If you have been looking to discover more about the terpenes found in CBD and other cannabis products, then the information we gather will be of interest to you.
When it comes to understanding all the different compounds found in CBD, THC, and other cannabis products, one of the most important to wrap your head around is terpenes. Here at Kana Leaf Cannabis North Bay, we understand that our customers have a lot of questions about the different terpenes and the different terpene's effects.
It can be quite overwhelming when you first start using any cannabis products. You immediately get bombarded by terms such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the endocannabinoid system, terpenes, entourage effect, and so many more! Cannabis is an exciting and unique plant, and we have only just begun to scratch the surface when it comes to understanding it completely.
To help answer any questions that you may have about terpenes or terpene effects, we have prepared this comprehensive guide to some of the most common terpenes found in the cannabis plant.
15 Terpenes Found in Cannabis and Their Effects
Myrcene
Easily the most abundant terpene found in cannabis, myrcene can make up to 65% of the terpene profile of some cannabis strains. The aroma of myrcene is often dank, earthy, and musky and closely resembles the smell of cloves. It also sometimes has a slightly fruity aroma.
Some of the cannabis strains that are rich in myrcene include Skunk XL, Special Kush, and White Widow. The effects of myrcene could potentially help to induce sleep or relaxation. It’s believed that eating a mango, high in myrcene, 45-minutes before smoking could boost the effects of the cannabis.
Strains: Bubba Kush, Cannatonic, Blueberry Lambsbread by Whistler, Harlequin, Canna Bliss by CannaFarms, Pure Kush, Remedy (which also offers copious amounts of CBD), Sensi Star by Canntrust, Skunk (including Skunk #1 and Skunk XL), Special Kush 1, and White Widow.
Limonene
The second most abundant terpene found in cannabis is easily limonene, but you’re not going to find it in every cannabis strain. As the name suggests, limonene gives different strains that citrussy or lemony smell. Limonene is found in almost all citrus fruits and is also a common ingredient used in the manufacture of cleaning products and cosmetics.
Two of the potential therapeutic properties of limonene include reducing stress and also improving your mood. Any cannabis strains that feature the words sour or lemon in their name are usually high in limonene, and you’ll find it in Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, O.G. Kush, and Jack the Ripper.
Linalool
Linalool is the terpene responsible for that skunky, spicy, floral smell that’s commonly associated with cannabis. You’re also going to find linalool in plants such as coriander, lavender, cinnamon, and even mint. Linalool has strong relaxing and sedative properties.
Some of the different strains that you’ll find high in linalool include Special Kush, Amnesia Haze, LA Confidential, OG Shark, and Lavender.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene has a strong peppery aroma and flavor, and it’s no surprise that caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and also a bunch of spices like rosemary, basil, and oregano.
One of the interesting things about caryophyllene is that it binds with the CB2 receptor, which means that it’s commonly used in anti-inflammatory creams and topicals. Some of the strains that you’ll find caryophyllene in include Super Silver Haze, Rock Star, and Skywalker.
Pinene
There are two versions of pinene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene and they are responsible for the aroma of pine trees that you find in some cannabis plants. Some of the other plants high in pinene include parsley, basil, rosemary, and orange peel.
Pinene has strong anti-inflammatory properties and also can help to improve airflow in the respiratory system. Some of the strains rich in pinene include Dutch Treat, Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Strawberry Cough, Island Sweet Skunk, and Romulan.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol has a sweet and enticing floral aroma and is commonly found in candeia trees and chamomile flowers or tea. You’ll usually encounter bisabolol as an ingredient in many of the different cosmetics. Still, it’s getting a lot of attention from researchers because of its potential to treat bacterial infections while also being a powerful antioxidant.
You are most likely to find bisabolol in Pink Kush, ACDC, OG Shark, and Headband.
Eucalyptol
As its name suggests, you’re most likely to find eucalyptol in the eucalyptus tree as well as the cannabis plant. You should be able to recognize it by its cool, refreshing, and minty undertones, but most cannabis strains only contain a very small percentage of it.
Eucalyptol is commonly used in medicines and cosmetics and can be found in Headband and Super Silver Haze cannabis strains.
Trans-Nerolidol
You’ll usually encounter trans-nerolidol in flowers such as lemongrass, tea tree, and jasmine. It has a strong floral aroma which is a mix of apples, citrus, and rose. It’s known for its antioxidant effects and can be commonly found in cannabis strains such as Sweet Skunk, Jack Herer, and Skywalker OG.
Humulene
Humulene was the first terpene that was discovered in hops and had an earthy, spicy, and woody aroma that you would usually associate with beer. Besides the cannabis plant, you’ll usually encounter humulene in black pepper, sage, and cloves. Some research suggests that humulene may be a potential appetite suppressor and useful for weight loss. Some of the cannabis strains that contain humulene include Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, Pink Kush, White Widow, and Girl Scout Cookies.
Delta 3 Carene
Delta 3 Carene is found in several plants, including basil, bell peppers, pine, cedar, and rosemary. It’s believed that Delta 3 Carene is beneficial for helping in the healing process when you break a bone and could have positive effects on memory retention.
Camphene
If you had to describe the aroma of camphene, you’d describe it as musky, damp, earth, and fir needles. Many people commonly mistake camphene for myrcene because the two have a similar aroma. Camphene is commonly used in skin treatment medications for psoriasis and eczema.
You’ll usually find camphene in cannabis strains such as Mendocino Purps, Ghost OG, and Strawberry Banana.
Borneol
Borneol has a strong herbal and minty scent that’s found in plants such as camphor, mint, and rosemary. An interesting fact about borneol is that it is a powerful natural insect repellant and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. You’ll find borneol in cannabis strains such as K13 Haze, Amnesia Haze, and Golden Haze.
Terpineol
You’ll find terpineol in plants such as apple blossom and lilacs, and it has a strong floral scent and tastes like mint or anise. Terpineol is a common ingredient in flavorings, cosmetics, and also perfumes. Some of the cannabis strains you’ll be likely to find terpineol include OG Kush, Jack Herer, and Girl Scout Cookies (GSC).
Valencene
This particular terpene got its name from the sweet and flavorful Valencia oranges because it is found in large amounts in the fruit. It’s commonly found in cannabis strains such as Agent Orange and Tangie.
Geraniol
Other than cannabis, you’ll find geraniol in tobacco and also lemons, and the aroma is commonly associated with plums, peaches, and roses. Geraniol is used in aromatic lotions and bath products and has powerful antioxidant properties. Some of the cannabis strains which contain geraniol include Master Kush, OG Shark, Afghani, and Great White Shark.
The 101 of Terpenes In CBD – Conclusion
There you go! Everything that you ever wanted to learn about terpenes, including their aromas, flavors, and also some of the potential benefits which they may offer. We still have a lot to learn about cannabis, including terpenes. If you have any questions about terpenes or cannabis strains, then don’t hesitate to contact us at Kana Leaf Cannabis.