TERPENES 101: DEMYSTIFYING THEM AND UNDERSTANDING THEIR EFFECTS

In reality, what these cannabis enthusiasts are evaluating are the terpenes present in the plant.

In the following lines, we FINALLY help you demystify everything surrounding terpenes! Now let's unravel the main terpenes that are present in the cannabis plant, as well as their effects on human health.

Terpenes are aromatic molecules with a very pronounced odor that give various plants, flowers and trees a wide range of scents and flavors. They are found almost everywhere in nature, where more than 20 000 varieties of terpenes coexist.

The cannabis plant itself naturally produces more than 100 different terpenes, all of which are gathered in its trichomes (the tiny, transparent hairs found on cannabis flowers and leaves). Originally, these molecules serve as a defense mechanism against insect and animal pests, in addition to attracting pollinating insects.

Terpenes are mainly responsible for the different aromas of cannabis such as lavender, citrus and earth smell, even the classic skunk smell. 

Comparable to essential oils, they are traditionally recognized for their important virtues and can have many beneficial effects on health, by acting directly on the brain cells to modulate their activity. The terpene profile is therefore a very important element to consider when you buy your cannabis, especially to know if the cannabis strain you chose will have energizing or sedative effects.

Terpenes are a key part of what makes every strain of weed unique. These molecules act in symbiosis with cannabinoids to create specific and often very promising medical effects.

As mentionned above, more than 100 varieties of terpenes exist in the cannabis plant. We have chosen to present you the 7 main ones, taken from the book CanDrinks: Cocktails & Cannabis, which are found most often in the weed plant.

Aromas: Peppery spices and wood Effect: Stimulant Caryophyllene is a terpene that reminds of the spicy smells of cinnamon, cloves and wood. It is a very particular terpene because it is also able to interact with receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the human body. It thus plays on the perception and the regulation of the pains and the inflammations. We can therefore say that in addition to being one of the main terpenes in cannabis, in could almost be considered as a cannabinoid.

Many potential beneficial effects are associated with caryophyllene:

• Analgesic properties ;
• Anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Pain relief ;
• Stress reduction ;
• Treatment of anxiety and depression ;
• Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease ;
• Treatment of ulcers.

A study conducted in China in 2014 has shown that the use of this terpene could offer very promising results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It can also combat the symptoms of arthritis and other neuropathic pain.

Although almost all strains of weed contain caryophyllene, you can find a high concentration of this terpene in strains of cannabis such as:

• Bubba Kush ;
• Chemdawg ;
• OG Kush ;
• Rockstar ;
• Skywalker OG ;
• Sour Diesel.

Note that beta-caryophyllene is also found in basil, oregano, black pepper and cloves.

Aromas: Wood and earth Effect: Sedative Humulene is the terpene responsible for the distinctive smell and flavor of the beer. Its aromas are similar to those of caryophyllene and both terpenes are frequently found in the same plants. Humulene is very often used in medicine: experts tend to increase the humulene content of certain herbal medicines to ensure their effectiveness.

The main potential beneficial effects of humulene on the body are as follows:

• Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties ;
• Anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Appetite-suppressant properties ;
• Sleep improvement ;
• Treatment of certain types of cancer.

Here are some cannabis varieties that contain humulene:

• Candyland ;
• Death Star ;
• Girl Scout Cookies ;
• Headband ;
• Original Glue ;
• Pink Kush ;
• Super Sour Diesel ;
• White Widow.

Humulene can also be found in ginger and ginseng. 

Aromas: Citrus and fruit Effect: Stimulant Limonene is one of the most popular terpenes among cannabis users. It is easily recognized by its sweet citrus scent and is found in abundance in a wide variety of cannabis strains. When consumed, it offers a very pleasant and refreshing flavor as well as a highly energizing effect.

Most cannabis users love the euphoric effects of limonene. The main benefits of this terpene are as follows:

• Antifungal and antibacterial properties ;
• Anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Increased concentration ;
• Mood regulation and feeling of well-being ;
• Treatment of anxiety and depression.

Limonene is the second most common terpene found in different strains of cannabis. Among the strains that contain it the most are the following:

• Banana OG ;
• Berry Whte ;
• Black Cherry Soda ;
• Do-Si-Dos ;
• Lemon Haze ;
• MAC ;
• Wedding Cake ;
• White Fire OG.

Apart from the cannabis plant, limonene can be found in citrus fruits, rosemary and peppermint.

The main potential beneficial effects of linalool on the body include:

• Analgesic and antiepileptic properties ;
• Anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Reduction of hyperactivity ;
• Sleep improvement ;
• Treatment of anxiety and depression ;
• Treatment of certain types of cancer ;
• Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The main strains of cannabis where linalool can be found in high concentrations are the following:

• Durban ;
• Deep Purple ;
• Mazar ;
• Red Haze ;
• Rainbow Belts ;
• Wedding Mints.

Linalool is also found in mint and laurel.

Aromas: Earth, ripe fruit and natural musk Effect: Sedative In cannabis, myrcene is the most common terpene present and is considered one of the ten main terpenes. It has a fairly earthy smell, very reminiscent of cloves. Myrcene also contains strong flavors of red grape, balsamic and spice.

This terpene also has many medicinal properties:

• Analgesic properties ;
• Antibiotic and antibacterial properties ;
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties ;
• Muscle relaxation ;
• Pain relief ;
• Sleep improvement.

Furthermore, myrcene has been shown to be a great help in the absorption of cannabinoids by the body, thus promoting the therapeutic effects of cannabis.  

The main varieties of cannabis composed of myrcene are the following:

• 9 Pound Hammer ;
• Blue Dream ;
• Remedy ;
• Grape Ape ;
• Harlequin ;
• FPOG ;
• OG Kush;
• Tangie. 

The myrcene terpene is also present in mango, bay leaf, thyme, cardamom, hops and several other plants. 

Aromas: Flowers, sweet fruits and herbs Effect: Stimulant Ocimene, which has a sweet, woody smell, is very rarely the main terpene in a cannabis strain but is often found as the second or third most abundant terpene. It plays a defender role to protect the various plants, by guarding them against harmful elements such as the aphids and the other insect pests.

The main beneficial effects that ocimene can have on the human body are the following:

• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties ;
• Decongestion enhancement.

You can find ocimene in these cannabis strains: 

• Clementine ;
• Dream Queen ;
• Dutch Treat ;
• Golden Pineapple ;
• Green Crack ;
• J1.

Aromas: Earth and forest Effect: Stimulant Pinene is the most common terpene found in plant varieties, so it is also very commonly found in cannabis. It is responsible for the comforting pine and spruce smell, as well as providing delicious sensations and flavors. Pinene also has multiple uses in the medical field.

The main potential beneficial effects of pinene on the body are:

• Anti-inflammatory properties ;
• Pain relief ;
• Treatment of anxiety ;
• Treatment of asthma ;
• Treatment of certain types of cancer ;
• Treatment of ulcers.

When we consume pinene, our respiratory tracts open up and this can help fight cold, flu and asthma. 

The following cannabis varieties have a high concentration of pinene:

• Cherry Bomb ;
• Cherry Gorilla ;
• Diamond OG ;
• Mandarin Zkittlez ;
• Mandarin Sunset ;
• Pink Death Star ;
• Pink Runtz.

Some spices such as sage and rosemary, as well as some trees such as pine, conifer and spruce, are also composed of pinene. 

Simply explained, the entourage effect is the synergy between the different cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the combination of several cannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, etc.) would considerably increase the power of their effects, compared to the effect of a single cannabinoid acting alone.

When studying the medicinal properties of cannabis, the entourage effect is of particular interest, not only between the different cannabinoids in the plant but also between the cannabinoids and the variety of terpenes that are found in the plant.

Terpenes are thought to significantly increase the effectiveness of CBD and THC by also acting on cannabinoid receptors (receptors that help the body interact with various chemicals, including cannabinoids).

Choosing a terpene-rich cannabis strain is an excellent idea if you want to increase the well-being you feel when you use it and add a whole range of sophisticated flavors and aromas.

The possible combinations are infinite and this is what makes cannabis such a complex plant with exponential medicinal potential!

Seeing all the potential that terpenes create for cannabis, it is clear that choosing a cannabis variety according to the terpenes it contains is a wise idea and is much more accurate than relying solely on the popular classification: sativa, hybrid and indica .

But then, how do you find the terpene consistency of the cannabis strains you're shopping?

Well, whether it is at the SQDC if you live in Quebec, or at licensed retailers elsewhere in Canada or in the world, information on the terpene profile of weed varieties is available. If not, your budtender can certainly provide you with this information.

More and more, cannabis producers and retailers are understanding the importance of terpenes in the effects of cannabis. Many companies are even beginning to list the terpene composition of cannabis directly on their packaging to help consumers make a more informed and considered selection. 

This blog post gives a brief overview of the main terpenes found in cannabis. Of course, many other terpenes with interesting potential exist and if you wish to deepen your research and knowledge on this subject, you can consult the following resources.

• CanDrinks: Cocktails and cannabis 

We have used the book CanDrinks: Cocktails et Cannabis to concoct a list of the most important terpenes in this blog post.

In the book, our team has combined terpenes with cocktails to multiply the effects felt and to enhance the flavors of the different recipes.

• Leafly

Leafly is an excellent source of information for all things cannabis. Most of the detailed information on each of the terpenes presented comes from this multifaceted resource.

• L'ABC du Cannabis - L'AQIC

L’AQIC (Association Québécoise de l’Industrie du Cannabis) published in 2020 a guide on cannabis and an entire section is dedicated to the presentation of terpenes.

• Medical Cannabis Companies

Medical cannabis clinics, as well as licensed medical cannabis producers, are an excellent source of information about terpenes.