What are terpenes?
Terpenes are what give plants their smell. They are hydrocarbons, organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. In simple terms, they are part of the essential oil of the plant. Like any essential oil they play various roles.
Some plants with terpenes you may be familiar with are:
- pine trees
- lemons
- nutmeg
- lavender
- cinnamon
- cloves
- hops
- black pepper
- mangos
What do these plants have in common? Strong aromas that are present because of terpenes.
In the plant world terpenes play an important role, they not only attract pollinators they also work to repel predators. They make food taste good are often used in the perfume industry. Once you know what specific terpenes can do, you can fine tune your cannabis experience.
Terpenes in Cannabis
Cannabis is a great example of the many different terpenes we find in nature. Known for its pungent aromas, those notes can also be found to enhance the flavour of cannabis.
Each cultivar is made up of many different terpenes giving them not only a unique aroma, flavour and effects. Terpenes also play a role in enhancing how cannabinoids interact in the body.
When consumed, terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce effects in the body and brain. This is part of The Entourage Effect that we discussed in an earlier article.
Terpenes Found in Cannabis
There are many different terpenes found in cannabis. In upcoming articles, we will take a deep dive into each terpene and look at the role each one plays in cannabis.
Bisabolol
Borneol
Camphene
Camphor
Caryophyllene
Cedrene
Cymene
Delta 3-Carene
Eucalyptol
Farnesene
Frenchol
Geraniol
Geranyl Acetate
Guaiol
Humulene
Isoborneol
Isopulegol
Limonene
Linalool
Myrcene
Nerolidol
Ocimene
Phellandrene
Phytol
Pinene
Pulegone
Sabinene
Terpinene
Terpineol
Terpinolene
Valancene
As mentioned in THC, CBD and The Entourage Effect article, it is a good idea to use a cannabis consumption journal noting the types of cannabis you have used in the past.
It allows you to keep track of what cannabis you have tried, to make notes of which worked for you and why. Over time you may find a common terpene in the cannabis that works best for you that will allow you to fine tune future cannabis experiences to your desired needs.