Learn About Terpenes

Terpenes are a large group of unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants, especially conifers and citrus trees. They are based on a cyclic molecule having the formula C10H16. Cannabis can contain over 100 different identified terpenes, which give the various strains of cannabis their characteristic scents and effects. THC and CBD have no scent, so when we are smelling or tasting cannabis, we are experiencing the various terpenes that are present in that plant.

Here are some of the terpenes that are commonly found in cannabis:

Limonene is found in lemons and other citrus fruit rinds like oranges and limes, as well as a number of other plants. It has a bright citrusy scent, and is commonly used in lemon flavorings. limonene is also used in cosmetics and cleaning supplies. Limonene is known for its stress-relieving and mood-enhancing effects, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties. It's a natural bug repellent. Limonene is easily absorbed through inhalation and also improves absorption of other terpenes through the skin and body tissues, like mucous membranes and the digestive tract. 

Pinene is found in conifer trees, citrus peels, and turpentine. Pinene comes in two types: alpha, which smells like pine needles, and beta, which smells like rosemary, basil, dill, or parsley. Pinene is a powerful bronchodilator, which helps improve airflow to lungs. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and local antiseptic. Pinene has been known to help improve memory and alertness. 

Myrcene is commonly found in mangoes, hops, thyme, and lemongrass. Foods and beverages that have been traditionally paired with cannabis often contain these ingredients in order to enhance its effects. Myrcene is known for its antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-mutagenic properties.

Linalool is commonly found in lavender, and its aroma is light and floral. Widely known for the ability to reduce stress, linalool is used for its antidepressant and sedative qualities. 

Caryophyllene is present in cannabis as Beta-caryophyllene, which is a terpene commonly found in black pepper, cloves, hops, and rosemary. It lends a spicy flavor to many plants. Beta-caryophyllene is most widely known for its pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Humulene naturally occurs in clove, basil, and hops. It has an earthy, woody aroma with spicy notes. Humulene is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, as well as suppressing hunger. 

Nerolidol is a secondary terpene found in many strong aromatics like jasmine, tea leaves, and lemongrass. It has a subtle floral aroma with notes of fruity citrus, apples, and rose. This terpene produces some sedative effects, but is most known for boosting the effects of and improving the absorption of the other terpenes present in the cannabis strain.

You are probably familiar with the compounds THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) that are present in cannabis. The "Entourage Effect” refers to the way in which terpenes work synergistically with these two compounds to boost and enhance their effects. Even more so than the respective levels of THC and CBD, the specific terpene profile of a given strain is what determines its characteristic effects and potency, so that the therapeutic impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

Our strain specific terpene profiles are created using lab analyses of the terpene levels in various cannabis strains. Each blend has been carefully crafted to replicate the laboratory results found in each respective strain.