What are Terpenes?
Terpenes, or isoprenoids, provide cannabis with its unique bouquet of smells such as citrus, berry, pine, and mint. They are instrumental to the physiological and psychoactive effects of cannabis and act as building blocks for more complex molecules such as cannabinoids.
These pungent oils are produced in the same resin glands, called trichomes, as cannabinoids and the synergistic relationship between the two compounds is known as the “entourage effect.” This effect ultimately differentiates one strain of cannabis from another. The development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators.
Learn more about medical cannabis terpenes on our Blog!
The Most Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
![alpha-Pinene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Pine.png)
- Flavor:
- Piney, Rosemary
alpha-Pinene - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Bacterial | Aids in memory | Aids in breathing
![beta-Caryophyllene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Pepper.png)
- Flavor:
- Peppery, Herbal
beta-Caryophyllene - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Oxidant
![Limonene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Citrus.png)
- Flavor:
- Semi-Sweet Citrus, Earthy
Limonene - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Depressant | Anti-Anxiety | Euphoric
![Linalool icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lavender.png)
- Flavor:
- Floral, Herbal
Linalool - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Anxiety | Anti-Convulsant | Sedative
![Mycrene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Hops-1.png)
- Flavor:
- Hops, Clove
Mycrene - Therapeutic effects:
- Sedative | Anti-Inflammatory | Pain Relief
![Nerolidol icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Clove.png)
- Flavor:
- Clove, Woody
Nerolidol - Therapeutic effects:
- Sedative | Anti-Oxidant | Skin Protectant
![Ocimene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mint.png)
- Flavor:
- Sweet Mint, Herbal
Ocimene - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Oxidant | Anti-Convulsant | Decongestant
![Terpinolene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Fruit.png)
- Flavor:
- Fruity, Sweet Pine
Terpinolene - Therapeutic effects:
- Sedative/Relaxing | Euphoric | Anti-Fungal | Anti-Bacterial
![Geraniol icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Terpene-Icons-1.png)
- Flavor:
- Floral, Rose
Geraniol - Therapeutic effects:
- Pain Relief/Reduction | Anti-Inflammatory | Antifungal
![Eudesmol icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wood.png)
- Flavor:
- Woody, Yuzu
Eudesmol - Therapeutic effects:
- Antifungal | Antiproliferative | Nicotine addiction recovery
![Humulene icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Earthy.png)
- Flavor:
- Earthy, Wood
Humulene - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Inflammatory | Antibacterial | Appetite Suppressant
![Eucalyptol icon](https://blairwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Herb.png)
- Flavor:
- Herbal,
Eucalyptol - Therapeutic effects:
- Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Infection | Cough Suppressant
Why do different strains of cannabis have different terpenes?
There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and the type of strain of cannabis. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition.
Your attraction to a specific smelling strain of cannabis is a great starting point to which variety of medical cannabis may help you. Knowing the specific types of terpenes to which you are attracted, will deepen your appreciation for cannabis and aide in your quest to finding the best medicine. Check out the terpene & cannabinoid profiles within each product on our menu!