Terpene FAQ

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that give it its unmistakable musky, skunky, & pungent aroma. It also determines the scent of many flowers & herbs. 

Cannabis contains more than 150 types of terpenes. Although most terpenes are present in only trace amounts, the more prominent ones team together, to give cannabis strains their signature scent profiles.

For example, the combination of terpenes in Sour Diesel tell you of its pungent, gassy character, while Cherry Pie evokes the pleasant scent of sweet & sour cherry pie fresh out of the oven.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TERPENES?

Beyond providing cannabis with its unique bouquet of scents, terpenes also hold diverse functions in the plant, & can produce a range of therapeutic & mood-altering effects. 

Until recently, people have been focused almost exclusively on the therapeutic qualities of THC & CBD, but it’s becoming apparent that terpenes are medicinal powerhouses too. 

Evidence suggests that all the plant compounds (not just THC & CBD) in cannabis work together synergistically to produce the sensations & effects of cannabis. This is known as the “entourage effect”, where the whole of all compounds present in cannabis are “more together” than the sum of its parts.

The dominant terpenes of a strain work in tandem with the THC, CBD, & other cannabinoids to produce the effects people associate with different strains. This will explain why two different strains with the same level of THC produce such different experiences.

 

WHAT TERPENES ARE MOST PREDOMINANT IN CANNABIS?

PINENE

This compound is commonly derived from the resin in pine trees. Like trees, in other plants, it also has that wonderful outdoorsy, earthy aroma. As a therapeutic remedy, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and bronchial dilator. Haze Berry, OG Kush, & Blue Dream tend to have a higher amount of Pinene. 

 

MYRCENE

Be prepared if you use a strain of marijuana with this terpene. It’s known for an overall body relaxation, also known as “Couch-Lock". Another fundamental property is the ability to enhance absorption through the skin & to also increase the number of cannabinoid substances in the brain.

More cannabinoids in the brain give the user a sense of euphoria. The scent is an earthy, clove-like smell. Marijuana strains with this terpene include OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, & Grape Ape. Myrcene is also a chemical in hops, the major component in beer. 

 

LIMONENE

With its bright, citrusy scent, Limonene’s aroma is a mood elevator. Its uplifting qualities help to reduce anxiety & depression. Another therapeutic property is as a digestive aid. This compound is found in Wedding Cake, Lemon Kush, & Berry White.

 

CARYOPHYLLENE 

Caryophyllene is one of the most common terpene found in cannabis. It has potential pain-relieving effects as a direct result of inflammation reduction, & it is also believed to have anticancer properties. In addition, caryophyllene might have potential antibacterial, antifungal, & antiseptic properties.

Cannabis varieties that contain high concentrations of caryophyllene include Bubba Kush, OG Kush, Chemdawg, Sour Diesel, Rockstar, & Skywalker OG.

Fun fact: most cannabis strains will likely contain some caryophyllene. 

 

DO THEY GET YOU HIGH?

Terpenes won’t make you feel high in the traditional sense. Still, some are considered to be psychoactive, because they affect the brain.

While terpenes aren’t intoxicating on their own, some think they may impact the effects of THC.

Many consumers place far too much emphasis on the THC content when choosing a strain. One should also look at the terpene profiles to get their desired effects.