Anyone who has sampled cannabis or lived in a college dorm knows when they get a whiff of good old reefer.
In addition to the flavors different strains are known for and the effects they produce, cannabis plants, or more specifically, the sticky trichomes found populating the surface of buds, are imbued with terpenes that contribute to the overall experience of smoking flower or consuming full-spectrum products.
What are terpenes? What features are they known for, and what do they have to do with the overall experience of smoking or consuming cannabis? Here’s what you need to know about terpenes and their important role as a component of whole-plant products and full-spectrum extracts.
What Are Terpenes?
The cannabis plant contains several hundred chemical compounds, including roughly a hundred cannabinoids that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), along with terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.
Terpenes, specifically, are responsible for the distinctive scents that characterize different strains of weed.
These aromatic compounds aren’t particular to pot — they’re found in all kinds of plants. Consider the familiar scents of herbs and spices like rosemary, basil, cinnamon, lavender, pepper, and mint. The sweet, zesty smell of citrus can be attributed to terpenes, as can the fresh bite of pine.
That said, terpenes are most commonly discussed in relation to cannabis. With over 150 terpenes identified in different strains and myriad combinations to explore, it’s no wonder terpenes are such a hot topic in the wide world of weed. What are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and how do they impact your experience?
Common Cannabis Terpenes
You can’t fully answer the question, “What are terpenes?” without exploring some of the most common terpenes present in cannabis plants. Some are more prominent in sativa or indica, but specific combinations of terpenes are responsible for the uniquely recognizable aromas and flavors of your favorite strains.
While there are dozens of terpenes found in cannabis, not all are present in every strain, and those that are may be present in different amounts. That said, some are more common than others. Here are several of the most common terpenes found in popular cannabis strains.
Caryophyllene
By and large, cannabis terpenes don’t bond with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s ECS the way cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) do, although they’re known to work synergistically with cannabinoids and other chemical compounds. Beta-caryophyllene is the rare outlier.
It has been found to bind with CB2 receptors in the human body and is linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. It also adds peppery, spicy notes to the flavor profile of many cannabis strains.
This terpene is also found in spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, as well as herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary, so you may find the scent familiar.
Strains like Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), and Runtz OG are among those high in caryophyllene.
Humulene
A mixture of earthy, woodsy, and spicy notes dominate humulene’s olfactory palate, and once you give it a whiff, you may find it familiar. This is because it’s also found in hops used to craft beer, often in high percentages. In fact, it was the first terpene identified in hops.
Also present in black pepper, cloves, and sage, humulene is associated with pain and inflammation management and is thought to be an appetite suppressant.
Humulene is found in strains like GSC, Original Glue, Pink Kush, Skywalker OG, and Super Sour Diesel.
Limonene
From the name alone, you can probably guess what you’ll get when this terpene is present in high quantities.
Limonene is among a handful of cannabis terpenes that produce a zesty, citrusy aroma, and it’s no surprise because it’s also found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.
The second most common terpene found in cannabis plants, limonene is thought to contribute to stress reduction, and it may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
OG Kush, Jack the Ripper, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Diesel are just a few of the most popular strains high in limonene.
Linalool
Spicy and floral notes dominate linalool, which gives many strains of cannabis a recognizable herbal scent. It’s also found in a range of aromatic herbs and spices like cinnamon, coriander, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint.
Linalool may be a relatively minor terpene in the world of cannabis, but it’s known for its sedative effects and may help ease stress and anxiety.
Some strains notable for the inclusion of linalool include Amnesia Haze, Granddaddy Purple, LA Confidential, Lavender Kush, and OG Shark.
Myrcene
Myrcene is sometimes referred to as the mother of all terpenes and is well known as the most common of cannabis terpenes. It’s not only found in literally thousands of strains, but it often comprises the largest percentage of any terpene present. It could range from an average of about 20% up to over 60% of the terpene profile in some strains.
As you can imagine, the earthy, musky aroma of myrcene is the one most commonly associated with cannabis, and this terpene has been found to contribute to feelings of relaxation. Myrcene has also been linked to the reduction of pain and inflammation.
Like caryophyllene, myrcene is also found in cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, basil, and oregano. It’s also found in tropical fruits like guava and mango.
While there’s no shortage of myrcene-heavy strains to try, Grape Ape, Pineapple Express, Maui Wowie, Northern Lights, and White Widow are some of the most popular.
Pinene
Not every terpene has a name that’s self-evident, but pinene is certainly one that tells you what it smells like. As you can imagine, this refreshing, pine-scented terpene is found in large quantities in pine trees and herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary. It’s also present in orange peels.
Both alpha- and beta-pinene are thought to contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, while the combination of the two has been linked to improved respiratory function.
Some strains known for pinene include Blue Dream, Diamond OG, Dutch Treat, Jack Herer, and Strawberry Cough.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is another terpene that imparts a citrusy aroma, but unlike limonene, it isn’t found in citrus fruits.
Instead, you’ll find it in spices like nutmeg and cumin, as well as flowers like lilacs. This could help explain why, even though it has citrusy appeal, it also tends to be more floral and less sweet, similar to citrus blossoms.
Often used in soaps and cleansers, terpinolene is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a frequent component of many cannabis strains but typically in small amounts.
If you’re looking to add a bit of terpinolene to your cannabis experience, some popular strains that contain this terpene include Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, and Orange Cookies.
Terpenes Contribute to a Fulfilling Cannabis Consumption Experience
Not every consumer is fond of the flavors and aromas associated with the most common terpenes in cannabis. While there are products available that remove compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, you won’t enjoy the same potent effects when you go this route.
Cannabis terpenes do more than just create the distinctive smell and taste of different strains; they also contribute to the entourage effect, by which all of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant work together to deliver unique and beneficial effects.
In other words, these compounds working in concert are more valuable and effective than they would be alone — they’re more than the sum of their parts.
When you choose whole-plant or full-spectrum products, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of the entourage effect, along with a range of aromas and flavors that give each strain its unique character.
If you’re ready to start sampling different flower strains to find your favorite terpene combinations, visit DiamondTREE club at one of three convenient locations in East Bend, West Bend, and Madras.