Terpenes are a better way to predict the effects of cannabis, but it’s a confusing topic, so let’s clear things up for you with this blog.
When most of us explore new cannabis strains, we keep an eye out for heavy hitters with high CBD and THC levels.
While these powerful cannabinoids affect your smoking experience, our budtenders have the inside scoop on the compound that may have more of an impact than you realize: Terpenes.
The components of the cannabis flower that contribute to their unique flavor, aroma, appearance, and smoking experience, terpenes are just beginning to gain attention for the role they play. Here’s everything you need to know about terpenes, including what they are, how to spot them, and the ways they impact your cannabis experience.
Everything We Think You Should Know About Cannabis Terpenes
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are a naturally occurring compound that creates the appearance, flavor, and aroma of certain types of plants, including cannabis. Plants produce terpenes to draw in pollinators and keep predators at bay. They also happen to play a role in creating an unforgettable smoking experience, possibly through the mechanism of the “entourage effect,” which happens when cannabinoids and terpenes interact. Often plant terpenes are distilled to create essential oils.
How do terpenes work?
While some of the mechanisms behind cannabis terpenes remain a mystery, studies show that terpenes interact with THC to produce a distinctive effect by engaging differently with the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain. Some terpenes are considered psychoactive, and they could have several beneficial effects, including the treatment of certain mental health conditions. A terpene that relieves pain and fights bacterial infections or reduces inflammation is often reported as a beneficial effect as well, although more research is needed to know for sure. If a cannabis plant has an abundant terpene profile heavy in any particular terpene, it might produce particular effects.
How many terpenes are there?
Because there are so many factors that impact how and why terpenes develop in any plant, there are as many types of terpenes as there are plants! The soil a plant grows in, the weather it experiences, and the time of day it blooms all have an impact, resulting in over a hundred distinct types of cannabis terpenes that have been identified by researchers.
What are the most common terpenes found in cannabis?
While there are hundreds of terpenes out there, only a few are likely to show up in most commercial strains of cannabis. Here’s a quick list of the most common terpenes. Scroll down for more information about each type.
Limonene
Aromas
- Citrusy
- Bright
- Lemon Meringue
Limonene Effects
- Creative
- Energetic
- Enlivening
Popular Cannabis Strains With Limonene
- Ice Cream Cake
- Do Si Dos
- Jet Fuel
Limonene Is Also Found In
- Rosemary
- Juniper
- Peppermint
- Citrus
Myrcene
Myrcene Aromas
- Sweet
- Herbaceous
Myrcene Effects
- Relaxing
- Euphoric
- Soothing
- Calming
Popular Cannabis Strains With Myrcene
- Blue Dream
- Bubba Kush
- Mango Kush
Myrcene Is Also Found In
- Lemongrass
- Mango
- Hops
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene Aromas
- Spicy
- Peppery
Caryophyllene Effects
- Soothing
- Energizing
Popular Cannabis Strains With Caryophyllene
- GSC
- Bubba Kush
- Sour Diesel
Caryophyllene is Also Found In
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
Linalool
Linalool Aromas
- Floral
- Lavender
Linalool Effects
- Soothing
- Anti-Anxiety
- Relaxing
- Couch-Locked
Popular Cannabis Strains With Linalool
- Granddaddy Purple
- Do Si Dos
- Lavender
- Kosher Kush
Linalool is Also Found In
- Lavender
- Laurel
- Rosewood
- Sweet Basil
Pinene
Pinene Aromas
- Pine
- Rain-Soaked Leaves
Pinene Effects
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Moderately Energetic
Popular Cannabis Strains With Pinene
- Cherry Gelato
- Lucid Blue
- LA Confidential
Pinene Is Also Found In
- Pine Trees
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Dill
Humulene
Humulene Aromas
- Spicy
- Earthy
- Woody
Humulene Effects
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Bacterial
- Soothing
Popular Cannabis Strains With Humulene
- Sherbert
- GSC
- Death Star
Humulene Is Also Found In
- Hops
- Ginseng
- Black Pepper
Camphene
Camphene Aromas
- Woody
- Bergamot
- Spice
Camphene Effects
- Pain Relieving
- Soothing
- Anti-Bacterial
Popular Cannabis Strains With Camphene
- Mendocino Purps
- Ghost OG
- Banana Kush
Camphene Is Also Found In
- Douglas Fir
- Pine
- Camphor
Borneol
Borneol Aromas
- Fresh
- Minty
- Bright
Borneol Effects
- Stress Relieving
- Relaxing
Popular Cannabis Strains With Borneol
- Haze OG Kush
- Sour OG Cheese
Borneol Is Also Found In
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Ginger
Valencene
Valencene Aromas
- Sweet Orange
- Fresh Herbs
Valencene Effects
- Alert
- Euphoric
- Energized
Popular Cannabis Strains With Valencene
- Agent Orange
- ACDC
- Sour Diesel
Valencene Is Also Found In
- Orange
- Mango
- Grapefruit
Geraniol
Geraniol Aromas
- Sweet
- Citrusy
- Lemony
Geraniol Effects
- Relaxing
- Soothing
- Anti-Inflammatory
Popular Cannabis Strains With Geraniol
- Purple Punch
- Black Cherry Soda
- Lemon G
Geraniol Is Also Found In
- Peaches
- Rose Oil
- Lemon Grass
Terpineol
Terpineol Aromas
- Floral
- Fruity
- Lilac Notes
Terpineol Effects
- Pain Reducing
- Sedating
- Anti-Inflammatory
Popular Cannabis Strains With Terpineol
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Skywalker OG
- Blue Dream
Terpineol Is Also Found In
- Cardamom
- Pine Oil
- Cajuput Oil
With a cursory understanding of cannabis terpenes, you can better predict your experience. But if you have more questions, we’re always here to help. So drop by and ask your High Country Healing budtender about cannabis terpenes. It’s why we’re here!
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