Cannabis consumption today isn’t like what many of the Baby Boomer consumers were going through in the 1960s and 70s. As many of our parents say, “We were just trying to get high.”

Social acceptance and new legislation have brought considerable progress into how we enjoy cannabis. But unless you’re a scientist-grower or scientist-gardener yourself, there’s a decent chance you know a lot less about how your cannabis has gotten its qualities beyond what you were told when you purchased the seeds.

You likely know about THC and CBD, and that’s something you’re checking for on the back of product labels or if you get your own product tested. But beyond the cannabinoids, terpene profiles play a pretty big role in the end result of the cannabis harvest, and they’re among the least-well-known elements of most growers’ cannabis efforts.

Terpenes can affect the smell, taste, appearance and even effects of plants – including cannabis

Terpenes are compounds derived from plants. At their base form, they give specific scents and sometimes flavors either on their own or as an additive to other plants and products, which also means they can contribute to the appearance of some plants.

You’ll hear this a few times, but research on terpenes is something of an emerging area, so we’re still learning about what they offer. But they’re believed to have medicinal and therapeutic properties, which is why you’ll find them in seasonings like sage and thyme, beverages like green and turmeric teas, and most essential oils.

Researchers increasingly believe that it’s the terpenes that can be used to predict the effects of cannabis products – so much so that they’ve begun classifying them as such. Beyond the cannabis-specific effects and the aromatic elements, scientists think plants use terpenes as a defense mechanism against predators and harsh weather.

What’s interesting about terpenes and cannabis is what’s colloquially called the entourage effect. Terpenes don’t really have any intoxicating properties of their own, but they’re believed to impact the effects of THC and CBD. The way these effects improve one another is what drives the name entourage effect, since the effects seem to change based on what is and isn’t present.

It’s important to note, though, that terpene study is somewhat new, so our understanding is pretty limited.

And in cannabis, you’ll find some specific terpenes

So if you’re not a scientist, you might think of them like essential oils – they’re the things that contribute the unique fragrance to the plant. Common terpenes in cannabis include:

Caryophyllene
Eucalyptol
Humulene
Limonene
Linalool
Myrcene
Phytol
Pinene
Sabinene

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene carries the fragrance of pepper and wood, and it’s believed to have anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. Given the scent, you won’t be surprised to learn black pepper and cloves both contain this terpene.

Eucalyptol

Given the similarities in the name, you likely won’t be surprised to hear eucalyptol is found in eucalyptus as well as rosemary and camphor laurel. It has a cooling, minty scent and taste, and it has been shown to have insect-repellent properties.

Humulene

Humulene is a terpene found in wild carrots, marjoram and hops, as well as in cannabis. It has a subtle earthy, woody aroma. And while there’s no clinical evidence suggesting as much, people seek out humulene because they’ve heard it suppresses appetite and prevents the hunger pangs that often accompany cannabis consumption.

Limonene

Limonene gives fruits their characteristic aromas and reports to be uplifting and euphoric, even providing some relief from anxiety. Citrus is certainly the easiest scent you can associate with it, and in addition to cannabis and citrus fruits, you’ll also find limonene in juniper and peppermint.

Linalool

Lavender’s a very common calming and anti-anxiety aroma, and you can attribute that to the terpene linalool – what gives lavender its woodsy, floral smell. Studies have shown linalool may help improve sleep, and it’s believed to have pain-relief and antidepressant effects as well. You’ll also find linalool in basil and bergamot.

Myrcene

What do basil, cannabis, hops, lemongrass, mango and thyme all have in common? The terpene myrcene! It’s a strong sedative that’s believed to have potent pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it contributes an earthy or herbal aroma.

Phytol

Beyond cannabis strains, Phytol can be found in green tea plants, parsnips, white cabbage and raspberries, and it’s found in popular beverages. Studies suggest this terpene can be used as a therapy to help reduce inflammation, and it may help relieve anxiety. This terpene smells like green tea with some floral and citrus notes.

Pinene

As the name implies, pinene is a terpene commonly found in pine trees. It’s also found in herbs such as rosemary and basil. It’is known for its fresh, woodsy smell. We don’t have a significant number of studies on pinene, but early research seems promising. People report that cannabis rich in pinene helps enhance their focus and increase their alertness. Early research shows that pinene may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant effects. It also seems to help improve depression and anxiety symptoms, and some report it helps open airways and reduce swelling from breathing conditions like asthma.

Sabinene

Sabinene has a spicy, pine-like scent with notes of citrus, and it brings this scent to the plants like marjoram, Norway spruce and nutmeg.It’s also found in certain cannabis strains, where it contributes to both the taste and aroma of the bud. It’s believed to have anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

Terpenes offer a fascinating avenue for exploring the connection between scent, nature and well-being. And as research continues to unfold, we're likely to discover even more about the remarkable power of terpenes and their potential to enhance our lives.

Sources

McPartland, John and Russo, Ethan Budd: “Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts: Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts?”
Polito, Joshua and Lange, B. Markus: “Standard operating procedures for the comprehensive and reliably analysis of cannabis terpenes”
Healthline: What are Terpenes and What Do They Do?
GoodRx: 6 Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects
Mamedica: Phytol: Unlocking the therapeutic benefits of this cannabis terpene
Leafwell: What Is Sabinene?
THCDesign: It’s All About the Terpenes

Exploring the terpenes you might find in your cannabis