Here’s The Scoop On Cannabis Terpenes And Their Health Benefits

By: Ruthie Edelson, Torrey Holisitics

What are terpenes? They are a large class of organic compounds made by plants and insects that provide a particular odor.

Cannabis plants are known to include nearly 100 terpenes. But, cannabis terpenes are more than just the delightful aroma in the pot shop.

Terpenes are the primary component of essential oils and are extremely useful in medicine; they are biosynthetic building blocks for every living creature.

For example, Vitamin A is a terpenoid, and without vitamin A you can go blind!

Searching for a familiar terpene profile can also be a fun way to try new strains, maybe even sample the same product but from a different grower.

Like a wine connoisseur who savors and appreciates the subtle flavors in every sip, you’ll learn to enjoy detecting certain natural terpenes in your plant.

Honing this skill can help you enjoy and appreciate your cannabis experience. Some veteran users swear that knowing the terpenes in cannabis can help enhance your experience if you combine the same fruit terpenes or herb with your “herb.”

For instance, eating a mango, which includes myrcene, while enjoying a cannabis strain high in myrcene, is said to create a better, longer high.

Examples of Terpenes and Their Health Benefits

For those interested in understanding how to use terpenes, enjoy this helpful list of terpenes and their health benefits:

Myrcene

This is one of the more abundant marijuana terpenes, that is also found in mango, hops and thyme.

Its taste is sometimes described as fruity or earthy, with a touch of musk. Strains high in myrcene are beneficial for partakers using cannabis for medical needs such as pain relief and inflammation.

It is also considered to take effect faster than other terpenes. Strains with high myrcene include White Widow, Mango Kush and Blackberry Kush.

Limonen/Limonene

Another common plant terpene presents a spicy blend of lemon and orange. Its properties are considered to improve mood and aid relaxation.

Besides many citrus products, limonene can be found in rosemary, some types of mint, and juniper.

Besides making people feel better, citrus terpenes like this one, are also known to aid inflammation, pain and anxiety. Sour Diesel and OG Kush are well-known cannabis varieties.

A/B Pinene

This is “the tree smell” you might recognize from pine products. Its natural form can be found in strains of cannabis, plus pine needles (the more common alpha variety), parsley, and dill (the beta variety.)

The popular scent is said to trigger happy memories of camping or the outdoors, while helping memory and improving alertness. Blue Dream, Bubba Kush and Trainwreck are all popular examples.

Linalool

This terpene is found in everything from citrus to rosewood to lavender and generally has a spicy yet floral smell.

As would be expected from lavender terpenes, it’s generally considered to be calming and relaxing, whether in cannabis or other plants. Common strains include Sour Diesel and Bubble Gum.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Known for a peppery and spicy taste, BCP is one of the best plant terpenes to help mood, reduce pain and inflammation and sometimes stimulate your appetite.

Its anti-anxiety properties are also found in black pepper and cloves. In cannabis, popular strains include Pineapple Express and GG No. 4.

Borneol

The aroma is sometimes described as “minty camphor,” and it provides physical and mental relaxation, including soothing muscles, reducing swelling and diminishing anxiety.

It also is said to keep insects away. Borneol can be found in ginger, rosemary, thyme and sage, and cannabis varieties include Golden Haze, K-13, and Amnesia Haze.

Terpineol

The bitter yet sweet smell found in crabapples, lilac and lime is caused by the presence of this type of terpene.

It is believed to reduce pain, stimulate muscles, improve breathing and have antibacterial properties. Cannabis varieties with this include Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush and Jack Herer.

These types of terpenes offer some fantastic health benefits that can help you reduce pain, anxiety, and inflammation. The better you understand cannabis terpenes, the more empowered you’ll be to shop for cannabis strains that will best suit your needs.