Our Guide to Terpenes Commonly Found in Hemp - What to Know

If it's your first time exploring cannabis, you may come across a term called "terpenes." To the unfamiliar, terpenes, or terps, in short, play a huge part in the sensory experience of consuming cannabis. It is responsible for the way the strain smells and the way it tastes. Cannabis connoisseurs try to procure rare strains with unique terpene profiles, while medical teams are trying to gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits these compounds provide. Currently, there are 200 known terpenes that can be found in cannabis. In this guide, you'll be familiarized with the most popular ones.

 

Terpenes explained

Terpenes are integral in distinguishing the different effects of various cannabis strains. They are the molecules that are responsible for the scent, flavor, and in some cases, the effect of hemp on the human body. But what makes them extra fascinating is their ability to interact with other compounds in the plant, resulting in synergistic benefits called The Entourage Effect.

While other plants only contain a single terpene, hemp has hundreds of them. They work in conjunction with one another to activate other compounds found in the plant. There are even studies that suggest that terpenes are able to adjust the strength of individual cannabinoids, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of hemp. Some terpenes help promote relaxation and stress relief, while others improve focus and acuity. When it comes to the development of terpenes in a plant, there are many factors that can influence it, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and time of day.

 

Top terpenes found in hemp

Myrcene

Scent: Musky, herbal, earthy scent with a hint of cloves

Potential Benefits: muscle relaxant, supports sleep, known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative

Sources: Also found in mango, lemongrass, thyme, and hops

 

Caryophyllene

Scent: Woody, spicy with a hint of pepper and cloves

Potential Benefits: Activates the cannabinoid receptor, CB2, possible addiction treatment, pain relief

Sources: Also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon

 

Linalool

Scent: Floral with a hint of spice and lavender

Potential Benefits: anti-anxiety, sedative, mood enhancement, anti-microbial, immune system support, stress reducer

Sources: Also found in lavender

 

Pinene

Scent: Pine

Potential Benefits: counteracts some THC effects, promotes alertness and memory retention, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory

Sources: Also found in orange peels, conifer trees, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley

 

Humulene

Scent: Woody and earthy with hints of hops

Potential Benefits: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor

Sources: Also found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil

 

Limonene

Scent: Citrus

Potential Benefits: Mood enhancer, stress reliever, boosts the immune system, fights acne bacteria, treats gastro-oesophageal reflux

Sources: Also found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint

 

Ocimene

Scent: sweet, herbal, woody

Potential Benefits: Anti-viral, anti-fungal, decongestant, antiseptic, antibacterial

Sources: Also found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats

 

Terpinolene

Scent: piney, floral, herbal

Potential Benefits: antioxidant, antibiotic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor

Sources: Also found in nutmeg, tea tree, conifer trees, apples, cumin, and lilacs

 

Wrap Up

If you'd like to try hemp-derived products with these popular terpenes and experience the health benefits they deliver, check out our ever-evolving online dispensary menu.