Cannabis Terpenes

What Are Terpenes? 

Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavor. They are not exclusive to the cannabis plant and are found in many common items such as many of the foods that you eat, plants that you may grow, and products you may use already. Hundreds of different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Each strain of cannabis has a unique combination and concentration of these terpenes that dictate the effects the user may experience. Terpenes on their own have specific effects, but when found and consumed together, those expected effects may vary. The most common terpenes found in cannabis are: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Pinene, Humulene, Ocimene, and Linalool. The percentage of terpenes found in any cannabis plant varies depending on : climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and light levels during the growing process.

In the same way that knowing the genetics/lineages of strains and their predicted effects helps customers find the right fit for them, terpenes and cannabinoids play a major factor in doing so as well. Understanding the relationship between specific terpenes and their effect on the body is a key way to finding products that may be ideal for the user. Many products we sell have begun listing their dominant terpenes and cannabinoids on the packaging, allowing for a more intimate knowledge of how a certain product may react with the end user. 

The most common terpene found in modern cannabis. Widely used for its calming effects. 

• Aroma: cardamon, cloves, musky, earthy.
• Vaporizes at : 332 degrees F.
• Potential effects: sedating and relaxing.
• Beneficial for: antioxidant, insomnia, pain, and inflammation.
• Also found in: mango, lemongrass, thyme and hops.
• Common Strains: Blue Dream, Og Kush, Cherry Pie, Granddaddy Purple. 

Commonly used for its anxiety and stress-reliving effects, 

• Aroma: citrus.
• Vaporizes at : 348 degrees F.
• Potential effects: mood elevator and stress-reliever.
• Beneficial for: anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain.
• Also found in: fruit rinds, rosemary and peppermint.
• Common Strains: Wedding cake, Strawberry Banana, White Fire Og. 

A two for one deal whereas this terpene is also classified as a cannabinoid. It can activate our endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects. 

• Aroma: pepper, spicy, woody and cloves.
• Vaporizes at : 266 degrees F.
• Potential effects: stress relief.
• Beneficial for: pain, anxiety, depression and ulcers.
• Also found in: black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
• Common Strains: Purple punch, Original glue, and GSC. 

Known for its uplifting effects, one in every ten strains is terpinolene dominant. 

• Aroma: piney, floral and herbal.
• Vaporizes at : 366 degrees F.
• Potential effects: uplifting.
• Beneficial for: antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal.
• Also found in: nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin and lilacs.
• Common Strains: XJ-13, Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze. 

Most common terpene found in the natural world. Beneficial for pain, anxiety and inflammation. 

• Aroma: pine.
• Vaporizes at : 311 degrees F.
• Potential effects: alertness, memory retention, counteracts some of the effects of THC.
• Beneficial for: asthma, pain, inflammation ulcers and anxiety.
• Also found in: pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley and dill.
• Common Strains: Big Smooth, Snoop’ Dream, Critical Mass. 

Anti-inflammatory benefits with an herbal olfactory profile. 

• Aroma: hops, woody, earthy.
• Vaporizes at : 222 degrees F.
• Potential effects: relaxing and uplifting.
• Beneficial for: suppressing appetite.
• Also found in: hops, coriander, cloves and basil.
• Common Strains: Gelato, Sherbet, GSC 

Frequently used in perfumes this terpene delivers a beautiful, sweet, earthy and citrusy aroma. 

• Aroma: sweet, herbal, and woody.
• Vaporizes at : 122 degrees F.
• Potential effects: happy and motivated.
• Beneficial for: antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant and anti-bacterial.
• Also found in: mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes and orchids.
• Common Strains: Clementine. 

This floral terpene promotes relaxation and calming effects 

• Aroma: floral.
• Vaporizes at : 388 degrees F.
• Potential effects: mood enhancement and sedation.
• Beneficial for: anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation.
• Also found in: lavender.
• Common Strains: Kosher Kush, Do-si- Dos, Zkittlez. 

Indicas, Sativas and Hybrids 

These terms are more appropriate to the morphology of the plant, however, colloquially these terms are used to group strains together to categorize the type of experience that is expected.

• Indica strains tend to provide: full-body effects like heavy limbs, relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness. Associated with “nighttime” use, indica stains tend to be used to wind down at the end of the day.
• Sativa strains tend to be: uplifting, stimulating, helpful in mitigating stress, sharpening focus, boosting creativity and motivation. Generally referred to as “daytime” strains used for feeling productive, happy, energetic, and for getting chores done.
• Hybrids end to combine a bit of both of the effects from the indica and sativa parents. Depending on the phenotype the hybrids can lean more towards the effects of a particular parent so it is important to check the genetics and terpenes to get a better idea of the effects. Ideally with a well balanced hybrid the user will experience the best of both worlds a mellow relaxing body sensation paired with a cerebral and uplifting feeling.

That is not say that a sleepy sativa strain or an energetic indica are not unheard of. As previously mentioned it is the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids that create the effects so it is important to know the limitations of using the terms indica, sativa and hybrid when it comes to describing the expected effects. Furthermore some individuals can experience the exact opposite experience than what is expected due to their bio individuality.