A shallow focus image of a budding cannabis plant. Image source – Pexels
Our world has a treasure trove of scents from all sorts of sources. A rose on a summer day makes you feel warm and loved, a citrus peel feels fresh and juicy, a pine forest is sweet, woody and resinous and smells homely.
All of these aroma profiles and its associated characteristics and effects on us are due to terpenes, the aromatic compound that’s found in most plants, fruits, flowers and trees. Over 150 terpenes are found in 100s of strains, shaping your cannabis experience.
To understand the impact of terpenes, we’ll explore the key terpenes found in cannabis, how they smell, and how they interact with weed to affect your overall experience.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural compounds that give plants their unique scents and flavors. They make pine smell fresh, flowers smell sweet, and herbs smell bold. Terpenes are especially abundant in cannabis, and play an important role in shaping its aroma profile. Terpenes also alter the effect profile of cannabis, impacting how you feel when consuming weed.
But what are terpenes? How do they interact with other compounds? How do they impact cannabis? Which terpenes make you feel calm? Let’s explore different terpene profiles in cannabis so you can shop confidently at Fine Fettle.
Meet the Terpenes
Myrcene
An image of a chopping board with pieces of mango, next to a milk drink with mango pieces and a set of white flowers on a table.Unsplash
Myrcene is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It has an earthy, musky aroma with a hint of clove-like smell. It’s also found in mangoes, thyme, lemongrass and hops. It’s often linked with sedative and relaxing effects. This terpene also possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, with myrcene historically used as a sleep aid and for pain relief, with a study confirming its anti-inflammatory properties in 1990.
Some strains that carry Myrcene include Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purple
Limonene
Limonene, like its name suggests, is a terpene that’s commonly found in citrus-based fruits – oranges, lemons and even plants like peppermint and rosemary. This terpene is a natural stress reliever and helps make you feel energized and uplifted. It’s also been found to be helpful with anxiety, along with treating skin inflammations and wounds.
It has a strong citrus or lime smell, and limonene is found naturally and abundantly in strains like Lemon Haze, OG Kush and Sour Diesel
Linalool
Yet another terpene that’s commonly found in cannabis, linalool has a sweet and floral yet slightly spicy aroma and is similar to Myrcene in how it interacts with cannabinoids and affects our body in combination with weed. Found abundantly in lavender, basil and mint, these plants and herbs have traditionally been used in perfumes, scents and aromatherapy is because linalool has anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, helps with anxiety and is an aid for sleep.
Linalool is found in strains like Lavender Kush, Banana Cream and Icecream Cake.
Pinene (α/β)
A picture of a pine forest with mist hanging above pine trees. Unsplash
Pinene, as the name suggests, is found in pines, specifically pine needles. It’s also abundant in orange peels, basil leaves, and rosemary. Pinene has two types – alpha (α) and beta (β), with both being a relaxant that help with stress and anxiety. Like many terpenes found in weed, Pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain relief.
What makes Pinene stand out is that it can also help improve focus and combat short-term memory loss associated with cannabis by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that may improve memory function. Its signature pine scent and unique properties make it a sought-after terpene. Pinene-dominant strains include Royal Jack Automatic, named after writer and cannabis activist Jack Herer, along with Blue Dream and the versatile OG Kush.
Humulene
Also known as Alpha-Caryophyllene, Humulene is commonly found in hops (used in making beers). It’s also present in sage, rosemary, possessing an earthy and slightly spicy aroma profile.
Humulene is associated with anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to help suppress appetite.
Caryophyllene
A small bowl with black peppercorns. Unsplash
Also known as Beta-Caryophyllene, caryophyllene is the second most abundant terpenoid found in cannabis strains. It has a spicy and peppery aroma profile, which makes sense since it’s also commonly found in black pepper, cloves and rosemary.
Caryophyllene is notably helpful in improving brain health, doing so by potentially reducing inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis and immune system dysfunctions. It’s one of the dominant terpenes in strains like Bubba Kush and the infamous Dutch-bred White Widow, an abundantly found strain in Amsterdam’s coffee shops.
Beta-Caryophyllene exhibits a strong anti-inflammatory effect through its high interaction with CB2 receptors. It’s also an excellent choice for pain management due to its analgesic properties and immune-boosting effects. For people with rheumatoid arthritis or general discomfort who want to take fewer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other painkillers, a product high in Beta-Caryophyllene might be a good alternative.
How Cannabinoids and Terpenes Influence Your Experience
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble molecules found in cannabis, with THC and CBD being the most common and well-known cannabinoids. CBD, THC and other cannabinoids interact with our body because of the endocannabinoid system, with our brains having cannabinoid receptors that allow us to see the numerous recreational and medicinal effects of cannabis.
Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and flavanoids (a plant/fruit/flower compound that’s an anti-oxidant). By themselves, these compounds are less effective, but together they amplify each other. Terpenes don’t just contribute towards aroma; they also actively alter how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls mood, pain perception, appetite, and sleep.
This plays a major role in the therapeutic and physiological effects of cannabis – some terpene and cannabinoid combinations are better suited for relaxation and others for focus or energy boosts. This ability of cannabinoids and terpenes to act together to produce focused effects that single chemicals cannot achieve on their own, is known as the entourage effect.
Finding Your Favorite Terpenes at Fine Fettle
Terpenes have been studied and researched heavily, and terpene profiles for each strain allows you to decide which one is your most preferred. Most product labels will carry which terpene it has, and at Fine Fettle, you can ask our knowledgeable staff who’d be happy to guide you through our range of flower and variety of top terpenes.
Ensure that you explore strains with terpene profiles that sound appealing – some like myrcene and limonene for its mood-elevating and relaxing effects, while pinene and myrcene would act as an anti-inflammatory and help you stay focused and alert. There are dozens of such combinations – go with what you’re looking for in your cannabis experience.
Ready to explore your favorite terpenes? Come to one of our many Fine Fettle stores and check out our wide range of cannabis strains and terpenes!
