EDUCATION
Terps
Terpenes, simply put, are organic hydrocarbons that are fundamental to the development of taste and smell. However, terpenes are far more than that as research indicates that there are diverse therapeutic potentials including antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and pain-relieving properties. Before you continue reading, it is important to recognize that the study of terpenes is still in its infancy, necessitating further research to deepen our comprehension of their properties.
Terpenes play a significant role in cannabis by contributing to its aroma, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects. These organic compounds are synthesized in the same glands as cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and are responsible for the distinctive scent profiles of different cannabis strains. Beyond sensory attributes, terpenes also interact synergistically with cannabinoids in what is known as the entourage effect, potentially influencing the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis products. This interaction is believed to enhance or modify the effects of cannabinoids, contributing to the diverse experiences reported by cannabis users.
Types of Terpenes
Terpinolene
- Woody aroma
- Mildly sedative / Anti-Anxiety / Anti-Depressant / Anti-Cancer / Anti-microbial / Anti-inflammatory
- Terpinolene is a terpene found in various plant species, including cannabis, pine trees, and sage. It’s characterized by a fresh, woody aroma with hints of citrus and herbal notes. Terpinolene is known for its potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is commonly used in perfumes, cosmetics, and as a flavoring agent in food products. In cannabis, it contributes to the overall aroma and may also have sedative effects in higher concentrations.
Ocimene
- Sweet Aroma (Mint/Basil)
- Decongestion / Anti-inflammatory
- Ocimene is a terpene found in various plants, including mint, parsley, and cannabis. It emits a sweet, herbal, and citrusy aroma with hints of woodiness. Known for its potential antifungal and antimicrobial properties, ocimene is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavorings. In cannabis, it contributes to the overall scent profile and may have potential therapeutic benefits, although further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Caryophyllene
- “Pot Smell” (Black Pepper / Hops)
- Anti-Inflammatory / Pain Reliever / Aids in digestion / Antioxidant / Anti-Anxiety / Anti-Depressant
- Caryophyllene is a terpene found in numerous plants, including cannabis, cloves, and black pepper. It has a spicy, woody aroma with hints of pepper and citrus. Notably, caryophyllene interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, making it unique among terpenes as it acts like a cannabinoid. This interaction may contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Caryophyllene is used in various applications, from aromatherapy to food flavoring, due to its distinctive scent and potential health benefits.
Humulene
- Strong Spicy / Earthy Smell (Hops)
- Anti-Inflammatory / Appetite Suppressant / Active mechanism in fighting tumors / Assist in terminating cancer cells / Anti-Bacterial properties
- Humulene, also known as α-humulene, is a terpene commonly found in hops, cannabis, and various herbs like basil and sage. It emits a woody, earthy aroma with spicy herbal notes. Humulene is known for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and appetite-suppressant properties. It’s used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its therapeutic benefits, and contributes to the distinct aroma of hops in beer
Limonene
- Found in citrus (Fruit like smell and flavor)
- Immune Boosting / Anti-Acid / Cholesterol reducing / Anti-Depressant
- Limonene is a terpene found in the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, as well as in cannabis and various herbs. It has a citrusy aroma, reminiscent of fresh lemon or orange zest, with uplifting and mood-enhancing qualities. Limonene is widely used in aromatherapy for its potential stress-relieving and anti-anxiety effects. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a common ingredient in cleaning products and cosmetics.
Myrcene
- Earthy aroma
- Sedation / “Body High” / Relaxation / Reduces Pain / Block cancer causing effects / Antioxidant / Antimicrobial
- Myrcene is a prominent terpene found in cannabis, hops, mangoes, and lemongrass. It has an earthy, musky aroma with hints of cloves and fruity undertones. Myrcene is known for its potential sedative and relaxing effects, making it a common component in herbal medicine and aromatherapy. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties and could enhance the permeability of cell membranes, aiding in the absorption of cannabinoids like THC.
Linalool
- Associated with Lavender, Rosewood, and Jasmine
- Anti-anxiety / Calming / Anti-Convulsant / Antimicrobial / Sedative / Anti-Depression / Stress Relief
- Linalool is a terpene found in lavender, mint, and cannabis, known for its floral and spicy aroma with hints of lavender and citrus. It’s prized for its calming and relaxing effects, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. Linalool also exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a valuable component in skincare products and traditional medicine.
Nerolidol
- Woody aroma found in Jasmine & Tea Tress
- Antioxidant / Antifungal / Anti-cancer / Anti-microbial / Anti-anxiety
- Nerolidol is a terpene found in ginger, jasmine, and cannabis, known for its woody and floral aroma with citrus undertones. It is recognized for its potential sedative and relaxing effects, often used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine to promote sleep and reduce anxiety. Nerolidol also exhibits antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it valuable in skincare products and as a natural insect repellent
Pinene
- Pine tree smell
- Anti-inflammatory / Bronchodilator / Assists with memory / Anti-Bacterial / Anti-Anxiety / Pain
- Pinene is a terpene found abundantly in pine trees, as well as in other coniferous trees, rosemary, and cannabis. It has a distinct aroma resembling pine needles or fir trees, with earthy and herbal notes. Pinene is known for its potential bronchodilator properties, which may help improve airflow and respiratory function. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making it valuable in traditional medicine and aromatherapy.
Borneal
- Scent is similar to camphor or menthol / naturally present in ginger, rosemary, camphor, and thyme
- Anit-Inflammatory / Neuroprotective / Anesthetic / Antioxidant properties / Effective topical pain reliever / Anticoagulant / Shown to enhance therapeutic effects of certain drugs
- Borneol is a terpene found in several aromatic plants, including camphor, mint, and rosemary. It possesses a distinctive menthol-like aroma with hints of camphor and pine. Borneol is known for its potential medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. It has been used historically in traditional Chinese medicine and other herbal practices for its therapeutic benefits.
Valencene
- Scent is similar to citrus, fresh herbs, or freshly cut wood
- Anti-oxidant / Anti-inflammatory / Anti-allergenic properties / Anti-Anxiety
- Valencene is a terpene mainly found in Valencia oranges and other citrus fruits like grapefruits and tangerines. It emits a sweet, citrusy aroma reminiscent of oranges, with slightly bitter undertones. Valencene is used in the fragrance industry for its pleasant scent and is also being studied for potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Camphene
- Can be found in Douglas fir, camphor tree, nutmeg, cypress oil, and valerian
- Antimicrobial / Antiviral / Anti-inflammatory / can provide cough relief
- Camphene is a terpene found in certain essential oils, such as camphor oil, ginger oil, and pine oil. It has a pungent, earthy aroma with hints of pine and herbal notes. Camphene is known for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is used in traditional medicine and in the fragrance industry for its distinctive scent.
Farnesene
- Sweet & fruity / found in green apple skin, sandalwood, ginger, oranges, grapefruit, hops, turmeric, cedarwood, patchouli, chamomile
- Sedative properties / Anti-Anxiety / Anti-inflammatory / boosts gut health
- Farnesene is a terpene found in various plants, including apples, hops, and chamomile. It has a sweet, herbal aroma with hints of citrus and woody undertones. Farnesene is known for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s used in aromatherapy and cosmetics for its soothing effects on the skin and potential benefits for overall health.
Bisabolo
- Can also be found in chamomile tea
- Anti-inflammatory / Anti-irritant / Antioxidant / Antimicrobial / Analgesic
- Bisabolol, also known as α-bisabolol, is a terpene found in chamomile and other plants. It has a delicate floral aroma with hints of citrus and spice. Bisabolol is valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a common ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics. It may also have antimicrobial effects,
contributing to its use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy.
Eucalyptol
- Can also be found in eucalyptus, bay leaves, cardamom, tea tree, and sage / described as “minty”
- Relieve sinus & nasal congestion / Anti-inflammatory / positive effects on cognitive function
- Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is a terpene found in eucalyptus, tea tree, and bay leaves. It has a fresh, minty aroma with hints of camphor and spice. Eucalyptol is known for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and decongestant effects. It’s commonly used in medicinal preparations such as cough drops, inhalants, and topical ointments for its soothing qualities and ability to promote respiratory health.
