Terpenes give each strain its own unique smell and taste and enhance the effects of cannabis.
There are 8 terpenes that are commonly used to describe the taste and aroma of cannabis: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Pinene, Ocimene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene, and Limonene. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and profiles of each terpene!
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though they are often associated with cannabis due to the plant's high concentration of them. The aroma of most cannabis plants is due to a combination of various terpenes. In nature, these terpenes protect the plants from animal grazing or infectious germs. To humans, we all have a particular set of scents that we are drawn to. However, terpenes may also offer some health benefits to the body as well. As legalization becomes more common throughout the country, scientists are carrying out more research into these possible benefits.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is considered to be a more multidimensional terpene when compared to other cannabis terpenes. It is characterized by its particular herb scent, citrus, and floral hints with piney touches. It usually stands out for its fresh fragrance.
Research indicates that terpinolene may present anti-cancer, cardiovascular benefits, and anti-anxiety benefits. These findings are undoubtedly deserving of additional clinical studies. Further investigation is needed to understand terpinolene as a treatment for mental health, cancer care, and heart disease to reach any solid conclusions.
Myrcene
Myrcene is characterized by it's herbaceous, mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy and musky. Beyond cannabis, myrcene is found in hops and is responsible for the peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance in beer. Cannabis strains which contain high concentrations of myrcene, are likely to induce a couch-lock effect.
Myrcene contains anti-mutagen properties, given to the terpene by the inhibition of the liver enzyme, CYP2B1, which induces aflatoxin’s ability to damage our DNA. Myrcene also protects against DNA damage from certain toxins. These anti-mutagen effects are consistent with those of other terpenes, along with their antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. The terpene is said to have muscle-relaxing, anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties.
Pinene
Pinene is often regarded as the most common terpene in cannabis as well as the natural world. Given how common it is, it is also one of the most frequently used and well-understood terpenes. Pinene takes its name from pine trees, where it is a prominent terpene, it is also present in rosemary and basil. It is easily recognizable with its piney scent and its dry and woody taste.
Research suggests this terpene has the potential to treat inflammation, cancer, and respiratory conditions like asthma. Pinene can be both relaxing and energizing – high levels of terpenes with sedentary effects may influence which effect pinene displays.
Ocimene
Ocimene is derived from a Greek word meaning "basil". Although its profile is not predominantly herbal, Ocimene displays a woody aroma and can be described as fruity or citrusy in terms of flavors.
This terpene offers many medicinal and therapeutic uses for its uplifting effects, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, decongestant, and anti-fungal properties. Ocimene has been examined to work better with myrcene and pinene, among other terpenes. When combined with other cannabinoids, Ocimene produces more potent effects and is also believed to act as a protective agent of plants against harmful elements.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is present in many different spices and herbs, including black pepper, oregano, and basil. It’s spicy with hints of cinnamon and diesel. Cannabis strains rich in caryophyllene deliver a peppery, warm, and somewhat spicy aroma. Many describe the smell and flavor of caryophyllene-rich cannabis as pungent because of the fuel-like undertones within these strains.
Caryophyllene has a unique ability to successfully bind to CB2 receptors — the part of our endocannabinoid system that regulates the immune system. Because of this caryophyllene has been found to support the immune system, promote digestive health, alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation and provide a gentle, relaxing effect.
Linalool
Linalool is available in smaller quantities than “major terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and pinene.
Linalool conveys a very floral aroma of lavender and spice. It is found in 200 other plants, including mints, scented herbs, citrus, and even birch trees. Significant medicinal benefits are derived from linalool. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it of special interest to endurance athletes seeking performance enhancement and faster recovery times.
Humulene
Humulene is named after the common hop plant as is found naturally in many plants, including cannabis, hops, black pepper, basil, ginseng, and sage. Humulene contributes a spicy, herbaceous, or woody taste, reminiscent of a hoppy beer.
Humulene has painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative effects. It is also thought to have anti-tumor and cancer reduction abilities, antibacterial properties, and the ability to suppress oone's appetite and contribute to weight loss.
Limonene
As its name suggests, this terpene conveys an aroma of citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine). Like other terpenes, limonene is produced by a wide range of plants other than cannabis, including citrus fruits, lemons, peppermint, and rosemary (it is especially abundant in the rind of these fruits).
Limonene shows potential benefits in improving digestion, mood enhancement, and significant anti-inflammatory properties. It is these anti-inflammatory characteristics that give limonene special value for hundreds of diseases and conditions related to inflammation, including cancer, arthritis, and asthma. In addition, limonene has been found to aid in combating acid reflux and decreasing anxiety.
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