Understanding Terpenes: Everything You Need to Know

Do you also love that distinct smell of weed, or do you not? Are you curious about where that smell comes from? In this blog, we'll tell you exactly what weed terpenes are and what they do!

What are weed terpenes?

Interestingly, terpenes can be found in many plants, including pine, lavender, hops, mint, rosemary, or even fresh orange peel. Even some insect species can produce terpenes! While terpenes are clearly associated with many organisms that have a distinctive and rich scent, they are most associated with the cannabis plant. This is thanks to the recent hype about the health benefits of cannabis. 

Terpenes are chemical compounds that determine how things in nature smell. Terpenes determine the aroma of citrus fruits. Terpenes give pine trees their unique rich scent. Terpenes bring the calming effects of lavender. This means that terpenes not only provide scent alone, but also work together with other compounds found in plants to enhance certain effects.

What are the effects of terpenes?

The age-old and simple way of dividing cannabis strains into Sativa and Indica types may well disappear as the world begins to realize how much more complex everything truly is. Terpenes, in combination with cannabinoids, can significantly alter the effects and the overall smoking experience. We are still working to fully understand how this works, but we already have theories like The Entourage Effect to help explain why different terpene and cannabinoid compositions provide a different kind of high.

Some terpenes can promote relaxation and stress reduction, while others can help you focus and even give you more energy. Myrcene (also found in hops) is an earthy-herbal-musky compound with a slightly sweet profile that is primarily found in relaxing cannabis strains. On the other hand, Terpinolene (also found in apples, cumin, pine trees, and more), which has a citrus-floral scent, is usually found in energetic and uplifting cannabis strains.

Future of cannabis classification?

This means that cannabis will likely be classified very differently in the future, as most cannabis strains we grow today are hybrids and vary greatly in flavor, aroma, and chemical makeup… The days of unreliable sativa/indica classifications will then be over, and we will determine the effects of cannabis plants based on their unique chemical composition, so the actual effects certain strains should bring to the table.

This might not happen as quickly as true cannabis enthusiasts would like, because analyzing, understanding, and stimulating “genetic” cannabis compositions based on their effects will be a long-term process for the cannabis industry.

Simply by understanding how cannabis flavors and aromas can be more directly linked to their effect types than any other characteristic of the plant, we are already coming closer to using cannabis in a more precise, more medical, and more beneficial way. Spread this knowledge with your fellow stoners and go in search of flavor/aroma and effects along the way!

Most common cannabis terpenes: effects and properties?

While cannabis science is still working to discover precisely how terpenes and cannabinoids can be used to heal us, here's a list to look for specific cannabis effects. There are over 100 different terpenes, so we'll focus only on the most common and dominant in cannabis strains.

Myrcene

Aroma: Herbal, earthy, cloves

Boils at: ~167°C (311°F)

Found in: Mango, Lemongrass, Hops, Thyme…

The most common types: Train wreck, Amnesia, Granddaddy Purple, Purple Urkle, OG Kush

About Myrcene: Myrcene is likely the most common terpene in all cannabis plants. Most modern cannabis strains have more than 20% of their terpene composition consisting of this single terpene.

In addition, myrcene is one of the most common dominant terpenes in a cannabis plant.

Myrcene effects: Myrcene is one of the most calming terpenes available. Think of calming, muscle-relaxing, and pain-relieving cannabis strains that can also have anti-inflammatory effects. Basically, the more couchlock, the more likely it is that Myrcene is a dominant terpene in the composition.

Caryophyllene

Aroma: Spicy, woody, clove, pepper (warm on the nose)

Vaporizes at: ~130°C (266°F)

Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil, oregano...

The most common types: Fire OG, Sour Diesel, Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, Ice cream, Cookies and Cream, Chemdog

Over Caryophyllene: The second most common terpene in cannabis plants is Caryophyllene. The most interesting thing about this terpene is that it is the only terpene that can act as a cannabinoid. It has a unique ability to bind to our CB2 receptors, making this terpene very interesting from a medical standpoint. It also has a significantly larger molecule than most other terpenes on the list.

Caryophyllene Effects: Caryophyllene is believed to have enormous therapeutic potential, especially when it helps combat addiction. Caryophyllene has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it could also be a great way to treat anxiety and depression. There is even research indicating that this terpene could potentially help humanity with longevity, as it could reduce stress.

Limonene

Aroma: Citrus, Fruity

Boils at: ~176°C (348°F)

Found in: lemon, orange, mint, rosemary, grapefruit, juniper...

The most common types: Do-Si-Dos, Fire OG, Wedding Cake, Strawberry Banana, Lemon Haze

About Limonene: Limonene is the third most common terpene in cannabis. Because this terpene is most commonly found in citrus fruits, it is mistakenly assumed that cannabis strains rich in limonene must smell like citrus fruits. Since cannabis strains rich in limonene can contain as little as 2% of this beneficial terpene in their composition, the actual aroma of the cannabis may vary but will still lean toward the berry/fruity end of the spectrum.

Limonene effects: Even though we understand little about how this terpene works, Limonene has already shown real scientific evidence that it may be one of the most effective anti-tumor and anti-cancer cannabis terpenes available. It also increases serotonin and dopamine levels in key brain regions, making it a valuable agent against anxiety, depression, and OCD. Limonene can improve your mood, lower your stress levels, and enhance the absorption of other terpenes and chemical compounds. Finally, Limonene may possess antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Pinene

Scent: Pine

Vaporizes at: ~155°C (311°F)

Found in: Dill, Parsley, Rosemary, Pine, Eucalyptus, and many other plants…

The most common types: Harlequin, Blue Dream, Cannatonic, Grape Ape, Cotton Candy Kush, Critical Mass, White Widow...

Over Pinene: The most common terpene in the world, found in thousands of other plants. Cannabis plants with a dominant terpene profile will likely have a woody scent and that distinct pine aroma.

Pinene effects: Pinene is believed to be responsible for the anti-anxiety and analgesic effects in most cannabis plants. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory terpene, it also helps to open the airways (bronchodilator), while possessing another unique property: Pinene may potentially be a solution for short-term memory loss associated with daily THC use.

Humulene

Aroma: HRustic, earthy, subtly spicy, and floral.

Evaporates at: ~106°C (122°F)

Found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil, wood…

The most common types: Girl Scout Cookies, Glue, Headband, Candyland, Jack Herer

Humulene: Humulene occurs in smaller amounts in most cannabis compared to the terpenes already on this list, but this terpene is usually responsible for subtler notes when it comes to floral and earthy notes. This terpene is quite well-researched and is one of the primary compounds in most cannabis-related therapeutics.

Humulene effects: Humulene is believed to be one of the most important terpenes in fighting tumors, especially when combined with phytocannabinoids and certain other terpenes. It is also thought to have unique antibacterial properties, meaning it is anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Additionally, when it comes to growing cannabis plants – humulene helps cannabis flowers defend themselves against pests and fungal infections.

Linalool

Aroma: Floral

Boiling point: ~198°C (388°F)

Found in: Lavender, birch bark, rosewood, mint, cinnamon, coriander...

The most common types: Do-Si-Dos, Zkittlezz, Lavender, Fire OG

About Linalool: So many different plants around the world produce linalool for a very fundamental reason: linalool is highly antimicrobial. This is why many plants that contain high levels of linalool are typically used for therapeutic purposes. Its unique way of interacting with the brain makes linalool a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Linalool Effects: Most traditional medicine practices use linalool for its calming and antiepileptic properties. There are also medical studies that provide evidence that linalool may potentially reduce anxiety and other depression-related behaviors. This means that linalool helps users maintain hope in high-stress situations, while also helping to make the immune system more resilient against the destructive effects of stress. At the top of the list, linalool can also act as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever; it may even help address addiction-related issues.

Ocimene

Aroma: Sweet, Fruity

Boiling point: ~50°C (122°F)

Found in: Orchids, Mint, Parsley, Mango, Lavender…

The most common types: Green Crack, Golden Pineapple, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Golden Goat

Over Ocimene: Ocimene is a very popular terpene in the perfume industry for a single characteristic: it smells sweet and floral, allowing it to create an abundance of pleasant aromas. Many cannabis strains that have that super sweet aroma will have ocimene terpene as one of their dominant terpenes.

Ocimene effects: Besides being a sweet scent indicator, ocimene is believed to be effective against diabetes, as well as being an anti-inflammatory and an effective antioxidant.

Terpinolene

Aroma: Blogarlic, herbs, pine wood

Boiling point: ~50°C (122°F)

Found in: Lilac, cumin, apples, nutmeg, tea tree,

The most common types: Super Lemon Haze, Pineapple Kush, Jack Herer, Orange Cookie, Ghost Train Haze, Golden Pineapple

Over Terpinolene: Terpinolene has a strange and unique property: up until now, it hasn't been common to find it in CBD-rich strains, making this terpene a perfect research tool for many breeders. This terpene is widely used as an additive in soaps and detergents.

Terpinolene effects: There are scientific studies suggesting that Terpinolene may reduce the risk of heart disease, and it may even slow the growth of cancer cells. All these claims await further evidence, but remember that terpenes work best in combination with cannabinoids and other terpenes for optimal results.

Trust your nose when choosing a cannabis strain

It's possible that our subconscious knows better than we do what we need and what could help us heal (or relax). There's old advice to choose weed based on its smell. That advice might be more scientifically accurate than we ever thought. 

Terpenes, terpenoids (oxidized terpenes), and cannabinoids go hand in hand to produce a wide palette of different cannabis effects, which is why even mixing strains that together produce a scent you love can be a great idea to find new and unique effects. This may be a gamble, but the future of cannabis use will be much more classified based on a strain's unique terpene composition than is currently the case.

Start training your nose to find the perfect effects for yourself! ? Buy the best weed seeds in our online store!