Terpenes are a great connector of the plant and animal kingdoms. They are found in herbs, flowers, insects, and cannabis. Although it is highly regulated, this signals that cannabis and other herbs aren’t so different, after all. Terpenes can remind people that weed is just another herbaceous flower. They also tease possible pharmaceutical potential.
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At a fundamental level, the molecules are a tool for plants to communicate. When pests come to eat the fruit, flowers, or leaves plants develop certain terpenes to become undesirable. On the flip side, terpenes can also attract pollinators and other companion creatures.
The compounds do different jobs depending on the environmental stimulus. They definitely draw in humans who love to smell flowers and savor herbal teas. Terpenes are a driving component in cannabis scent, flavor, and maybe even effect. When it comes to the weed experience, they are deemed super valuable.
What are terpenes?
There are hundreds of terpenes in the world, and in weed. They are most densely gathered in the trichomes and less prominent in plant tissues like leaves and stems. Cannabis has a more complex combination of terpenes than chamomile, hops, and other plants, but the base terpenes remain the same.
Research continues amplifying the impact of terpenes on the weed experience. There seems to me more than aromatics at play. Many believe limonene, linalool, and more guide the effect, flavor, and scent.
Limonene
Common plants: citrus fruit peels and pulp
Strains with d-limonene: MAC 1, Mandarin Cookies, Super Glue, Strawberry Banana, and Pure Michigan
Fresh citrus cannabis strains are often rich in terpene limonene. The monoterpene is an enantiomer, which means it exists in a mirror image of itself. D-limonene is found in oranges, limes, and lemons. L-limonene grows more in dill, caraway, bergamot, and coniferous trees.
This terp is sometimes an indicator that a chemovar will have uplifting properties. However, that depends on each person’s endocannabinoid system paired with the other terpenes in the play. A scientific review revealed numerous pharmacological possibilities, finding that limonene has “great potential.”
One research review broke down the lemon-scented possibilities. In vitro, studies have shown anticancer effects among the most promising for the citrus terpene. It also proved antibacterial when tested on various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This signals the potential for human use and organic pest control.
Studies on mice indicated that terpene may also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It may cause irritation to the skin but limonene showed a low toxicity orally. More research is required to fully understand how d-limonene works in weed. Papers available now show it is worth probing.
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Pinene
Commonly found in: conifer like pine, camphorweed, big sagebrush
Strains with pinene: Mochi, Limoncello, Blue Dream
People who follow terps will see alpha-pinene and its beta twin in weed and non-weed-related literature. Both compounds are highly prominent in many cannabis strains believed to promote sharp memory and enhance focus. It is often found in hybrids like Mochi and Blue Dream, which mirrors scientific findings on the compound.
This monoterpene has been a prominent feature in much scientific research, including a review entitled “A miracle gift of nature.” Extensive in vitro, animal, and human research shows possible antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic applications. However, more research is necessary to grasp the true impact pinene has on the body.
The paper also shared that pinene is only available in the body for a short time due to its volatile nature. The body will metabolize and eliminate it quickly. Although weed may have high concentrations of the compound the body may not use it all to its full potential.
Myrcene
Commonly found in: Hops, lemongrass, bay leaf, basil, cardamom, thyme
Strains with myrcene: Tangieland, Holy Grail Kush, Wonka Bars, Fire OG, Animal Face, Permanent Marker, Animal Face
Many recognize the aroma of myrcene from plants like hops, basil, and thyme, but stoners will say it smells like weed. It is believed that myrcene contributes to calming, relaxed cannabis strain effects. This is anecdotally supported by its high saturation in many CBD strains like ACDC, Remedy, and Harlequin.
Greater medical research reviews call myrcene abundant in plant species, making it an attractive organic pharmacological agent. The monoterpene may also have anti-anxiety, non-allergic, non-toxic, and antimutagenic activity.
The study also points to myrcene as a viable agent for non-alcoholic spirits. Three Spirit Drinks includes the terpene in some of its euphoric beverages.
Myrcene has many possibilities, and those who love weed celebrate all of them.
Linalool
Commonly found in: lavender, rose, basil
Strains with linalool: Lavender, Cotton Candy, Rainbow Beltz
Wet earth and punchy citrus are familiar cannabis scents, but the real ones know about linalool. The terpene emits a delightful floral aroma. A lot of purple weed has this lavender-rich monoterpene, but not all. This one does not grow naturally in huge quantities. A chemovar testing over three percent linalool is impressive.
When linalool is present in cannabis, it may bring on relaxing effects and reduce stress. People claim it is ideal for meditation and mindfulness practices. It may also make some sleepy.
As for science, much has been discovered about the readily available compound used everywhere– from fragrances to pharmaceuticals. Linalool exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. It is revered for its role in plant survival, specifically as a crop-destroying insect repellent.
Researchers’ interest often piques at talk of linalool and the central nervous system. One study showed that the terpene may have regulated the autonomic nervous system of mice when inhaled, indicating possibilities for sedative, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective effects.
There aren’t many strains with huge quantities of linalool, but if it is in the jar, those with a sense of smell will find it hard to miss.
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Terpinolene
Commonly found in: sage, nutmeg, rosemary, apple
Strains with terpinolene: Ghost Train Haze, Durban Poison, Orange Cookies
Terpinolene is credited with heightened energy and whirring thoughts that come with some cannabis chemovars. With that in mind, it may come as no surprise that it is a star in the coveted sativa landrace strain Durban Poison.
The scent of this monoterpene is a marriage of citrus and pine commonly smelled in orange strains. Limonene citrus rings bright and clear, while the terpinolene takes on a more musky, syrupy quality.
Research reviews indicate that terpinolene does more than smell good. Various in vivo, in vitro, and computer-monitored studies show antioxidant properties and potential for wound healing. Terpinolene studies are not as prominent as limonene or pinene, but conclusions call for more research.
Monoterpenes vs sesquiterpenes
Weed strain lab results will often read like a list starting with cannabinoid acronyms (THC and the gang) before moving on down to monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The difference between the two is chemical.
All terpenes are made of isoprenes that plants develop as a response to stress. This all happens to cannabis connoisseurs’ benefit. There are a few kinds of terpenes, each with its own chemical complexity, flavor, and potential effects when consumed.
Monoterpenes are made of two isoprenes, while sequiterps have three. There are also diterpenes, which contain four. The more isoprenes, the bulkier the terp. Monoterpenes are the most volatile and thus, more apt to release their scents. They also happen to show up prominently in cannabis strains.
Monoterpenes in cannabis
Cannabis is a complicated plant, from how it grows to the compounds within it. Terpenes contribute to that complexity, and it turns out, to much more. Weed effects and scents are often due to their unique terpene profiles.
Monoterpenes like linalool, pinene, myrcene, limonene, and terpinolene are prominently featured in many popular strains. However, minor terpenes are center stage as breeders mine historic lineages with new crosses.
Monoterpene, sesquiterpene, cannabinoids, ketones, and more–it all comes together in one beautiful blessing called pot. While not everyone is a scientist, most can appreciate the grand design at play.
