Terpene Guide

TERPENE
Guide

Terpenes play a significant role in the way we experience cannabis. The distinct and unique aroma of cannabis that we know and love comes from aromatic oils secreted in trichomes called terpenes. Terpenes are found in many kinds of plants beyond cannabis and in a few types of insects. In plants, terpenes have an important evolutionary function, as these aroma-heavy oils developed over time to ward off herbivores, attract predator insects that feed on a plant’s “enemies”, and attract pollinators. Cannabis plants are known to produce well over 100 different terpenes in varying concentrations and combinations, accounting for the variety of aromas our modern strains provide.

Terpenes, like cannabinoids, are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic effects. Similar to cannabinoids, terpenes are pharmacologically active, with the ability to interact with our lipids, cell membranes and membrane receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, second messenger systems, and enzymes.

Upon consumption, terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through our fat cells; some even permeate the blood-brain barrier with inhalation. While many terpenes have been identified in cannabis, only a few consistently appear on lab tests of our flower. The predominant terpenes found in Higher Grade flower are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene, and Bisabolol.

PINENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Sharp Pine, Sweet Pine, Rosemary, Basil

Found in:

Pine needles, Conifers, Sage, Rosemary, Basil, Dill, Turpentine, Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus, Cedar.

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Memory Retention, Alertness, Counteract effects of high levels of THC, Stimulate Creativity, Improve Cognitive Function, Nueroprotective Anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, Anti-bacterial, Anti-cancer, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Antioxidant

LIMONENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Citrus, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit

Found In:

Citrus Rinds, Juniper, Mint

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Mood Elevation, Increased Energy, Stress Relief, Relief from OCD, Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Depressant, Antioxidant, Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, G.I. Relief, Pain Relief, Anti-cancer

MYRCENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Skunky, Earthy, Funky Musk, Balsam, Lemongrass

Found In:

Mangoes, Thyme, Lemongrass, Bay Leaves, Hops

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Sedation, Couch-Lock, Potentiates Psychoactive effects of THC Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Muscle Relaxant, Sleep Aid

CARYOPHYLLENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Spice, Pepper, Clove, Dry Wood

Found In:

Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, Hops, Basil, Oregano

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Active at CB2 Receptors, Gastrointestinal Relief, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Anxiety, Anti-depressant, Antioxidant, Anti-cancer, Pain Relief

LINALOOL

Flavor & Aroma:

Floral, Sweet Spice

Found In:

Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Birch, Neroli

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Sedating, Calming, Stress Relief, Sleep Aid, Anti-depressant, Anti-anxiety, Pain Relief, Local Anaesthetic, Anti-convulsant, Cognitive Repair, Anti-cancer, Wound Treatment

BISBOLOL

Flavor & Aroma:

Delicate, Floral, Sweet Citrus, Honey, Apples

Found In:

German Chamomile, Candeia Tree

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Useful in topicals and cosmetics- increases membrane permeability Pain Relief, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-parasitic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Gastro-protective, Anti-Cancer

OCIMENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Floral, Woody, Sweet

Found In:

Mint, Parsley, Mango, Basil, Bergamot, Orchid

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Uplifting, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, treat symptoms of diabetes and hypertension

TERPINOLENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Fresh, Woodsy, Fruity, Citrus, Floral, Herbaceous

Found In:

Apple, Sage, Lilac, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cumin

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Sedating, Relaxing, Sleep Aid, Anti-anxiety, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-cancer

HUMULENE

Flavor & Aroma:

Woody, Earthy, Hoppy, Herbal

Found In:

Hops, Wood, Coriander, Ginger, Ginseng

Potential Therapeutic Value:

Appetite Suppressant, Anti-inflammatory topically, orally, and through inhalation: Anti-cancer, Anti-bacterial, Allergy Relief