Terpenes are infamous for delivering the taste and smell of various plants, including cannabis and hemp flower. However, they are so much more than aromatics. They deliver an array of therapeutic benefits and help to dictate the experience one has with cannabis and hemp flower. In this guide we will discuss what terpenes are, and what to expect from the eight main terpenes in North America.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create a plant’s characteristic scent and taste that also carry a wide range of therapeutic benefits. There are over 100 different types of terpenes that have been identified in nature, and of those, there are eight main ones that we primarily see in hemp and cannabis plants. Each individual hemp and cannabis strains have a distinct terpene profile that allows one to choose the experience they desire. For example, a citrusy strain filled with limonene would be great for daytime use and mood support, while a heavy myrcene strain helps one get a good night’s sleep and is ideal for medical patients who need deep body relief.
Terpenes are found in all plants and can be leveraged to boost cannabis and hemps therapeutic value. Anecdotal evidence has found eating a terpene rich food 45 minutes prior to ingesting hemp or cannabis with the same terpene can elevate the effects felt by those who consume.
The Power of Terpenes
In North America there are eight main terpenes. They are myrcene, limonene, linalool, caryophyllene, ocimene, terpinolene, a-pinene, and humulene. These are also the most common ones seen in both hemp and cannabis strains. Let’s take a deeper dive into these terpenes, their benefits, and where they can be found in nature.
Myrcene
Aromatic Profile: Earthy, Fruity, Clove
Naturally Occurring In: Mangos, Bay Leaves, Hops, Lemongrass, Thyme, Chamomile
Benefits:
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Catabolic (potentially useful in slowing cartilage destruction and osteoarthritis progression)
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Sleep Support
- Muscle Relaxant
- Neuroprotectant (Brain Health)
- Antioxidant
Myrcene has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. In countries where lemongrass is native, people would often chew lemongrass stalks to harness the anti-bacterial power of myrcene to improve their dental health and keep their mouth fresh.
A strain high in myrcene is a great ally for those seeking deep relief, such as chronic pain patients. While some may feel myrcene is great for sleep, many patients with chronic pain find it is what they need to combat high levels of pain and have a higher level of functionality throughout their days.
Humulene
Aromatic Profile: Earthy and woody with spicey herbal undertones
Naturally Occurring In: Black Pepper, Clove, Basil, Hops, Sage
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Appetite Suppressant
- Pain Relief
In the 1400’s the use of hops was prevalent to harness the many terpenes and benefits the plant holds. In 1406, the Coat of Arms and the King would soak in cold brewery sludge, which contained hops extract, for its rejuvenating effects.
A strain with humulene would be great for those who are not looking to increase appetite with cannabis and hemp use. On the other hand, a strain with humulene is crucial to avoid if you are using cannabis and hemp to increase appetite.
Caryophyllene
Aromatic Profile: Spicy and Peppery
Naturally Occurring In: Lavender, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Clove, Hops, Copaiba
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Sleep Support
- Antioxidant
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-bacterial
Caryophyllene is known as the first dietary terpene as it is a common component in food and has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) certification from the FDA for use in food.
A caryophyllene strain is great to reach for to ease aches and pains from a long day. A topical with CBD and black pepper extract is a great way to harness the synergistic power of cannabinoids and terpenes to target a specific area on the body that needs relief.
Limonene
Aromatic Profile: Citrus and Fruity
Naturally Occurring In: Citrus fruits and rinds, Mint, Rosemary, Fennel
Benefits:
- Anti-Anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Uplifts Mood
- Increases Energy
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Antioxidant
- Gastrointestinal Support
Limonene’s anti-bacterial benefits have been harnessed many years and plants with limonene are commonly added to a wide range of cleaning products.
A hemp or cannabis strain with limonene would be great for daytime use as it increases energy and helps to manage daily stress.
Terpinolene
Aromatic Profile: Piney and Floral, with citrus and herbal undertones
Naturally Occurring In: Nutmeg, Cumin, Tea Tree, Sage, Apples
Benefits:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-fungal
- Sleep Support
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain Relief
- Promotes Relaxation
Tea tree oil is a popular way to use terpinolene. Today many use the oil to help with external conditions, such as acne, nail fungus, athletes’ foot, and insect bites.
A strain with terpinolene is a great way to relax the whole body and is ideal to reach for after a long day.
Linalool
Aromatic Profile: Floral, Lavender
Naturally Occurring In: Lavender, Mint, Coriander, Bergamot, Tea Tree Oil
Benefits:
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Muscle Relaxant
- Pain Relief
- Neuroprotectant (Brain Support)
- Sleep Support
- Anti-Depressant
- Anti-Anxiety
In Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East, lavender was used as an anti-septic medicine and was used to treat a wide range of conditions including memory loss, fainting, insomnia, and headaches.
Linalool is a great terpene for medical patients with chronic pain to incorporate into their routine. It helps to relax the whole body and release tight muscles.
Ocimene
Aromatic Profile: Sweet Herbal with citrus and woodsy undertones
Naturally Occurring In: Mint, Lavender, Parsley, Basil, Black Pepper, Tarragon
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-viral
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-convulsant
- Insecticide
- Gastrointestinal Support
Plants high in ocimene have been traditionally used in the Middle East as a preservative to extend the shelf life of dairy products. It is also an important terpene for the social regulation of bee colonies.
A strain high in ocimene would be great to reach for to sooth inflammation.
Pinene
Aromatic Profile: Pine, Woodsy
Naturally Occurring In: Pine resin and needles, Pine nuts, Sage, Basil, Dill, Eucalyptus
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial
- Respiratory Support
- Anti-viral
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotectant (Brain Support)
- Anti-depressant
Have you ever walked into a pine forest and immediately felt like your airways open as you inhale the woodsy and pine scents? That’s the power of pinene at work!
A strain with pinene is great for calming the mind and body simultaneously.
The power of terpenes can be harnessed to achieve the experience you desire from your hemp or cannabis products. Along with the terpenes in the strain of hemp or cannabis flower, you can also add terpene rich foods to your diet to help elevate the therapeutic effects even more. Additionally, it allows one to know what to buy once they learn they favorite terpenes. When shopping for cannabis or hemp, this knowledge can be leveraged to buy strains with similar terpene profiles and gone are the days of buying a strain that makes you feel less then elated. Take note of how each product affects you and soon you will know exactly what terpenes you need for the experience you desire.
