Several compounds in the plant create its smell, taste, and physical aspects. Cannabis cultivators combine various elements to produce specific properties in cannabis plants that cause different effects. One of the main substances used is called terpenes.
Cannabis cultivators & scientists discover new strains and terpene combinations regularly. Produced inside specialized hairs, called trichomes, terpenes are located on the surface of cannabis leaves and stems. Terpenes are made by the same glands that produce other elements in cannabis, namely THC and CBD.
Terpenes in cannabis cause the flower to have a fragrant aroma and affect the plant’s colour, and work simultaneously with cannabinoids to stimulate a specific type of remedy and effect, binding to our brain receptors within the Endocannabinoid System.
Terpene | Aroma | Benefits |
Caryophyllene | Citrus | Spice | Pepper | Earthy | Anti-inflammatory that regulates pain sensations. The only terpene that is known to act on the endocannabinoid system, regulates a combination of physiological functions |
Humulene | Spicy | Woody | Herbal | Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory |
Linalool | Citrus | Flowers | Lavender | Spice | Analgesic, anti-seizure, sedative, antibacterial, anti-cancer, antifungal |
Limonene | Citrus | Fresh Spice | Aids indigestion, aids with acid reflux, elevates mood, antioxidant, anti-cancer, treats anxiety and depression |
Myrcene | Earth | Flowers | Pungent | Antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aids to induce sleep, but the concentration used determines whether a strain has an energizing or sedative effect (Strains containing more than 0.5% of myrcene have a sedative effect, while strains containing less than 0.5% myrcene produce an energizing effect) |
Pinene | Spicy | Earthy | Herbal | Pine | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, aids memory function, boosts alertness, acts as a bronchodilator |
Terpinolene | Woody | Lime | Floral | Herbal | Antioxidant, anti-cancer, sedative |
Terpene | Aroma | Benefits |
Borneol | Rosemary | Mint | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect |
Isoborneol | Musty | Sweet | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, inhibits herpes simplex type 1 virus |
Phellandrene | Peppermint | Citrus | Antidepressant effects |
Phytol | Floral | Balsamic | Sedative, anti-anxiety, impairs GABA (the enzyme that promotes stress) |
Sabinene | Spicy | Woody | Pepper | Aids digestion, relieves arthritis, and soothes skin conditions. |
