Terpenes are a hot topic in the cannabis world right now. But what are they, exactly? Terpenes are aromatic organic hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants. They are responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis, as well as for many of its therapeutic effects. In this blog post, we will explore terpenes in more detail and discuss their benefits for both recreational and medicinal users.
Cannabis plants contain hundreds of different terpenes, each with its own unique aroma and set of effects. When you smoke or vape cannabis, you are not just consuming THC or CBD. You are also inhaling a variety of terpenes that can alter your experience in subtle ways. For example, the terpene myrcene is known for its sedative effects, while limonene is thought to be uplifting and energizing.
Terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to produce what is known as the entourage effect. This refers to the fact that the various compounds in cannabis work together to produce a greater effect than any one of them could on its own. Therefore, when choosing a cannabis strain, it is important to pay attention not only to the THC and CBD content, but also to the terpene profile.
What Are the Most Common Terpenes Found in the Cannabis Plant?
Here are the most common terpenes found in cannabis, along with a brief description of their effects:
Myrcene
This is the most common terpene in cannabis and is responsible for the herb’s musky, earthy aroma. Myrcene has sedative and analgesic effects and can be helpful for treating insomnia and pain.
Limonene
This citrusy-smelling terpene is thought to stimulate creativity and uplift moods. It also has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Linalool
This floral terpene is known for its calming effects, which can make it helpful for treating anxiety, stress, and depression. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Caryophyllene
This peppery terpene is known for its anti-inflammatory and gastric inhibitory effects. It can be helpful for treating inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
Pinene
This pine-scented terpene is known for its energizing and focus-enhancing effects. It can also help to improve airflow to the lungs and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpinolene
This floral terpene has sedative effects and can be helpful for treating insomnia. It also has antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Humulene
This woody terpene is thought to have appetite suppressant effects and can be helpful for weight loss. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.
Bisabolol
This floral terpene has calming and soothing effects on the skin and can help treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
How Do Terpenes Work within the Body?
When you inhale cannabis smoke or vapor, the terpenes are absorbed into your bloodstream and bind to receptors in your body. This is what produces the various effects that you experience. Each type of receptor is responsive to different types of terpene, which is why some strains can be energizing while others are more relaxing.
Go Forth & Implement Your Terpene Knowledge
Now that you know a little bit more about terpenes in cannabis, you can start to experiment with different strains to see what effects they have on you. Pay attention to the smell, taste, and effects of each strain to find the ones that best suit your needs.
The next time you visit your local dispensary, ask the budtender about the terpene content of the strains they have to offer. And if you are a medical cannabis patient, be sure to discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider how terpenes might be able to help you achieve your desired effects.
What are some of your favorite cannabis strains? Do you think their effects are due to their terpene profiles? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out and follow our blog for more great content like this. Thanks for reading!