Those same terpenes that give your flowers their wonderful aroma can also provide a variety of benefits that you may not be aware of! Continue reading to take a look at the top 10 most common terpenes and learn about their specific effects. Don’t miss it- we also introduce one extra terpene that is often mistaken for another (but may be the most important one!)
Terpenes Overview
Terpenes are organic compounds responsible for the special aromas of plants, produced by virtually all plants that include cannabis. Amazingly, some animals and insects also create terpenes. Whether you know it or not, if you buy your buds based on smell, you are using terpenes to help choose which bud you select rather than using the THC level. If a certain strain doesn’t smell as good to you, it could just be that your internal biochemistry meshes better with that particular bud so that it is more medicinally suited for you.
There are approximately 150 terpenes in cannabis that act synergistically with the other cannabinoids in the plant to create the “Entourage Effect,” making the medicinal value of the plant higher. Terpenes themselves have therapeutic properties and might help cannabinoids pass through our bloodstream. What is unique about terpenes is that they all affect things differently, and they interact with the neurotransmitters in our brain, which leads to various impacts on our mood.
Lots of research has gone into the terpenes in cannabis. Much of the terpenes have proven to be therapeutic, helping with things like pain, inflammation, depression, and anxiety, to name a few.
Other than the main terpenes, known as monoterpenes, which are found in large quantities, cannabis also contains various other terpenes, including di-terpenes and tri-terpenes. A single plant can have more than a hundred different terpenes! Here are 10 of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, in no particular order.
- Myrcene
Myrcene is the terpene found in the highest amounts in most cannabis strains, sometimes making up as much as 65 percent of the total terpenes in the bud. While Myrcene is primarily associated with cannabis, it is also present in mangoes, thyme, and lemongrass. In cannabis, it often has a scent reminiscent of musky fruit, dirt, or grapes.
This compound is present in greater amounts in Indica-dominant strains and is reported to potentiate the effects of THC. It has been described as sedating and causing relaxation and is reported to be effective in the treatment of inflammation and pain. This would then add to the therapeutic value of cannabis in such conditions.
2. Humulene
If you enjoy a nice cold brew, you probably appreciate humulene, the principal terpene in hops. You can also find it in basil, coriander, and most Indica-dominant strains. Humulene will leave you calm and creative but also suppress your appetite—to the extent that it’s now being researched as a weight loss supplement.
Early studies have indicated that humulene has anti-proliferative properties and is able to put a halt to the cycle of growth that cancerous cells experience. This compound has been reported to be bacterially infectious, fighting-and like so many other terpenes-reduce inflammation and analgesic properties.
3. Limonene
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in cannabis. The name limonene aptly describes that it occurs in many citrus fruits like limes, lemons, juniper, and peppermint. It is highly abundant in sativa-dominant strains.
Limonene will keep you alert, energetic, and uplifted. It is known to lower levels of stress while improving moods. It’s also proven to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, with some studies suggesting it could potentially shrink tumors.
4. Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene, also known as caryophyllene, is the only known terpene that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body. This spicy smell can be found in substances such as black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and most strains of Indica cannabis. This terpene can help promote feelings of focus, calmness, or refreshment.
Because it latches onto CB2 receptors, caryophyllene is primarily useful for anti-inflammatory effects. It also has potential analgesic and anxiolytic activities. Some mouse studies have shown that it even has the potential to treat alcoholism and lessen withdrawal symptoms.
5. Terpinolene
Terpinolene, sometimes known as Turbinol, is added to flavorings, perfumes, and cosmetics. Most notably, lilacs, apples, and tea trees contain this compound, though most Sativa dominant strains of cannabis bear it in abundant quantities. It has floral notes with lemon- and apple-like undertones by itself but joins with other terpenes and cannabinoids to relieve stress and cause relaxation; couch-lock can ensue. Also attributed to terpinolene are antioxidant and antibiotic properties. Linalool
Linalool, on the other hand, is a terpene responsible for the classic cannabis odor; it smells like marijuana. It is also found in rosewood, lavender, and most Indica-dominant strains. The sedative and relaxing properties of linalool have been well demonstrated; it becomes an excellent candidate for promoting sleep or relieving pain.
It seems Alpha-pinene actually refers to the two types, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. As a terpene, it has the typical fragrance of pine trees. It can also be found in rosemary, frankincense, and parsley, besides many sativa-dominant strains of cannabis.
Alpha-pinene is known to keep you alert, elevated, and activated. In addition to its elevation, this terpene plays a role in the respiratory processes, possibly minimizing THC-induced memory loss. It further has analgesic qualities for pain and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
6. Geraniol
Geraniol usually takes the number eight spot on many lists and smells something like a cross between roses and peaches. It can be found in roses, peaches, tobacco, blueberries, and most Indica-dominant strains of cannabis. It may help bring about feelings of calm and relaxation. Insects, in general, are not fond of this smell. This terpene also has potential as a neuroprotectant and has anti-inflammatory properties, much like most terpenes.
7. Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol is the dominant terpene in the eucalyptus tree; it has a super minty smell and is identical to that of eucalyptus. Eucalyptol is also present in bay leaves and mint and can be found in most Indica-dominant strains in smaller concentrations. Eucalyptol would more likely make you feel focused, stimulated, and motivated while working as an analgesic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. It even showed potential in early Alzheimer’s research.
We are almost at number ten on our list, but continue reading below to learn more about one more terpene that is often confused with others. It has some remarkable properties worth noting!
Delta 3 Carene
Delta 3 Carene is a terpene known for its sweet, cypress-like aroma. It can be found in bell peppers, cedar, rosemary, and in certain mini sativa dominant strains. This compound can produce feelings of joy and energy.
It is reported that Delta 3 Carene is involved in bone healing and may be used as a treatment for such diseases as arthritis and osteoporosis. Another area of research for this terpene has been its role in possibly improving memory retention, and it’s of interest in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, let’s discuss another intriguing terpene that has a unique scent and remarkable effects.
Camphor
Imagine a rainy, wet forest filled with pine trees. Now think of the scent of camphor, like that found in pain-relief creams. Often, people confuse the aroma of caffeine in cannabis buds with camphor because, with so many different terpenes present, they can smell remarkably similar.
Camphor is derived from cypress and ginger trees, and it’s commonly found in many indica-dominant strains. It can help you feel calm and relaxed, or even refreshed and renewed. Camphor also possesses numerous medicinal benefits. It has been combined with vitamin C to make a powerful antioxidant, which has been in use in many traditional medicines, including skin creams for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.
The camphor also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease since it reduces the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Much, however, remains to be discovered about camphor and other terpenes. For instance, the purple strains of cannabis are referred to as the “superfood” of the cannabis family. Future studies may well show that terpenes have far more interesting properties than this.
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