What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

There are about 400 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. About 140 of these belong to a broad group of natural, aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as terpenes.

Although some people use the word terpene and terpenoid interchangeably, these two terms have a slightly different meaning. The most vivid difference lies in the nature of terpenes and terpenoids. In short, terpenes consists of carbon and hydrogen only, whereas terpenoids occur during drying and curing flowers when they are denatured by oxidation.

Okay, now that you know what terpenoids are, it’s high time you learned some facts about terpenes.

What Are Terpenes and Where To Find Them?

If you look closely at your cannabis buds, you should see a beautiful layer of crystal resin, also known as trichomes. These glandular trichomes is where terpenes are synthesized.

The highest concentrations of these terpenes are mainly found in unfertilized female marijuana flowers before they start to age - aging deteriorates the amount of terpenes in cannabis. There are two methods of terpenes extraction: vaporization or steam distillation. For the majority of terpenes, the vaporization process takes place at the same temperature as THC, which is about 157 C. However, some terpenes are more volatile and will vaporize at lower temperatures.

What Is The Role of Terpenes In Cannabis?

Many people associate terpenes solely with their sensual role in the cannabis plant. Well, they are right to some extent, because the aroma and taste of your weed will largely depend on the amount of different terpenes.

However, terpenes play incredibly important roles in other aspects, such as cannabis cultivation, for example. They provide the plant with a natural protection system against bacteria, insects, fungus, and other environmental dangers.

Moreover, it is well established that cannabis can affect emotions, mind, and behavior. Back in the days, researchers believed that the only chemical compound capable of such things is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, short for THC. And thus, they focused all their attention on this single cannabinoid.

But with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in the US and other cannabis-friendly countries, scientists are now studying other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. As for now, we already know that cannabinoids and terpenes can contribute to boosting the therapeutic effect of cannabis, but we still need more research in order to answer one question that bothers us all: HOW?

The Entourage Effect Between Terpenes And Other Compounds

The entourage effect may sound unfamiliar to some less experienced cannabis users, but this phenomenon has been studied for quite some time by scientists.

The entourage effect refers to a synergistic effect achieved by different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Cannabis breeders believe that this synergy can boost the therapeutic effects of marijuana and reduce the potential side effects of taking too much THC.

In other words, whole buds and whole-plant extracts are more effective than isolated-cannabinoid concentrates and can mitigate the anxiety-driven behavior induced by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, as cannabis advocates suggest.

Interestingly, the hypothesis supporting the synergy between different marijuana compounds finds explanation in science. There are three significant studies that refer to the cannabis entourage effect.

The first study, conducted by E. A. Carlini and I.G. Karniol, have found that cannabis strains with equal or higher levels of CBD and CBN to THC enhances the effects of marijuana up to for times than THC content alone. Moreover, the double-blind study found that smoking twice as much of a THC-only strain brings no difference to the overall cannabis experience, save for the fact that the “high” was described as lacking character.

The findings of that study were later reinforced by research run by J.D. Wilkinson. The aim of the study was to determine whether whole-cannabis extracts allow users to achieve better therapeutic effects thant isolated THC. A cannabis extract of THC, CBD and CBN was compared with pure THC and a THC-free extract on mice models of brain slice models of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

The comparative study showed that regardless of the examined cae, THC, although active, might not be necessary to achieve the desired effects. The result of the study clearly demonstrated that the therapeutic actions of cannabis herb are not limited to the THC content.

And finally, we have Dr. Ethan Russo with his scientific evidence to support the theory that non-cannabinoid cannabis compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids can inhibit THC’s intoxicating effects while increasing the therapeutic index of the substance at the same time. Russo calls this effect “phytocannabinoid-terpenoid synergy”, meaning that the chemical compounds in marijuana increase the plant’s potential to treat infections, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, substance-dependence, pain, inflammation, and even cancer.

Are Terpenes Safe?

Terpenes are, by all means, safe. These organic compounds contribute to flavorings and fragrances in different products, and unlike cannabinoids, they’re responsible for the aroma of the plant. The FDA, along with other agencies, have publicly acknowledged terpenes as safe.

Terpenes are prone to merge with or dissolve in lipids. They have a wide range of effects on the brain; for example, they increase serotonin levels, boost norepinephrine activity, and the levels of dopamine. In other words, terpenes seem to work similarly to prescription antidepressants. However, as much promising as they are, these findings require more specific research to gain better accuracy in predicting how certain terpenes can be used to help medical marijuana patients treat specific ilnesses.

Terpenes And Flavonoids

Flavonoids belong to the largest nutrient groups known to scientists. There are over 6,000 already-identified flavonoids, and about 20 of these natural compounds are found in the cannabis plant.

Flavonoids come with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and they contribute to the color of the foods we eat; this is why blueberries are blue and raspberries are red.

When it comes to pharmacological effects of flavonoids, those extracted from the cannabis plant have been tested in that matter, and the results are, least to say, promising. However, those clinical findings need further research in order to gain us a new insight into the role of flavonoids in the general therapeutic effects of marijuana treatment.

The Terpene Wheel

Terpenes are constituents of complex plant hormones, sterols, pigments, molecules, and cannabinoids. Like we said, on one hand, they are responsible for the pleasant aroma of cannabis. But on the other, they produce certain physiological effects and scientists believe that there is a close relationship between these two features of terpenes.

Patients who use medical marijuana will often ask the budtender at a dispensary to smell cannabis buds when selecting their strains; they say it helps them predict the effects of a given strain.

It has been scientifically proven that medical marijuana strains vary from one source to another, and the concentration of specific terpenes depends on how and when they were harvested. Although there are over 140 terpenes in the cannabis plant, only some of them appear in concentrations high enough to make us able to identify them by their smell.

Those findings have given rise to the terpene wheel, which helps us identify the terpenes in each of strains. For example, cannabis varieties that smell of pine (high level of terpene pinene) prompts alertness and prevents issues with short-term memory; lemony and citrus aromas can improve the mood and general attitude while boosting energy levels (limonene); and smell of musk or clove brings sedative, tranquilizing effects.

The terpene wheel below illustrates the difference between strains based on the aromas and flavors provided by the distinctive terpenes.

Terpenes in Cannabis

Although there are tons of different terpenes in cannabis, there are 11 profiles you should make yourself familiar with.

1. Limonene

• Aroma & Flavor - Citrus.

• Effects - Limonene can be used to boost metabolism, prevent and contribute to the treatment of cancer, and combat bronchitis. Limonene is also used to make medicinal topicals. When smoking strains that have high levels of this terpene, you can expect uplifted mood, euphoria, and increased focus.

• Strains With Limonene - If you’re looking for a classic strain with notable levels of limonene, Super Lemon Haze, Orange Bud, and Green Crack will come in handy.

2. Pinene

• Aroma & Flavor - Pine. This terpene is partially responsible for the scent of pine trees.

• Effects - Pinene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. This has actually been scientifically proven. Aside from that, pinene also inhibits the memory-impairing properties of THC, which is why people say that pinene-rich strains are great for daytime use when there is much to be done that day.

• Strains With Pinene: Jack Herer, the king of cannabis sativa strains, is one of the most popular weed varieties that have high levels of pinene. Other cannabis strains with high content of this terpene? Dutch Treat, Romulan, OG Kush, or Strawberry Cough.

3. Myrcene

• Aroma & Flavor - Strains with high levels of myrcene are characterized by earthy and musk scent with a touch of fruity flavors.

• Effects - Myrcene is possibly the terpene directly responsible for the tired/stoney feeling often associated with using cannabis indica strains. On top of that, Myrcene has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Strains With Myrcene: According to a Swiss Study, the vast majority of strains contain high levels of myrcene. One cannabis strain, Lovrin 110, contains over 65% myrcene. As for the other popular weed varieties with high myrcene levels, these are: Purple Kush, White Widow, Himalayan Gold, and Warlock CBD.

4. Linalool

• Aroma & Flavor - Floral. This terpene is a naturally occurring compound in many flowers and spices, such as coriander and lavender.

• Effects - There’s a myriad of beneficial effects linalool can provide us with. Since ancient times, this terpene have been used to lower stress levels, reduce inflammation, and fight anxiety and depression.

• Strains With Linalool - Amnesia Haze, Lavender, Master Kush, Pink Kush, OG Shark.

5. Bisabolol

• Aroma & Flavor - This terpene is a fragrant compound produced by plants that are known for their calming properties, such as candeia tree in Brazil, or a more popular plant, chamomile.

• Effects - Bisabolol has long been used in the beauty industry for the production of various cosmetics. Now, this terpene is being researched for the medical benefits it shows i cannabis. According to the current data on Bisabolol’s therapeutic effects, the terpene works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and analgesic.

• Strains With Bisabolol: Cannabis varieties believed to show high levels of bisabolol include ACDC, Harle-Tsu (a cross between Harlequin and Tsunami), Pink Kush, Master Kush, and Headband.

6. Caryophyllene

• Aroma & Flavor - Caryophyllene produces hoppy aromas. Actually, cannabis and hops are close cousins.

• Effects: This terpene is known to help treat anxiety and depression, but recent studies suggest that Caryophyllene can also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

• Strains with Caryophyllene - if you’re looking for cannabis strains with high levels of this terpene, look for such names as Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Skywalker OG, and Sour Diesel.

7. Trans-nerolidol

• Aroma & Flavor - Trans-nerolidol is present in many strong aromatics, such as tea tree, lemongrass, and jasmine. It’s characterized by a floral aroma with apple, rose, and citrus undertones.

• Effects - This terpene is believed to provide patients with antiparasitic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Using cannabis strains that have high level of Trans-nerolidol produces sedating effects which can often transform into the so-called couch lock.

• Strains With Trans-nerolidol - cannabis users who would like to enjoy the floral aroma and fruity flavor of this terpene should look for strains like Jack Herer, Skywalker OG and Island Sweet Skunk.

8.  Terpineol

• Aroma & Flavor - Terpineol resembles the scent of pine trees, lilacs, and lime blossoms. The terpene is used to infuse products like lotion, perfumes, and soap. Terpineol is mostly found in strains that have a high level of pinene; however, when these two occur simultaneously, terpineol can be difficult to detect due to pinene’s potent aroma.

• Effects - Strains with high level of terpineol are characterized by their ability to relax the consumer, soothe pain, and has been shown to have antioxidant properties. This, in turn, shows great promise for patients struggling with autoimmune disorders.

• Strains With Terpineol - you will find Terpineol with Jack Herer and its cross-strains, White Widow, OG Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies.

The Future of Terpenes

We still need to learn more about terpenes in order to discover their full therapeutic potential. Scientists will pursue the idea of mapping out different strains based on the terpene content in each of the cannabis varieties. As terpenes are being researched in terms of their medical benefits, scientists are excited about the future of clinical tests on these aromatic, volatile molecules.

Prepare yourself for a lot of buzz about terpenes in the future!

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