Cannabis Terpenes - Role & Benefits Overview

Beyond well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD, cannabis plants contain a vast array of aromatic compounds called terpenes. Cannabis terpenes are responsible for the diverse flavors and scents we associate with each cannabis strain.

However, their role extends far beyond taste and aroma. Terpenes are believed to influence the overall effects of cannabis consumption when they work in synergy with the plant's cannabinoids and other chemical compounds.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in plants, including the cannabis plant. Different terpene profiles provide plants with their unique flavor and aroma profile and can also affect the plant's color.

Terpenes are the basis of essential oils used for a host of holistic purposes. Terpenes give essential oils like lavender oil their delicious aromas and therapeutic benefits. In cannabis, each strain's terpene profile will affect how it smells and tastes and can contribute to its overall effects, according to the entourage effect theory.

Do Terpenes Have Therapeutic Properties?

Yes, terpenes offer a range of therapeutic properties and potential health benefits. Research into different terpenes has shown them to offer:

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

• Anxiolytic and antidepressant properties

• Sleep-regulating properties, which may be helpful for insomnia

• Pro-cognitive properties

Limonene

Limonene terpene is most commonly found in citrus fruits. It gives a lemony, zingy flavor and scent to cannabis strains and has been shown to offer many health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer, and gastroprotective properties.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis plants. It's also found in mangoes and other fruits like hops and lemongrass. Myrcene has anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties as well as sedative effects.

Pinene

Unsurprisingly, pinene is the terpene that gives trees their distinctive piney aroma. There's evidence to suggest pinene can have therapeutic benefits for both body and mind. These medicinal benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties

• Anti-seizure properties

• Neuroprotective properties (pro-cognition and protection against brain damage from stroke)

• Pain-relieving properties (for the treatment of inflammatory or neuropathic pain)

Other Cannabis Terpenes

A 2023 study into the makeup of six different cannabis strains found 146 cannabis terpenes. Some of the other most prominent terpenes you may encounter on cannabis labels include:

• Borneol: Borneol provides a herby, eucalyptus-like flavor and aroma and a range of therapeutic benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to pain relief. 

• Bisabolol: Bisabolol terpene is a fragrant, floral terpene present in the chamomile plant that could be helpful as an antioxidant.

• Beta-caryophyllene: This intriguing, spicy terpene is special as it’s capable of binding with CB2 receptors. Beta-caryophyllene doesn’t cause a high but could provide some of the benefits of activating the CB2 receptor, for example reducing inflammation.

• Humulene: Prominent in hops, humulene gives some cannabis strains their earthy, woody, or spicy flavor. 

• Phytol:Phytol terpene offers strains a fresh, grassy aroma. Phytol is a key component in matcha tea and contributes to its antioxidant effects.

Other minor terpenes include:

• Bergamotene

• Camphene

• Cedrene

• Citronellol

• Cymene

• Delta 3 carene

• Eucalyptol

• Farnesene

• Fenchol

• Geranyl acetate

• Guaiol

• Isoborneol

• Isopulegol

• Menthol

• Nerolidol

• Ocimene

• Octanol

• Phellandrene

• Phytol

• Pulegone

• Sabinene

• Terpinene

• Terpineol

• Terpinolene

• Valencene

How to Maximize the Benefits of Terpenes

You can maximize the benefits of terpenes by following a few best practices:

• Read the label: Purchasing your cannabis products from a reputable licensed dispensary gives you access to lab-tested products. Many of these include the products' terpene profiles and concentrations on the label. You can use this to search for your favorite terpenes or check for a higher concentration of terpenes.

• Check your weed’s freshness: Terpenes degrade over time if they're not stored in dark, dry, and cool conditions. Check the package date on the label or sniff the product if you can. A fresh, terpene-rich product will be fragrant with a vibrant scent.

• Keep a weed journal: As you try different terpene profiles, take note of your consumption method and how you feel. This will help you identify your favorite terpene profiles and the effects of each.

Embrace the Full Spectrum of Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Terpenes in cannabis play an important role in determining the flavor and aroma profile of different strains. However, this isn’t their only function. They could also shape the effects of each strain, according to the entourage effect theory.

By understanding the role of terpenes in our favorite strains, we can move beyond an approach that only considers a strain's THC or CBD content. Embracing a more nuanced understanding of this complex plant opens the door to a wide range of flavors, aromas, and experiences.