Aroma & Flavor - An Overview of Terpenes in Cannabis

 

Terpenes, terpenoids, essential oils, aromatic metabolites…there are over a hundred types of these hydrocarbons that can be found in cannabis and many other plants. They play a huge role in many of the sought-after qualities of our favorite strains. Specifically, the smells and tastes of fragrant flowers!

 

If you have ever given or received a compliment on some loud bud…then you understand the appreciation of a terpene profile. The scent is usually the first and most apparent attribute noticed of high-quality cannabis. The terpene benefits and qualities can vary greatly from strain to strain and even be different by phenotypes. These organic compounds also contribute many of the pleasant physiological effects that are enjoyed both medicinally and recreationally. Terpenes exist in a symbiotic relationship with THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta-8, and all the other cannabinoids & compounds found in marijuana. All these miracle molecules work together in ways that scientists and cannabis professionals/enthusiasts are still learning about. This is known as the “entourage effect” which is a theory on the dynamics of how cannabinoids and terpenes work together and with our endocannabinoid systems. Many of the benefits that terpenes offer has been known about, studied, and used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. There is much to be learned and enjoyed from this scentful synergy between terpenes, cannabinoids, and our very own receptors within!

 

So, the next time you stop to smell the flowers (or smoke them!) - Take a moment and reflect on the aroma and flavor.

 

We believe in the importance of preserving terpenes and cannabinoids by maintaining trichome integrity during the growing, trimming, and all of the handling processes. It is our mindset that using care and efficiency can go a long way towards great cannabis cultivation. This is especially true during the trimming process when buds get handled the most (before consumption anyway) and stand the greatest risk of receiving loss of or damage to the resin glands. Developing plants from seed to a precious terpene & cannabinoid packed harvest, and then to the final flavorful form can be a challenging task…but it’s one worth the rewards, for certain!

 

 

Here are some of the terps that are commonly found in cannabis…

 

•  Bisabolol

AKA α-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol, or levomenol

Benefits: 

Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anticoagulant, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, neuroprotectant

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Floral, mild, sweet

Also found in:

Candeia trees, chamomile flowers & tea, cosmetic products

 

•  Borneol

AKA moxa

Benefits: 

Analgesic, anticancer, anticoagulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, digestive aid, neuroprotectant

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Camphor, herbal, minty, woodsy

Also found in:

Camphor, insect repellant, many plants, menthol, rosemary

 

•  Camphene

AKA 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

Benefits: 

Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, lowers cholesterol & triglyceride levels

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Earthy, musky, piney, pungent

Also found in:

Camphor, foods, fragrances, mangos, oils, ointments

 

•  Caryophyllene

AKA β-caryophyllene or beta-caryophyllene

Benefits: 

Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastric-protective

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Herbal, earthy, peppery, spicy, sweet, woodsy

Also found in:

Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, oregano, hops, rosemary, skincare products

 

•  Carene

AKA delta-3-carene

Benefits: 

Anti-inflammatory, bone-strengthening, memory-retention

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrus, cypress, piney, pungent, sweet, woodsy

Also found in:

Basil, bell peppers, cedar trees, cypress trees, cosmetics, fragrances, insect repellant, juices, pine trees, rosemary

 

•  Eucalyptol

AKA cineole

Benefits: 

Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cough suppressant, respiratory & sinus relief

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Camphor, cooling, fresh, minty, spicy

Also found in:

Aromatherapy, eucalyptus trees, insecticides, medicines, topicals

 

•  Geraniol

AKA (2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol

Benefits: 

Anticancer, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, neuroprotectant

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrus, fruity, peachy, rose-like, sweet

Also found in:

Citronella oil, bath & body products, fragrances, geraniums, honeybees, lemons, palmarosa oil, rose oil, tobacco

 

•  Humulene

AKA α-humulene, alpha-humulene, α-caryophyllene, or alpha-caryophyllene

Benefits: 

Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, allergy relief, appetite suppressant

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Earthy, spicy, woody

Also found in:

Beer, coriander, ginger, ginseng, hops, insecticides, tobacco, sage

 

•  Ocimene

AKA (3E)-3,7-dimethylocta-1,3,6-triene

Benefits: 

Anti-congestive, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, gut flora health

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrus, floral, fruity, herbal, strong, sweet, woodsy

Also found in:

Basil, bergamot, fragrances, hops, insecticides, kumquats, lavender, orchids, oregano, mangos, mint, parsley, tarragon

 

•  Limonene

AKA D-limonene

Benefits: 

Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastrointestinal relief, mood elevation, stress relief

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrusy, fruity, sweet

Also found in:

Cleaners, fennel, fragrances, grapefruits, juniper, lemons, limes, mint, oranges, pine, rosemary, topicals

 

•  Linalool

AKA β-linalool or beta-linalool

Benefits: 

Analgesic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, sedative, stress relief

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Blueberry, citrus, floral, musky, spicy, sweet

Also found in:

Birch trees, cinnamon, citrus fruits, coriander, laurels, lavender, rosewood

 

•  Myrcene

AKA β-myrcene or beta-myrcene

Benefits: 

Anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, muscle relaxant, pain & insomnia relief, sedative

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Earthy, musky, spicy, sweet

Also found in:

Basil, bay laurel, cardamom, cloves, hops, lemongrass, mangos, thyme

 

•  Pinene

AKA α-pinene, alpha-pinene, β-pinene, or beta-pinene

Benefits: 

Anti-cancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilator, gastrointestinal relief, neuroprotectant, respiratory relief

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Earthy, piney, sweet

Also found in:

Dill, insecticides, limes, oranges, oregano, parsley, pine nuts, pine trees, rosemary, topical antiseptics

 

•  Terpineol

AKA α-terpineol

Benefits: 

Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibiotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-seizure, antitumor, gastrointestinal relief, relaxant, sedative

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrus, floral, lilacs, lime, piney, woodsy

Also found in:

Cardamom, eucalyptus, fragrances, lilacs, lime blossoms, pine trees, skincare products, tea

 

•  Terpinolene

AKA α-terpinolene or alpha-terpinolene

Benefits: 

Antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, relaxant, sedative

Aroma / Flavor Profile: 

Citrus, floral, herbal, piney, sweet, woodsy

Also found in:

Apples, cleaning products, conifer trees, cumin, fragrances, herbs, insecticides, lilac, nutmeg, rosemary sage, tea tree