Terpenes

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They’re responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of vegetation. In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others.

They can also be processed into produce products, like cleaning solvents, pesticides, and dyes. Some even have therapeutic properties.

While nearly all plants contain terpenes, some of the more common sources people encounter them include:

• cannabis

• aromatic herbs, like sage and thyme

• citrus fruits

What do they do?

Terpenes are thought to protect plants from harsh weather and predators. As for what they do in humans, that’s still a bit of a mystery. But cannabis researchers and consumers alike are increasingly looking at terpenes as a way to classify cannabis products and predict their effects.

The main hypothesis is that the terpene profile — the dominant terpenes — of a strain work in tandem with the cannabinoid content — the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids — to produce the effects people associate with different strains.

For example, they might explain why two different strains with the same level of THC produce such different experiences.

Here are some commonly found terpenes in cannabis, what they do, and other important information to know about each one:

Glossary:

Agonist: a chemical that activate a receptor to produce a biological response

Analgesic: proving relief from pain

Monoterpene: a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units (a volatile organic compound) and have ten carbon atoms

BORNEOL:
Aroma: camphor
Found In: ylang-ylang, wormwood, sagebrush
Properties: antimicrobial, antioxidant, insect repellant, helps hypertension
Side-Effects:eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; harmful if swallowed

CARYOPHYLLENE: Caryophyllene oxide is the principal compound detected by drug-sniffing dogs. It is a selective agonist on the CB2 receptors which may help anxiety and depression

Aroma: spicy, woody

Found In: black pepper, cloves, hops, and rosemary

Properties: known to act on the CB2 receptor, and can be classified as a cannabinoid in its own right. May also work with CBC to produce antifungal effects.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-arthritis, anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-fungal, helps atypical dermatitis

Vaporize At: 246° F

Side-Effects:None reported

CITRAL: Makes up over 80% of the essential oil of several plant species. It comes in two types: 1. Citral-a, which is also called GERANIAL
2. Citral-b, which is also called NEURAL GERANIAL

Aroma: Citral-a: strong lemon

Citral-b: less intense, sweet, lemon

Found In: lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, and many citrus fruits

Properties: used extensively in perfumery, causes pheromonal effects in insects

Antioxidant and antimicrobial, helps gastrointestinal complaints

Side-Effects:causes allergies in a small percentage of people

EUCALYPTOL: dominates the terpene content of eucalyptus or gum tree

Aroma: pleasant camphor-like, with a spicy, cooling taste

Found In: eucalyptus trees, tea tree, wormwood, sweet basil, bay laurel

Properties: highly insecticidal and insect-repelling (but also attracts male orchid bees who collect the compound to synthesize pheromones).

Helps asthma. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-leukemia. Thought to inhibit cytokine production, and has properties related to mucus production and respiration. May also work in synergy with THC to produce energetic effects of some indicas.

Side-Effects: Toxic in high doses, as it causes respiratory and central nervous system defects in rodents

GERANIOL:

Aroma: floral, sweet, fruity

Found In: roses, palmerosa, citronella, geranium, lemon

Properties: used in perfumery and flavorings industries to create fruity and floral scents and flavors. It attracts honeybees, yet is strongly mosquito repellant.

Antioxidant and possible anti-tumor effects.

Side-Effects:Severe eye irritation and moderate skin irritation

GUAIOL:

Aroma: floral, woody, rose-like (not too dissimilar from geraniol)

Found In: higher levels of cannabis afghanica strains (those ones which are so commonly misnamed as indica) and lower levels in indica strains (which are commonly misnamed as sativa).

Also found in high levels in Guayaquil and cypress pine, two strong-smelling trees

Properties: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory; kills dust mites and allergens

Side-Effects:None reported

HUMULENE: Beginning with synthesis in the trichome head, humulene and other terpenes aid in a plant’s defense capabilities by helping to deter pests and prevent fungal infestations.

Aroma: earthy, hops, woody

Found In: hops, clove, ginger, ginseng, sage

Properties: analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, appetite suppressant

Vaporize At: 388° F

Side-Effects:None reported

LIMONENE: second most common terpene in nature, the third most common in cannabis
The D-isomer is the monoterpene responsible for fragrance of citrus fruits

Aroma: orange-lemon

Found In: citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits

Properties: helps dissolve cholesterol, demonstrates to facilitate transdermal delivery, reduces heartburn, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anxiety reducing

Vaporize At: 350° F

Side-Effects: None reported

LINALOOL: So common that even those who don’t use cannabis consume over two grams of linalool each year through their food, including numerous fruits and spices.

Aroma: lavender with a hint of spice

Found In: lavender and over 200 other different spices, plants, and flowers

Properties: antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, anti-depression, sedative, analgesic, and may even help with Alzheimer’s Disease

Vaporize At: 388.4° F

Side-Effects:None reported

MYRCENE: the number one occurring terpene in cannabis, it is a monoterpene that appears to alter the high of THC (making it more sedating).

Aroma: fresh, herbaceous, resinous, metallic

Found In: mangoes, ylang-ylang, wild thyme, bay laurel

Properties: analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, sedative (“couch locking”)

Vaporize At: 330° F

Side-Effects:Sedating

PINENE: the most commonly occurring terpene in nature

Aroma: piney, woody, fresh green

Found In: rosemary, sage, hops, cumin, some citrus fruits, most coniferous trees

Properties: helps parasitic infections, insect repellant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, broncho-dilatory, memory-boosting

Beta-pinene may have antidepressant effects that may be amplified by taking it with linalool.

Vaporize At: 312° F

Side-Effects:May be anxiety-inducing, particularly in combination with high levels of THC

Terpene of the Month

Use this link to answer questions of the terpene of the month!

A new terpene is posted on the 1st of each month, responses are due by the last day of each month.