15 terpenes in cannabis explained
As I mentioned before, there are more than
100 terpenes in just one cannabis flower.
Here are some of the most well-known
terpenes right now, most of which you’ll find
in legal cannabis products in your area.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in
cannabis, which is where it’s mostly found in
nature. In fact, one study showed that
myrcene makes up as much as 65% of total
terpene profile in some strains.
Myrcene smell often reminds of earthy,
musky notes, resembling cloves. Also, it has
a fruity, red grape-like aroma.
Strains that contain 0.5% of this terpene are
usually Indica’s with sedative effects.
It has also been reported that myrcene is
useful in reducing inflammation and chronic
pain, which is why it’s usually recommended
as a supplement during cancer treatments.
Mango contains a significant amount of
myrcene, so eating it before consuming
cannabis will strengthen the effects of THC
and increase its absorption rate.
Limonene
Limonene is the second most abundant
terpene in all cannabis strains, but not all
strains necessarily have it.
As its name says, limonene gives strains a
citrusy smell that resembles lemons, which is
no surprise as all citrus fruits contain large
amounts of this compound. Limonene is used
in cosmetics and also in cleaning products.
For therapeutic purposes, limonene is known
to improve mood and reduce stress.
Researchers also found it to have antifungal
and antibacterial properties and one research
even found it to have a role in reducing
tumour size.
Strains that have “lemon” or “sour” in their
name are usually rich in limonene.
L inalool
This terpene is the most responsible for the
recognisable marijuana smell with its spicy
and floral notes.
Linalool is also found in lavender, mint,
cinnamon, and coriander. What’s interesting
is that just like those aromatic herbs, it has
very strong sedative and relaxing properties.
Patients suffering from arthritis, depression,
seizures, insomnia and even cancer, have all
found aid in this amazing terpene.
Best known for its spicy and peppery note,
caryophyllene is also found in black pepper,
cinnamon, cloves, and spices like oregano,
basil, and rosemary.
Beta-caryophyllene
binds to CB2 receptors, which makes it an
ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and
creams. Caryophyllene is the only terpene that
binds to cannabinoid receptors.
Besides its analgesic and anti-anxiety
properties, some studies have found that
caryophyllene has some very promising
properties when it comes to alcoholism
rehabilitation.
A group of scientists performed research on
mice and found that this terpene reduces
voluntary intake of alcohol.
They even recommended caryophyllene for
treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene
These two terpenes smell like pine trees and
that’s also where they can be found in large
amounts. Other plants rich in pinene include
rosemary, orange peels, basil, parsley and
cannabis of course.
Like many other, pinene terpenes have an
anti-inflammatory effect on humans.
But more importantly, they help improve
airflow and respiratory functions, while also
helping to reduce memory loss related to
THC.