What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the organic compounds in cannabis and other plants that give the plant it’s unique scent and/or flavor. These natural compounds are not exclusive to cannabis, but can be found abundantly in various flowers, trees, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and even microbes. Cannabis and other aromatic plants produce Terpenes and Terpenoids for many different reasons like repelling pests or attracting pollinators.

It has been known that certain benefits can be obtained through the use of volatile plant terpenes in alternative medicine like aromatherapy. The same goes for cannabis terpenes. Depending on the terpene and cannabinoid ratios the experience can be different as well. 

Terpenes are often regarded as the primary influencers in the effects of different cannabis strains, according to some cannabis connoisseurs. Due to the ongoing federal illegality of cannabis, extensive research on terpenes and flavonoids is still pending. However, our investigations have identified seven major terpenes in cannabis: myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, ocimene, and terpinolene. View our chart below to learn more about each terpene and how it could benefit you!

What Do They Do?

Terpenes are thought to protect plants from harsh weather and predators. Cannabis researchers and consumers alike are using terpenes as a way to classify cannabis products and predict their effects. The main hypothesis is that the terpene profile — the dominant terpenes — of a strain work in tandem with cannabinoid content to produce the effects people associate with different strains. They might explain why two different strains with the same level of THC produce such different experiences.