Terpene Talk: Common Scents
One of the first things we all do when we are handed cannabis is take a big whiff of it. Can you imagine the aroma now as you read this? The unique scent you are smelling is coming from terpenes. Every strain and grow you have ever come across has its own unique terpene profile.
Not only do terpenes create the scents and flavors of your cannabis, there is a growing consensus that terpenes are a better way of classifying the effects you may experience than the indica or sativa classifications.
Here are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, where else they are commonly found, and the traits that come with them.
Caryophyllene
Type: Sesquiterpene
Natural Sources: Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Basil
Scent: Pepper, Spice, Clove
Effect: Pain Relief, Calming, Relaxed
Strains: Sour Diesel, Gelato, Chemdog
Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to engage directly with our body’s endocannabinoid system. By binding to the CB2 receptors, studies have shown that this terpene has direct health benefits linked to inflammation and pain.
Learn more
- Chemistry — Better Know a Terpene: Caryophyllene
- Leafly — What is caryophyllene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- Wikipedia — Caryophyllene
Myrcene
Type: Monoterpene
Natural Sources: Mango, Thyme, Cardamom, Lemon Grass
Scent: Tropical, Clove, Musk
Effect: Sedating “Couch Lock”, Pain Relief, Anti-Inflammatory
Strains: Blue Dream, Grape Ape, Grandaddy Purple
With its “Couch Lock” reputation, Myrcene is often associated with heavy Indica classified strains making it highly sought after for those wanting to relax. Myrcene rich teas and preparations have long been used as sleep aids around the world.
Learn more
- Chemistry — Better Know a Terpene: Myrcene
- Leafly — What is myrcene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- Wikipedia — Myrcene
Limonene
Type: Monoterpene
Natural Sources: Lemon, Spearmint, Maple
Scent: Citrus, Pine
Effect: Anti-Anxiety, Stress Relief
Strains: Wedding Cake, Tahoe OG, Do-Si-Dos
While little is known about its medicinal qualities, Limonene is most often associated with its zesty aroma-therapeutic nature — giving an extra pep in your step.
Learn more
- Chemistry — Better Know a Terpene: Limonene
- Leafly — What is limonene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- Wikipedia — Limonene
Pinene
Type: Monoterpene
Natural Sources: Conifers, Rosemary, Basil
Scent: Pine, Woodsy, Fresh
Effect: Alert, Focused, Calm
Strains: Harlequin, Remedy, Remedy
Pinene is the most common terpene found in nature. Not only does it smell refreshing, it may even help with short-term memory loss associated with THC.
Learn more
- Chemistry — Better Know a Terpene: Pinene
- Leafly — What is pinene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- Wikipedia — Pinene
Humulene
Type: Sesquiterpene
Natural Sources: Hops, Tobacco, Wood
Scent: Hoppy, Herbal
Effect: Anti-Inflammatory
Strains: Headband, Original Glue
Humulene is one of the more well-researched terpenes. Studies have shown that it may even help with cancer when combined with cannabinoids.
Learn more
- Leafly — What is humulene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- NuggMD — What Is Humulene and What Are the Benefits, Effects, and Top Strains?
- Wikipedia — Humulene
Terpinolene
Type: Monoterpene
Natural Sources: Apples, Cumin, Tea Tree, Conifers, Lilac
Scent: Fresh, Floral, Pine, Citrus
Effect: Sleepy, Anti-fungal
Strains: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Electric Jah
The fresh scent of Terpinolene makes it a common additive in soaps and cleaning products, but its potential anti-fungal effects may be bringing more to the table than just its floral aroma.
Learn more
- Chemistry — Better Know a Terpene: Terpinolene
- Leafly — What is terpinolene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
- NuggMD — What Is Terpinolene and What Are the Benefits, Effects, and Top Strains?
- Wikipedia — Terpinene
Linalool
Type: Monoterpene
Natural Sources: Lavender, Sweet Basil, Rosewood
Flavor: Floral, Spicy
Effect: Calming, Relaxed, Sleepy
Strains: Zkittles, 99 Cookies, Charlie Girl
With Linalool being so present in lavender, this terpene is no stranger to the people of Ojai. Linalool has many great relaxing properties, but it is now looking to be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s!
Learn more