
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.