Ok so what are Terpenes and why are they such a big deal?
Terpenes are aromatic oil compounds that are found, not just in cannabis but in the entire world around us. There are over 20,000 types out there and about 120 have been identified so far in Cannabis. Terpenes is what give cannabis it’s distinctive smell and plays a role in how cannabis interacts with our body and together with THC and CBD (and other cannabinoids) plays a role in creating the experience (entourage effect). This interaction has made Terpenes the next big hot topic when it comes to cannabis.
Research is ongoing on identifying potential therapeutic value for already identified Terpenes and to identify more Terpenes (and their effects). Here are some of the better known Terpenes.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in Cannabis. This number 1 of terpenes can be as high as 65 percent of the Terpene profile in certain varieties and smells like mangoes (as it is also found in mangoes). It’s a dank, earthy type of smell that adds the effect of relaxing and sleepiness. It’s also found in Cannabis, Wild Thyme, lemon grass and Hops. It’s being researched for its potential therapeutic value in anti-fungal, anti-bacteria, as a potential sleep aid, muscle relaxant and its potential use to help manage anxiety.
Limonene
Limonene is as it sounds, this lemon smell/flavor is most commonly found in Citrus and is often described as happy, bright citrusy. Limonene is often used in cleaning products and its entourage effect is brightening and awakening. Potential therapeutic value is its mood boosting, stress-crusher, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. It is even being researched as it may reduce tumor sizes.
Pinene
Pinene comes in two types, Alpha, and Beta. Alpha is similar to Pine tree smell, a fresh earthy type of smell. Beta is more herbily, like rosemary smell. Pinene is found in Cannabis, pine needles, conifers, orange peel, turpentine, rosemary basil, dill, and parsley. Its entourage effect is one of alertness. Potential Therapeutic value for Pinene is, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, pain relief. It helps open respiratory airways and reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is most commonly found in Pepper and clove type of things and has a spicy, sweet and woody Aroma. This Terpene in found in Cannabis, Copaiba Tree, Black Pepper Cloves Rosemary Basil and is being researched for multiple potential therapeutic values such as anti-inflammatory properties, antimicrobial, pain relief, anti anxiety Cholesterol reducer, neuro-inflammation response reduction in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Linalool
Linalool is most commonly found in Lavendar and is found in many flowers. It’s also found in Cannabis, Coriander and Jasmine. Taste is identified as complex delicate flower. It is known to have a sedative effect. Varieties with high Linalool are usually perfect before bed. Potential Therapeutic value is in anti-anxiety, stress relief, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant and muscle relaxant.
Humulene
Humulene is commonly found in in Hopps (hoppy beer smell). It’s also found in Cannabis, Cloves, Sage, and Black Pepper. Humulene has anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties and is being looked at for Neuroprotection, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.
Delta-3 Carene
Delta-3 Carene has a sweet cypress smell and tastes like cloves. It’s found in Cannabis, Rosemary, Basil, Bell Peppers, Cedar, and Pine. Potential Therapeutic value of Carene is in it’s help with Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, memory retention (stimulates memory) and boosting of bone health.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol has a cool mint aroma and tastes like Camphor and mint. It’s found in Cannabis, sweet basil, Rosemary, sage, Bay leaves, Camphor, Trees, and Tea Trees. It’s being researched for the following Potential Therapeutic Value, reducing Inflammation, reducing respiratory discomfort, boosts mental energy and working memory and has antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-fungal properties.
Geraniol
Geraniol aroma is found in Rose grass, peaches and plums and tastes is floral citrus fruity. Found in Cannabis, Citronella oil, Rose oil, Palmarose oil, Geranium and lemon, Geraniol is being researched for the following therapeutic properties in Neuroprotection, antioxidant, pain reduction, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal.
These are but a small number of the Terpenes found in cannabis and the world out there. What makes it interesting is that there can be multiple Terpenes at different levels in varieties and strains, giving strains their unique smells. When looking into writing an article on Terpenes, it was encouraging all the discussion and research that I found, in both the private and public sector discussing the benefits of Terpenes.
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