What are terpenes? The Ultimate Guide

Terpenes are becoming more and more popular these days, and it will make you feel even more awesome when you're vaping or enjoying smoking cannabis flowers with a glass bong.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds within all plants that make a difference in the aroma, flavour, and sometimes the colour of the plant.

In the cannabis plant, terpenes not only contribute to the distinctive aroma but also play a crucial role in the user experience. For example, linalool provides a floral and relaxing aroma, while limonene offers an energizing citrus scent. 

The make-up of different terpenes within cannabis is what makes the strains differ from one another. These terpene levels can vary depending on environmental factors such as weather, light exposure, and soil nutrients.

What are terpenes used for?

Terpenes are an incredibly diverse group of compounds that serve many uses. 

They are used mostly as flavoring agents or for their aromatic qualities and are added to food and beverage products. 

When terpenes are combined or taken with cannabinoids, each can boost the benefits of the others. This is known as the “entourage effect”.   

The importance of terpenes in the cannabis plant

Terpenes have a crucial role in the marijuana plant functioning as:

Terpenes act as a natural defense against pests and predators.

They can influence and modulate the effects of other compounds present in cannabis, such as cannabinoids.

Common Terpenes

Myrcene – Myrcene is the most abundant of all cannabis terpenes. Some varieties of cannabis contain up to 60% of myrcene alone. It’s known for overall body relaxation. Another fundamental property is the ability to enhance absorption through the skin and to also increase the number of cannabinoid substances in the brain. More cannabinoids in the brain give the user a sense of euphoria. The scent is an earthy, clove-like smell. Marijuana strains with this terpene include OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, and Grape Ape. Myrcene is also a chemical in hops, the major component in beer.

Scent: fruity and earthy; Potential benefits: calming, muscle relaxant.

Limonene – Giving off a bright, citrusy smell, Limonene’s aroma is a mood elevator. limonene is the second-most abundant terpene in all cannabis strains. Its uplifting qualities help to reduce anxiety and depression.

Scent: lemon, citrus; Benefits: stress relief, reduces acid reflux.

Pinene – pinene terpenes have a rich pine aroma. This compound is commonly derived from the resin in pine trees. Like trees, in other plants, it also has that wonderful outdoorsy, earthy aroma. As a therapeutic remedy, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and bronchial dilator. 

Scent: pine, rosemary; Benefits: memory retention, anti-inflammatory.

Linalool – Linalool is most responsible for the distinct cannabis smell. Boasting rich, spicy, and floral notes, linalool occurs in more than 200 species of plants and is most commonly known for giving lavender its distinct scent.

Scent: floral, lavender; Benefits: calming, anesthetic, anti-convulsant, pain reliever.  

Caryophyllene – is a predominant terpene found in many cannabis strains. This terpene can also be found in rosemary and cloves. It may help with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Scent: spicy, woody, cloves; Benefits: pain reliever, gastroprotective.   

The Role of Terpenes

terpenes from the cannabis plant can have similar pain-relieving effects as cannabinoids, and when combined with cannabinoids, the pain-relieving effects were amplified without any additional negative side effects. 

Can Terpenes Get You High?

Terpenes are not responsible for making you ‘high’, however, they are known to be psychoactive, meaning they do interact with the brain. Some terpenes may even decrease the psychoactive effects of THC and increase its therapeutic effects. 

In fact, current evidence suggests that some terpenes have the potential to support the relief of select mental health conditions. For example, those dealing with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may benefit from terpenes as they have a synergistic effect on the body. The result of this reaction increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.  

Use Terpenes with Vapes

Infuse botanical terpenes into your vape offerings to satisfy the craving for novel taste experiences and functional benefits. 

Combine the raw authenticity of live resin with richly flavored Infused Strains for a premium, taste-intensive vape experience. 

With just one large-scale batch of bulk distillate—be it THC or CBD—you can roll out an array of new, buzz-worthy strains to keep your lineup fresh and exciting.