“Oh wow, it smells so good!”

 

This is probably one of the foremost thoughts you have when taking a walk in nature.  Your nose is the first part of you to recognize the sweet, woody smell of the forest or the light, clean air of a wildflower meadow. Powerfully memorable, your sense of smell is your first and most important introduction to the natural world. And the reason behind this is terpenes.

 

Terpenes are found in all plants. They are aromatic metabolites located in the oil of each species. When you peel an orange, the tangy, citrus aroma can be attributed to its terpenes. When you are intoxicated with the sweet and dreamy fragrance of a lilac tree, terpenes are at work.  They distinguish the unique scent of each plant.

 

There are over 20,000 known terpenes, and the Cannabis species produces at least 100 of them. They have evolved over time to not only attract pollinators, but also act as a defense from animals that would otherwise eat them.  Glandular trichomes are glands that look like small hairs or growths that are produced by the cannabis plant. These glands extend from the leaves and flowers of the plant. And guess what is stored in these fine hairs? Terpenes.

 

Production

 

A plant’s environment heavily influences terpene production. Humidity, the amount of light exposure, and temperature all play critical roles in how a terpene will come out. Think of wine and its flavor. It is all dependent on the region where the grape is produced, right? Well, the same applies to CBD (cannabidiol) and the terpenes of cannabis.

 

With terpenes being so crucial to CBD and the cannabis industry as a whole,  it is imperative that the plant is handled delicately from cultivation to shelf with care. They should remain in good shape during the collection and manufacturing of CBD because they are considered to be a vital part of its therapeutic benefits.

 

Since cannabis strains affect people differently according to smell, the endocannabinoid system will determine which strain works best for each individual. Being the innovative creatures that we are, people have devised ways of manipulating and developing hemp crops that have certain advantageous terpenes.  Incidentally, in the marijuana trade, these terpenes translate to different strains with names like “Grandaddy Purp” and “Lemon Haze.” The harvesting of these aromatic strains leads to many happy customers.

 

It Takes Two to Tango—Terpenes Vs. Terpenoids

 

When terpenes are dried out, terpenoids are the result. Terpenes are organic hydrocarbons while terpenoids have more atoms exposed to oxidation.  The drying out process creates a change in the plant's molecular structure, causing variations in taste, quality, etc. So, in essence, terpenes can be considered in their natural version as “wet,” and terpenoids are cured or “dried out.” Many essential oils are sourced from terpenoids.

 

Researchers have discovered that the combination of certain terpenes and other compounds within hemp can have a profound effect on how CBD oil is utilized in the body. They help it to flow through the bloodstream a little easier, resulting in a lower blood-to-brain barrier. And it is thought that they compliment CBD by making it even more therapeutic. This is called the entourage effect.

 

The entourage effect is a theory that proposes if terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD and THC are in unison working towards the same effect, you will experience stronger results. The same can be said if they are counterbalancing. In this case, they kind of void each other out. This information is essential for producers, allowing them to create the best cannabis products possible.

 

Different Strains For Different Brains

 

Even though research is still ongoing, this discovery is enormous, especially for medicinal use. Understanding a plants terpene profile and the different reactions you can get from blending terpenes and cannabinoids can help create specific strains to treat particular ailments. For example, it could mean pairing a high CBD strain that has anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety properties and making it twice as effective to even doubling one rich in anti-depressant properties for better results.

Terpenes have other benefits besides their pairing with cannabinoids. They can influence norepinephrine activity and inhibit serotonin uptake. They help regulate emotional and pleasurable experiences by increasing dopamine and helping to maintain the neurotransmitter GABA, also known as the “downer” neurotransmitter due to its relaxing effects.

 

 

Types of Terpenes Found in Cannabis

 

Myrcene (musky, fruity, earthy): Usually found in hops, thyme, mangoes, basil, and lemongrass. This is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It is known not only to contain anti-inflammatory properties, but it can also work as a muscle relaxer and sedative.

 

Pinene (pine):  The most common terpene in the world. This terpene is present in orange peels, basil, pine needles, and parsley. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and has shown to be effective in treating short-term memory loss.  Also, it can help promote alertness and improve airflow to the lungs.

 

Humulene (earthy, hoppy):  This terpene is known for its ability to suppress appetite. That is interesting because we all know what the other strains can do. (Can we say munchies?). Humulene can be mostly found in hops, cloves, coriander, and basil.

 

Limonene (citrus):  Appropriately named after its fresh and fruity smell, this terpene is usually found in your cleaning products, because of its citrusy scent. It also can increase your mood and relieve stress. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and helps to improve the absorption of terpenes through the skin. This makes it great for making ointments, lotions, and other topicals. It can be found in the peels of most citrus fruit.

 

Caryophyllene (spicy, peppery): Cinnamon leaves, black pepper, Thai basils, and cloves contain this terpene. Studies have shown that Caryophyllene is a jack of all trades and packs a big punch when it comes to the treatment of many different ailments.  This terpene can help treat depression and anxiety while also acting as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Terpinolene (woodsy and smoky): This terpene is also found in rosemary and sage. It contains anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and sedative properties. It works to slow down and depress your nervous system, resulting in drowsiness and reduced anxiety and stress.

 

Linalool (spicy, floral): widely found in flowers and spices like coriander and lavender, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and stress relieving effects. Linalool can also work to balance out the anxious side effects brought on by THC.

 

Final Thoughts on Terpenes

 

The potential medical uses of terpenes are too many to enumerate.  These naturally occurring, organic compounds enhance a person’s overall cannabis experience when taking CBD while also providing them with additional medicinal benefits. There is a sophisticated relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes, and the more people know about it, the more they’ll benefit.

 

Credit to Leafly, Steephill, and SCLabs for this chart

 

Crossposted on our medium channel.