Benefits:
Boosts energy, improves focus, bronchodilator, improves memory, anti-inflammatory
Gives evergreen trees their smell. Can counteract unwanted effects of THC such as anxiety and short-term memory.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Taste Description: Spicy, clove, woody, nut, powdery
Odor Description: sweet, woody, spice, clover, dry
Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, oregano, cloves, basil, rosemary
Proposed Benefits:
It’s been known to reduce inflammation in the brain and reduced chemicals that cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation. May help fight bacterial dental plaque build-up and helps provide pain relief topically.
Humulene
Taste Description: Herbal, woody, hoppy, spicy, earthy,
Odor Description: Woody, herbal, musty, hoppy, spicy, earthy
Occurrence in Nature: Basil, cardamom, grapefruit, lemongrass, orange, rosemary, allspice, sage
Proposed Benefits:
Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and a natural insecticide. Abundant in hops and is responsible for flavor, unmistakable tang and aroma of all varieties of beer. It’s known to suppress hunger.
Limonen
Taste Description: Sweet, orange, citrus, terpy
Odor Description: Sweet, citrus, peely
Occurrence in Nature: Anise, Cardamom, celery, parsley, rosemary, juniper
Proposed Benefits:
Improves mood, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, relieves nausea, helps boost body’s cancer fighting systems, anti-inflammatory, cell rejuvenator. Mostly found in sativa strains and found in the rind of citrus fruits.
Myrcene
Taste Description: Cooling, minty, citrus, green spicy, camphoraceous
Odor Description: Woody, citrusy, leafy, minty
Occurrence in Nature: Allspice, angelica, anise, basil, blueberry, cardamom
Proposed Benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, sedative, muscle relaxant, pain relief, analgesic, promotes sleep and relaxation. Mostly found in Indica strains.
Terpineol
Taste Description: Citrus, woody, lemon, lime, soapy
Odor Description: Pine, lilac, citrus, woody
Occurrence in Nature: Anise, Allspice, Apple, Apricot, Basil, Cinnamon
Proposed Benefits:
Pain relief, anxiety relief, antibiotic, antimicrobial effects, anti-seizure effects, gastro protective. Used in skin creams and salves, aromatherapy and helps keep immune system strong
Linalool
Taste Description: Citrus, orange, lemon, floral, waxy, aldehydic, woody
Odor Description: Citrus, orange, floral, terpy, waxy, rose
Occurrence in Nature: Allspice, anise, basil, bergamot, jasmin, lavender, nutmeg
Proposed Benefits:
Anti-anxiety, sedative, pain relief, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, prevents seizures. Calms and soothes and helps support body’s response to pain. It’s mainly found in Indica strains.