The Best Cannabis-
Derived Terpenes
What’s in Your THC Vape Cartridge?
TALKING TERPENES WITH THE LEGION
Over the last few years, Californians have begun cultivating a collective (albeit informal) system for cataloguing cannabis experiences by terpene profiles, and the word “terpene” has definitely become a mainstay in the everyday cannabis lexicon.
As curious cannabis enthusiasts continue mapping out this new territory together, the community is developing new ways to talk about terpenes, either among friends or at the dispensary.
But what, exactly, are cannabis-derived terpenes, and how might they contribute to what is commonly known as the entourage effect?
Read on to learn more about these amazing compounds, and to appreciate why the top ten terpenes that are naturally found in cannabis are so popular!
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds that stimulate your body’s olfactory glands and activate your sense of smell, helping your mind instinctively draw conclusions about what your body finds appealing. Terpenes are routinely praised for awakening different elements of our sensory awareness, and theoretically have the potential to impact how we feel upon inhalation or consumption.
In other words, terpenes help explain why you tend to add aromatherapy to your massages, trusting that the scent of lavender will induce the sort of deep relaxation that it always does. Terpenes could also explain why you prefer certain spices over others, or why you’re more likely to order a glass of Malbec than Pinot Noir.
These potent molecules are abundant in every plant on Earth, including those that you rely on for physical and mental nourishment. This includes whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, and the invaluable natural medicines/essential oils you’ve come to trust over the years. By extension, in the cannabis plant, terpene profiles are often praised for generating not only the distinct aroma and flavor of a given strain, but also its reputation.
We can broaden our understanding of terpenes by simply considering how these different plants and plant extracts make us feel, and by recognizing how a person’s individual palette might impact their reception of various plants—cannabis included.
Cannabis-derived terpenes are special in that many people are now using them to help create more customized results.
What are Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDTs)?
As with anything in life, we’re all attracted to different things for different reasons. Whether you’re after a particular smell, taste, or vibe, paying attention to cannabis-derived terpenes (CDTs) has the potential to help you hone your high.
Many cannabis experts believe that certain terpenes may soon be scientifically and verifiably linked with different kinds of medicinal or recreational experiences. A single strain of cannabis can contain between 60-80 different terpenes, making it one of the most prolific terpene producers on the planet. Given that there are more than 200 terpenes found in cannabis plants, it is logical to assume that different combinations could generate different effects.
Although the terpene extraction process is challenging and time-consuming, people agree that it is worth it. Cannabis-derived terpenes are a leading ingredient in some of the hottest carts and pods on the legal market, and people are willing to pay top dollar in order to get them--be it via some of the best products you can find in California, or as a liquid contained in a small glass jar (many oils and tinctures come with old-school medicine droppers, which means you’ll get to have some fun experimenting on your own!).
Tasty terpenes have moved beyond the dispensary, and are a sought-after ingredient for cannabis chefs and bartenders who want to serve up something special for their guests. You’re likely to find terpene-infused dishes and cocktails on the menus of some of the hottest places in town, which is another reason learning about terpenes is not a bad use of time.
But what makes terpenes so desirable? Is it the flavor? The aroma? The feels?
Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
Terpenes work in tandem with other compounds in the cannabis plant, and may play a significant role in your reception of a particular strain. If you’re observant, learning about terpene profiles may even help you identify preferred products based on previous experiences.
THC, CBD, Cannabinoids and YOU!
As trademarks of a strain’s unique fingerprint and reputation, terpenes “may act synergistically with cannabinoids” like THC, CBD, and other compounds that are naturally found in cannabis plants. This interaction results in what is commonly known as the entourage effect.
Many people believe terpenes impact how a particular strain or product shapes their cannabis experience—be it physically or mentally—and that the composition of specific plants should therefore be considered. Genetically distinct cultivars can lead to vastly different experiences because “cannabis is a highly variable plant, and cannabinoid content in finished flowers is extremely inhomogeneous;” in addition, one study found that “the relative variation in terpene content across [different] plants was approximately 90%,” which is higher than the variation in cannabinoid content (Giese et. al 1520). In other words, since there is a vast difference between the composition of different chemovars (or strains), consumers and patients have come to respect products that deliver reproducible results.
Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: Be Selective & Check the Labels
After you learn what you’re down with (and what you want to avoid), you’ll be able to scan a product’s label and make informed decisions.
Since the tastiest terpenes are derived from high quality cannabis plants, many eco-conscious Californians are consciously seeking out products that stem from sustainable cannabis farms. Selective consumers also support brands that use a proprietary, natural solventless terpene extraction process because full-spectrum extracts capture the most desirable blends of terpenes, terpinoids, and flavonoids of a specific strain.
Remember that trusted industry leaders publish the results of their lab tests online and on labels to ensure consumers have access to the information they need before making purchases. Given the recent scare in the illicit vape market, “it is important not to overlook the importance of quality control and standardization” (International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines). When you’re scoping out the terp content on a product label, make sure there are no additives or solvents. Avoid Vitamin E Acetate, PG, VG, MCT oil, and anything else that isn’t cannabis oil or terpenes.
Talking Terpenes: What are the Top Ten Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDTs)?
Cannaseurs talk terps all the time. Ready to chime in?
The top ten cannabis-derived terpenes are:
Myrcene
Limonene
Terpinolene
Beta-Caryophyllene
Alpha-Pinene (a-Pinene)
Humulene
Linalool
Delta-3-Carene
Eucalyptol
Terpineol
Check out the following descriptions of the most popular terpenes that are naturally found in cannabis!
1. Myrcene
Myrcene is an aromatic terpene that immediately announces its presence in the air, and as a result, it is often held culpable for the easily recognizable smell of plants such as marijuana and lemongrass. In addition to being found in cannabis, Myrcene is abundant in certain fruits, which is why some people choose to complement their experiences with a nice slice of mango on the side. Myrcene sometimes occupies a fairly large share of a strain’s particular terpene profile, and is perhaps the most commonly discussed cannabis terpene today due to its reputation for being a slight sedative that can result in a heavy body high (ie “couch lock”). It is typically deemed the most prominent terpene in cannabis (especially in Indica strains), and it is particularly important because it purportedly activates or enhances other cannabinoids, most notably THC. From a purely scientific standpoint, Steep Hill suggests that Myrcene “allows [THC] to take effect more quickly” and “increase[s] the maximum saturation level of the CB1 Receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect.” While some people prefer this sort of intense cerebral high, others shy away from it and opt for products with lower levels of Myrcene. This is why so many people are curious about a strain’s terpene profile, and why Myrcene levels are something experienced cannabis lovers want to scope out prior to consumption or use.
2. Limonene
As the name implies, Limonene is a terpene that summons the aroma of a vast citrus grove and serves up the distinct scent of fresh lemons and limes. For many people, Limonene is uplifting and invigorating, which is why it is often featured in bath products that are designed to perk you up a bit. While citrus fruits are often consumed via tasty and refreshing juices, their extracts and rinds often become key components of non-toxic cleansing agents and common household products. This versatility makes Limonene a particularly valuable terpene that may be of interest when featured in cannabis products. In the plant world, Limonene has been recognized for its antifungal properties, and it is revered for its ability to calm both the digestive tract and the mind. Limonene has the ability to relieve stress and regulate—or even elevate—your mental state, which means that strains containing this terpene might put your mind at ease and help you steer clear of total paranoia. People who want to include herbal remedies in holistic treatment plans agree that Limonene can be a promising homeopathic solution for the side effects of harsher medical treatments, including those for cancer. Fortunately, Limonene has the added benefit of sometimes functioning as a natural mood booster,, making it a key terpene to consider when making cannabis-based purchases.
3. Terpinolene
If you can imagine yourself scrubbing paint off of your body…you can probably call to mind the pungent smell of turpentine. Although Terpinolene is indeed a terpene found in turpentine, it has a much more appealing role in the plant world, where it is known for being a beneficial compound that is abundant in even the most modest window sill herb gardens. You can find Terpinolene in plants like parsley, nutmeg, oregano, and rosemary. It is also present in valerian, the popular medicinal herb, and it emerges in the oil that is carefully extracted from a eucalyptus tree. This means that you’ll find Terpinolene in many food and health products at your local organic grocery store, including fragrant fresh herbs in the produce section and all sorts of supplements and medicines that promote a general sense of well-being. People who are restless or unable to sleep soundly sometimes turn to valerian root capsules to coax them to bed—and this calming effect is often attributed to Terpinolene. While the Mayo Clinic notes that “herbal supplements aren't monitored by the Food and Drug Administration the same way medications are,” because of its purportedly sedative properties, valerian is nevertheless attractive to those seeking a natural solution for insomnia. In addition, homeopathic remedies for asthma and other bronchial issues often include eucalyptus essential oil as part of an integral approach to holistic health treatments. Eucalyptus oil is often turned into soothing topical creams and ointments, so it seems like other plants high in Terpinolene—like cannabis—might have the potential to function in a predictably similar manner.
4. Beta-Caryophyllene
If you’re someone who cooks with a lot of spices and always asks for fresh black pepper at a restaurant, your nose and taste buds already appreciate the power of Beta-Caryophyllene. This terpene is affiliated with two distinct smells that you would easily recognize today: That of cloves and marijuana. Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that evokes the pleasant woodsy smell of a nice mountain hike, and in the plant world, it can function as a safe and grounding additive that soothes a worried mind. More importantly, according to Drs. Fine and Rosenfeld, it is possible that “cannabidiol and β-Caryophyllene, delivered by the oral route appear to be promising candidates for the treatment of chronic pain due to their high safety and low adverse effects profiles” ("The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain"). If plants that contain this terpene—including cannabis—are able to bind with CB2 Receptors and reduce pain and inflammation, they have the potential to one day compete with or even replace opioids, which are, quite obviously, both dangerously addictive and widely abused. It doesn’t hurt that this particular terpene is also recommended to those who are hoping to ignore the urge to consume alcohol. In a nod to this compound’s potential medicinal benefits, studies are currently examining whether Beta-Caryophyllene can perhaps even enhance cognitive (mental) function in mice. For now, it is receiving a lot of attention in the cannabis industry, so it seems like this terpene could have a lot to offer for patients in the future.
5. Alpha-Pinene (a-Pinene)
Try to remember that last time you took a big breath of air out in the woods—can you recall the euphoria you felt while taking it all in? Alpha-Pinene (sometimes referred to as Pinene) is a prominent terpene located in cannabis that is known for lending its appealing flavors to the plant and its related products. As its name implies, Alpha-Pinene is a dominant terpene in pine trees, which are beloved for their distinctive and lingering smell. Everything from pine cones to pine needles is infused with the smell of Alpha-Pinene, rendering this terpene one of the easiest fragrances to imagine in its absence. In addition to cannabis, you can find this terpene in popular plants such as ginseng, ginger, and sage. It is commonly represented in holiday potpourri blends, and is highly effective at imbuing an environment with an earthy, woodsy aroma that overpowers almost any competing scent or odor. According to Steep Hill, Alpha-Pinene is “important physiologically in both plants and animals, and to our environment…it has been used for centuries as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma.” It helps your lungs find space to breathe and makes your heart more open, which is something most people would find desirable. There is even the potential for Alpha-Pinene to help your brain retain information, although more research is needed to prove that hypothesis. Regardless, this terpene is already admired for its diverse uses and applications outside of the plant world, and in particular, for how it plays into admirers’ cannabis experiences. Alpha-Pinene tends to have a direct impact on how you feel, and it is, therefore, a terpene that you may want to know about before you indulge. People who seek out that sort of high will be drawn to this terp, while those with a low t-tolerance might want to steer clear.
6. Humulene
Humulene is a terpene that is found not only in cannabis, but also in basil, hops, and cloves. Humulene has a somewhat intriguing reputation for suppressing people’s appetites, which, as you can imagine, makes it a particularly attractive compound when it comes to limiting consumption and restricting caloric intake—be it during a cannabis experience or not. Many people integrate Humulene into their diets and use it to treat pain and inflammation in the body. This terpene is also famous for the role it plays at the brewery…in other words, if you’re into hoppy beers like IPAs, you’ll likely dig other Humulene products, too. As you may know, “hops have been used almost exclusively for brewing purposes for 1,200 years or more,” and like cannabis, is a popular agricultural product that can temporarily alter the mood and behavior of those who happily choose to partake (Britannica.com). Like hops, cannabis has a long history of cultivation and medicinal/recreational use, and Humulene is one of its most common terpenes. Indeed, Humulene naturally occurs in the hemp plant, and in cannabis, it is often associated with Sativa.
7. Linalool
In the natural world, Linalool is responsible for the smell and taste of citrus trees and the signature aromatic profiles of plants like birch trees and rosewood. Think of Linalool as a terpene that just takes everything down a notch. This terpene, which is abundant in cannabis, is thought to elevate your mood and help recalibrate your mindset. If you’re feeling agitated, consuming Linalool might make you feel happier and even help you be better company for your friends and loved ones. If you’ve ever found yourself amid a field of lavender, gotten a lavender-infused pedicure, lit a lavender candle, or used a nighttime lavender lotion, you probably know how easily this scent can calm your mind and help you shed your day. The fragrance that Linalool emits is sought out by those seeking a restorative aromatic immersion that leaves recipients feeling less anxious, more relaxed, and perhaps even a little sleepy. This is why Linalool has long been used to help stave off insomnia and reduce frayed nerves. Linalool also has a reputation for canceling out some of the undesirable effects of THC that get some people a little sketched out, and it is often preferred among those seeking relief from nausea or generalized discomfort.
8. Delta-3-Carene
People are often drawn to this terpene because of its restorative properties and overtly appealing smell and taste. It is reminiscent of the fresh air and peaceful feeling that you look forward to discovering when you go out deep into the woods. Delta-3-Carene is an earthy terpene that defines the memorable smells of certain type of trees—most notably, cedar and pine—and usually is associated with good vibes. From bark to saw dust, these trees emit distinct and powerful smells that can be used in lotion, perfume, or cologne. Alternatively, Delta-3-Carene can act as a natural and plant-based anti-histamine, one that may help with the common cold or even double as a bug repellant. Delta-3-Carene is also present in familiar herbs like basil and rosemary, which are renowned for both their flavors and their aromatic qualities. In addition to promoting a sense of peace or well-being, Delta-3-Carene is known to relieve the minor aches and pains that are associated with chronic conditions like arthritis. When it comes to cannabis, Delta-3-Carene is sometimes credited with providing the trademark features of a stereotypical high, including undesirable effects such as cotton mouth and red or dried out eyes. That said, many people who favor natural, plant-based health products recognize the potential therapeutic properties of Delta-3-Carene, and believe that this terpene offers many benefits for those seeking to regulate their bodies’ fluids.
9. Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol embodies the scent of a true evergreen forest, and it is a well-respected terpene that surfaces in many dynamic and soothing plants, including mint, “salvia and eucalyptus leaves.” Perhaps you have heard about or even experimented with salvia before; it can result in remarkable plant-based psychoactive experiences, and has long been used as a hallucinogenic, including in religious ceremonies and bonding rituals that have withstood the test of time. Eucalyptol therefore provides an opportunity for people to experience natural mind-altering highs without juggling the burden of uncertainty which sometimes surrounds man-made drugs. Eucalyptol also finds its way into products that cater to oral health concerns, including anti-septic mouthwashes and various organic cough drops and suppressants. Those opting for plant-derived solutions consider Eucalyptol to be a mild oral analgesic, or numbing agent, and turn to this terpene when they want some dental relief that is reportedly neither addictive nor toxic.
10. Terpineol
Terpineol envelops you with its inviting aroma and potential medicinal benefits; out in the wild, it is found not only in cannabis, but is present in lilacs. Terpineol is a beneficial essential oil that is incorporated into many aromatherapy treatments; because it is integrated into many personal bath and hygiene products, many cannabis users already know its merits. It is cherished by those who like to chill out and take it easy; in fact, Terpineol often works in tandem with another terpene, Pinene, and it is famous for being a mild sedative that is capable of inducing an utter state of relaxation. In cannabis, Terpineol can even lure the body into a restful (and sometimes undesirable) state of inactivity. From a historical standpoint, Terpineol was featured in a variety of ancient medicines designed to dampen inflammation, and it was highly popular given its reputation for doubling as an antioxidant. Today, many people interpret this terpene to be a plant-powered molecule that makes pain less noticeable, and for some patients, perhaps even more tolerable; fortunately, some patients conclude that Terpineol makes their (admittedly subjective) discomfort somewhat more bearable. It seems to be gaining credibility as a terpene that makes significant positive contributions when it comes to holistic health, boasting an ability to mitigate common conditions like sciatica, which impacts a high number of patients each year. The Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research has determined that “Terpineol has been previously shown to increase the absorption of lipid-soluble substances through the skin, and to possess antimicrobial, antispasmodic and immunostimulant properties” ("Effects of Terpineol"). In other words, it is a powerful and potent terpene whose presence in a plant or strain could indicate a range of medicinal benefits. More often than not, cannabis enthusiasts know that Terpineol-rich strains and products will likely take the edge off a particularly stressful day.
Terpenes are obviously very important, and many cannabis enthusiasts believe that you cannot have exceptional cannabis experiences without high quality terpenes.
With researchers just beginning to unravel what is it in cannabis that makes you feel the way you do when you consume it, one thing is for certain: the vast number and complex combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids found in cannabis will continue to amaze our senses, and in turn, have the potential to let you hone your high. In the future, scholarship may confirm the relationship between terpenes and cannabis experiences, but if you’ve read this far, chances are you either already know...or about to find out!
Big Thanks to Auger, ink. for helping to bring this knowledge together.
Works Consulted for Talking Terpenes with the Legion of Bloom (2019)
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