What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are strong smelling oils that account for the wide variety of different scents we can detect in strains of cannabis. Located In the resin glands of the flowers, these oils are not unique to cannabis and can be found in several fruits, herbs and other forms of vegetation as well.

When inhaled, terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system, assisting cannabinoids in their penetration of the blood-brain barrier. As such, terpenes have an effect on neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing the production and destruction of both dopamine and serotonin. Though there are a number of different terpenes, here are ten of the most common.

Limonene

Limonene is a terpene with a citrus flavour that can promote weight loss and aid in the treatment and prevention of different forms of cancer. It is also useful in treating bronchitis and is often included in medicinal skin creams.

Myrcene

Myrcene has an earthy, musky flavor with distinct fruit hints. An effective muscle relaxer and sedative, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and gives users the stony, tired feel that is characteristic of most indicas.

Alpha Bisabol

Alpha Bisabol has a floral aroma and is effective at fighting bacteria, deodorizing a living space and healing wounds. The strain ‘Oracle’ has high levels of this terpene in it.

Linalool

Linalool is a spicy terpene that can be found in cannabis as well as cinnamon, mint and even funghi. From a medicinal perspective, it can treat liver cancer and help modulate motor movements. It has also proven effective as an anti-inflammatory.

Borneol

Borneol has an earthy aroma that can help treat insomnia and is an effective analgesic. A strain with a high amount of Borneol is K-13.

Delta 3 Carene

Looking for a terpene that dries fluids ranging from runny noses, to tears, to menstruation? Give “Delta 3 Carene” a try!

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is a spicy terpene that is used in many different products such as mouthwash, body powder and cough suppressants. In cannabis plants, eucalyptol is typically found in very small amounts. An analysis of the silver haze strain, for example, only showed 0.06% eucalyptol content.

Pinene

You know that smell that pine trees have? Well that comes from the terpenes alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Found in a number of marijuana strains, pinene is useful as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Caryophyllene

Most people think hops and hoppy flavours are exclusive to craft beers and india pale ales. Not the case! The terpene Caryophyllene also has this flavor and is useful in treating both anxiety and depression. Soil-grown cannabis has been shown to contain 0.33% caryophyllene.

Camphene

Camphene has an herbal aroma and is an effective antibiotic. Studies have shown it has significantly higher concentrations in Indica strains.

The fact that each terpene has a different set of medical benefits is enormously promising. As soon as a new one gets identified, researchers are able to extract it and begin clinical testing. Though the precarious legal status of marijuana is a constant impediment, the discovery and extraction of new terpenes will hopefully provide natural medical relief to suffering patients around the globe.