Terpenes

Terpenes, or isoprenoids, provide cannabis with its unique aromas. The molecules are quite small and consist of repeating units of a compound called isoprene. Although less well-known than the major cannabinoids, terpenes are instrumental to the physiological and psychoactive effects of cannabis. The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids, known as the “entourage effect,” ultimately differentiates one strain of cannabis from another.

Terpenes play a vital role in the plant kingdom; they deter insect predation, protect plants from environmental stresses, and act as building blocks for more complex molecules, such as cannabinoids.

Boiling Point: 330°F (166°C)

Aroma: Earthy and Musky w/ Fruitful Flavors

Boosts: Muscle Relief, Anti-Inflammatory, Sedative

Most Commonly Found In: Mangos, Lemongrass, Thyme, Hops

Recommended Strain: Kosher Tangie – Ghost OG – Triangle Kush – Fire OG – Platinum OG – SFV OG – Bruce Banner – Blue Dream – Citrus Sap – Shark Shock – OG Kush – Larry OG – Lemon Tree – Holy Grail Kush – Granddaddy Purple – Green Crack – Grape Ape – Cotton Candy Kush – White Widow

Taste Description: Camphoraceous, cooling, minty, with citrus and green spicy nuances

Limonene – takes its name from the lemon, as the rind of the lemon, like other citrus fruits, contains considerable amounts of this terpene which also has an overwhelmingly pleasant aroma.

Boiling Point: 348.8°F (176°C)

Aroma: Citrus Aromas and Flavors

Boosts: Weight Loss, Prevention and Treatment of Cancer, Bronchitis, Ointment Effectiveness

Most Commonly Found In: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Some Types of Oranges

Taste Description: Sweet, orange, citrus and terpy

Recommended Strain:

Super Lemon Haze – Banana OG – Berry White – Do-Si-Dos – Quantum Kush – Strawberry Banana – Super Sour Diesel – Tahoe OG – Wedding Cake

Boiling Point: 307°F (153°C)

Aroma: Floral Aromas

Boosts: Healing Wounds, Fights Bacteria, Deodorizer, Treats Various Inflammations

Most Commonly Found in: Chamomile

Bisabolol also seems to have skin and wound healing properties. Because of this Bisabolol has been an ingredient in cosmetics for hundreds of years.

Recommended Strain: Ghost OG – Harle-Tsu – Pink Kush – Headband, OG Shark – ACDC

Boiling Point: 388°F (198°C)

Aroma: Floral Aromas with a Hint of Sage

Boosts: Anti-inflammatory, Modulate Motor Movement, Helps Treat Liver Cancer

Most Commonly Found In: Flowers, Mint, Cinnamon, Some Fungi

Recommended Strain: LA Confidential Scooby Snacks – Do-Si-Dos – Zkittlez – Bruce Banner – Bruce Banner #3 – Banana OG – Wedding Cake – Stardawg – GMO Cookies – Strawberry Banana – Cookies and Cream – Kosher Tangie – SFV OG – Candyland – Sour Diesel – Shark Shock – Purple Punch – Lemon Tree – Gelato – Jack Herer

Taste Description: Citrus, orange, lemon, floral, waxy, aldehydic and woody

Boiling Point: 311°F (155°C)

Aroma: Hoppy and Hops

Boosts: Anxiety Relief, Reduce Depression, Relieves Arthritis

Most Commonly Found In: Black Pepper, Cloves, Cotton

Recommended Strain: Hash Plant

Boiling Point: 311 °F (155°C)

Aroma: Piney (Pine Trees)

Boosts: Cough Suppressant, Alertness, Memory Retention

Most Commonly Found In: Pine Needles, Rosemary, Basil, Parsley, Dill

Recommended Strain: Jack Herer

Primary Terpenes Found in Cannabis

 

Ocimene

Ocimene is frequently used in perfumes for its pleasant odor. In nature, this terpene contributes to a plant’s defenses and possess antifungal properties.

 

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects in rat brain cells. Studies with mice show that terpinolene has a sedative effect when inhaled. In addition, terpinolene is responsible for many of the floral notes found in Jack Herer varieties.

 

Terpineol

Terpineol is known for its pleasant smell and is often used in soaps and perfumes. It is known to have relaxing effects.

 

Valencene

Valencene is present in Valencia oranges and contributes to cannabis’ citrus aroma.

 

Geraniol

Also present in geraniums, geraniol emits a rosey scent that makes it a popular perfume additive. It is an effective mosquito repellent and shows a potential protective effect against neuropathy.

 

Humulene

α Humulene contributes to the “hoppy” aroma of cannabis. This terpene acts as an appetite suppressant and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity.

 

Secondary Terpenes Found in Cannabis:

Phellandrene
Phellandrene is commonly found in the essential oil of plants in the eucalyptus genus. Its smell is reminiscent of peppermint, with a slight citrus tone. Recent research shows that phellandrene possesses antidepressive effects.

Carene
Carene has a sweet, pungent odor and is a main constituent of pine and cedar resin. It is used to dry out excess body fluids, such as tears, mucus, and sweat.

Terpinene
Terpinene is used as a fragrant additive in both the cosmetic and food industries.It is also considered to be a well-tolerated additive in the pharmaceutical industry. It has very strong antioxidant properties.

Fenchol
Fenchol is found in basil and is used extensively in perfumery. It is known to exhibit antibacterial properties.

Borneol
Borneol has a menthol aroma and is used as a calming sedative. It is also beneficial for combating fatigue and recovering from stress or illness. Borneol exhibits both anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects.

Bisabolol
Bisabolol is the primary constituent of German chamomile essential oil and has recently been shown to induce apoptosis in models of leukemia.

Phytol
Found in green tea, phytol is a diterpene that results from the degradation of chlorophyll. Phytol inhibits the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter GABA, which may partially account for its relaxing effect.

Camphene
Camphene is found in essential oils extracted from certain trees. It has recently shown promise for pain relief and antioxidant effects.

Sabinene
Sabinene is known for its spicy, oak, and black pepper accents. It has been shown to benefit liver function and digestion, relieve arthritis, and can soothe skin conditions.

Camphor
Principally derived from the camphor tree, camphor is readily absorbed through the skin. When applied topically, it produces a cooling sensation similar to that of menthol. Camphor also acts as a slight local anesthetic and an antimicrobial substance.

Isoborneol
Isoborneol is found in mugwort that exhibits antiviral properties. It is a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Menthol
Menthol exhibits analgesic properties and is used topically to treat inflammatory pain.

Cedrene
Cedrene is present in the essential oil of cedar.

Nerolidol
Nerolidol is found in oranges. It acts as a sedative and exhibits potent antifungal and antimalarial activity.

Guaiol
Guaiol is an alcohol found in the oil of guaiacum and cypress pine. It possesses antimicrobial properties.

Isopulegol
Isopulegol is a chemical precursor to menthol, and has a variety of promising routes for therapeutic research. Studies have shown that isopulegol possess gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, and reduces the severity of seizures in animal models.

Geranyl Acetate
Geranyl Acetate is found in a variety of natural oils, derived from citronella, lemongrass, sassafras, roses, and many others. It has a strong floral aroma with a fruity twist, and exhibits strong antimicrobial effects.

Cymene
Commonly found in the essential oils of cumin and thyme, cymene has documented anti-inflammatory effects. Research also shows potential protective effects against acute lung injury.

Eucalyptol
Derived from eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol has a minty, earthy aroma. It has been shown to possess potent antifungal effects.

Pulegone
Pulegone has a pleasant peppermint aroma and is a strong insecticide.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program.