Understanding terpene basics and why they matter
If you’ve smelled lemons, lavender, or pine trees then you’re already familiar with terpenes. These aromatic compounds give plants their distinct aromas and also have beneficial properties.
Terpenes play a particularly big role in the flavor and effects of cannabis. Read on to learn more about how they work to educate your customers and help them choose the right cannabis product.
Cannabis Terpenes
Cannabis contains over 150 different terpenes.1 They not only have beneficial properties of their own but also work in synergy with cannabinoids, the main active components of the plant.
Each cannabis strain has a distinct combination of terpenes known as a terpene profile, which not only determines the strain’s flavor but also contributes to its effects.
Dominant Cannabis Terpenes
Cannabis terpenes are usually divided into two groups: dominant and secondary.
Whereas secondary terpenes are found in trace amounts, dominant terpenes are abundant in most strains of cannabis and play a bigger role in its effects. They include myrcene, pinene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, and ocimene.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, accounting for more than 50% of the total terpene content of some strains. It has a herbal, earthy scent and is also found in mangos, thyme, hops, and other plants.
Although it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, myrcene is best known for its sedative effects and may contribute to the “couch-lock” experienced with some strains.2
Alpha-Pinene
Unsurprisingly, alpha-pinene has the scent of pine trees. According to research, pinene can widen the airways3, improve memory, and also has anxiety-reducing, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory, effects.4
Limonene
Beta-Caryophyllene
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is found in conifer trees, cumin, lilac, and other plants. It has a woody, floral, herbal scent and has shown anti-inflammatory,8 sedative, and other effects in studies.9
Ocimene
Ocimene has a sweet, herbal aroma and is common in hops, basil, and cloves. It hasn’t seen much research but we know it can lower inflammation.10
Summary
Terpenes play an important role in cannabis. That’s why knowing which ones are most abundant in a cannabis product can help predict its flavor and effects.
For example, if a customer is looking for a strain for sleep, you’ll definitely want to recommend one rich in myrcene.
Our Producer Connect database makes it easy to check the terpene profile of various cannabis products to find the right fit.
