The other essential component of cannabis aside from the cannabinoids profile, is the terpenes. Terpenes are the chemical compounds found in the resin gland disk cell, and are responsible for the different aromas and tastes of cannabis. Flavours may range from citrusy, piney, diesel-y, and fruity among many. They are not unique to cannabis like cannabinoids, terpenes can also be found in many essential oils of medicinal plants and flowers such as lavender, pine, etc). Since many of the scents that are present in cannabis have therapeutic benefits, synthetic variations and derivatives of natural terpenes are being manufactured for aromatherapeutic properties.
Why are terpenes important? Not only do they give o aromatic scents, but they also enhance your high by working together with the cannabinoids in the body’s endocannabinoid system. This also produces medical benefits that can treat everyday ailments or chronic pain, to major illnesses such as epilepsy, while subsiding the side effects of cancer treatment.
D-limonene • Smell: orange and citrus scent • Commonly found in lemons and lemon haze strains • Potent antidepressant • Good for heartburn • Research has shown that apoptosis of breast cancer cells in phase 2 trials
• Commonly found in strains: Lemon G., Lemon Meringue, and Super Lemon Haze • Boiling point - 348 F
Myrcene • Smell: hops, sweet basil, and wild thyme • Commonly found in Hops, mango, sweet basil, etc. • Helpful as a sleep aid when combined with THC • Anti-inflammatory • Research has shown to relax muscles in mice and at high doses induced sleep in mice • Commonly found in strains: Grand Daddy Purple, OG Kush, Cherry Pie, Blue Dream, and Harlequin • Boiling point - 349 F
A-Pinene • Smell: pine scent • Commonly found in rosemary and pine • Anti-inflammatory • In low exposure, it is a bronchodilator - helps open airways • Commonly found in strains: Snoop’s Dream, Critical Mass, Harlequin, Cannatonic, and Blue Dream • Boiling point - 311 F
B-Caryophyllene • Tastes: the spiciness of black pepper • Commonly found in cloves, hops, and rosemary • Anti-inflammatory • Caryophyllene oxide - this compound is what dogs sniff to identify cannabis • Commonly found in strains: OG Kush, Bubba Kush, Chemdawg, Rockstar, and Skywalker OG • Boiling point - 266F
D-linalool • Smells: a oral scent with a touch of spiciness • Commonly found in many flowers and spice plants (lavender) • Used in some mosquito-repellants • Anti-anxiety effects • Relaxing effects • Commonly found in strains: Do-Si-Dos, Kosher Kush, and Scooby Snacks • Boiling point - 388 - 390 F
Humulene • Smells: Earthy, woody, and spicy (gives beer the ‘hoppy’ aroma) • Commonly found in sage, ginger and ginseng • Being studied for anti-inflammatory properties on animals • A.k.a. A-caryophyllene • Anti-munchy • Commonly found in strains: Deathstar, Headband, Candy Land, Girl Scout Cookies, Sherbert, White Widow, Pink Kush, Skywalker OG • Boiling point - 223 F
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