Getting Familiar With Common Terpenes
Many cannabis patients today are broadening their knowledge of the terpene profiles, rather than just worrying about getting as much THC as possible.
When we understand which terpenes support which effects, we can better manage and enhance the benefits and patient experience with cannabis.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are found in plants throughout the natural world around us but are most abundantly produced in the Cannabis plant.
They are important chemical compounds in plants that are responsible for things like flavor and aroma and make up the base for many essential oils.
Terpenes are also reported to have many other beneficial properties. In cannabis, terpenes also play an important role in what is called the “entourage effect” (all of the compounds from a cannabis/hemp plant work together, enhancing the overall effects).
Common Terpenes Found In Cannabis
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in the majority of marijuana strains.
Smell: earth, musk, skunk, slight fruit notes.
Potential Effects: Myrcene is known for its ability to help absorb cannabinoids, and may help with gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and hypertension. The terpene is reported to enhance calm and euphoria.
Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Blue Dream, Glue
Other Plant Sources of myrcene: mango, thyme, hops, bay, myrcia, and lemongrass
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Limonene
Limonene is one of the more common terpenes found in the cannabis plant and is used in foods and cosmetics.
Smell: zesty citrus, lemon
Potential Effects: may provide anxiety relief, stress management, digestive disorders like heartburn, etc. Limonene is reported to have antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties and even inhibition of various tumor growth.
Cannabis Strains: Sour Kush, Inferno OG, OG Kush
Other Plant Sources of limonene: citrus fruit, maple, cedar, pines, juniper, and rosemary
Pinene
Pinene is one of the most researched terpenes, as well as one of the most common.
Smell: pine, stank, herb
Potential Effects: bronchodilator (widens the airways), antidepressant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Pinene has also been reported to help with mood swings through its calming effects.
Cannabis Strains: Blue Dream, Cotton Kandy Kush, Chem Dawg, Dutch Treat Haze, OG Kush
Other Plant Sources of pinene: citrus fruit, maple, cedar, pines, juniper, and rosemary
Beta-Caryophyllene or β-caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is used as a natural food additive, flavoring, and enhancer and is FDA-approved.
Smell: spice, musk, earth
Potential Effects: helps with anxiety and depression, combating sleep disorders, boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pain management, spasms, and even Alzheimer’s and alcoholism.
Cannabis Strains: Inferno OG, Chem Dawg, Blue Dream, GSC or Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, Green Crack, OG Kush
Other Plant Sources of caryophyllene: black pepper, hops, oregano, cloves, basil, rosemary, cinnamon
The entourage effect…
The experience of the compounds from a cannabis/hemp plant, such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, come together to enhance and manage the overall patient experience.
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene that is easily absorbed by the human body, either through oral, aerosol, or topical consumption.
Smell: earth, wood, herbal
Potential Effects: antihistamine, may combat arthritis, tumor, and cancer cells, stimulate weight loss, helps with allergies, natural insect repellant.
Cannabis Strains: Sour KushGSC or Girl Scout Cookies, White Walker Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Headband, OG Kush
Other Plant Sources of Humulene: various types of wood, pine trees, tobacco, sage, clove, basil, ginseng, ginger, black pepper
Linalool
Linalool is a well-known terpene that is produced naturally and synthetically and is used primarily in cosmetics and food.
Smell: lavender, floral
Potential Effects: Help in treating Alzheimer’s, inhibit cancer growth, stress, pain, anxiety management
Found in: Dark Matter OG, Blackberry OG, mint, birch, and over 60 spices
Cannabis Strains: Sour KushGSC or Girl Scout Cookies, White Walker Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Headband, OG Kush
Other Plant Sources of Linalool: various types of wood, pine trees, tobacco, sage, clove, basil, ginseng, ginger, black pepper
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is commonly used in cosmetics including soap, various lotions, and perfumes due to its “fresh” or “crisp” scent.
Smell: floral, citrus, wood, herb
Potential Effects: anxiety, insomnia, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, an anti-proliferative, reduce heart disease risk and improve cholesterol levels
Cannabis Strains: Dutch Treat, Shipwreck, Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, Snowcap
Other Plant Sources of Terpolene: lilacs, apple trees, tea trees, conifers, parsnip, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, and cumin
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Ocimene
Ocimene is typically found in Sativa varieties of cannabis with energizing effects. Its primary use is as a fragrance in the cosmetics industry but it has also been shown to have potential health benefits.
Smell: earth, fruit, woody notes
Potential Effects: Decongestant, clears nasal passages, expels mucus and phlegm, uplifting cognitive effect, natural pesticide, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial, potential to fight yeasts and molds
Cannabis Strains: Dutch Treat, Snowcone, Sour Deisel, Clementine, Tangerine Frost, Jack Herer, Snowcap
Other Plant Sources of Ocimene: hops, basil, mint, mangos, kumquats, bergamot, tarragon, lavender, pepper, parsley, neroli, bigarade, petitgrain, and orchids
*Ocimene acts as an irritant on the skin and eyes, and can damage your lungs if swallowed, it is best to consult your physician on its consumption, and more particularly its forms.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is known for its sweet floral aroma and is widely used in cosmetics, namely to create fragrances. It’s used in makeup, shaving creams, shampoos, anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and perfumes.
Smell: floral, fruity, nutty
Potential Effects: may help protect against ulcers, skin irritation, and inflammation, may inhibit fungus and bacterial growth, help combat anxiety, soothing effect, analgesic, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, anti-oxidant
Cannabis Strains: Incredible Power, Ghost OG, Headband, Cotton Candy Kush, Lavender
Other Plant Sources of Bisabolol: german chamomile, the bark of Candeia, and sage
Nerolidol
Nerolidol offers a variety of benefits and has been approved by the FDA as a flavoring for food.
Smell: earth, wood, bark
Potential Effects: antimalarial, topical enhancer, antiulcer, anxiety
Cannabis Strains: Dark Matter OG, Blackberry OG
Other Plant Sources of Nerolidol: jasmine, lavender, tea tree, ginger family, citronella, lemon grass, orange, Piper claussenianum, Lady of the Night orchid, Eucalyptus, African alpine sage, and others.
This list is in no way all-inclusive, there are many more terpenes and cannabinoids and their benefits to explore.
Other Pages To Visit:
Explore Infused Recipes
For Cannabis Patients:
Interested in better nutrition, but specifically looking for canna-infused meals? Try out some of the recipes in the Cannabis-Infused Recipes section of our blog!
Other Websites To Visit:
Pure Essential Oils For Your Self-care Recipes
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This link will take you to my essential oil profile if you’d like to purchase from doTERRA. Shop Here!