Terpene Chart: The Ultimate Guide
Cannabis is a complex plant in many ways, not just in terms of its constitution. Whether its the 120+ cannabinoids, ever-changing legislation, complicated growth cycle, or cultural relevance, confusion is always nearby when discussions of cannabis arise. However, understanding terpenes can make all the difference when trying to select your perfect strain and our Terpene Chart will serve as your Ultimate Guide.
Completely confused by terpenes? Wondering what the benefits are…or even what a terpene actually is? No worries — we got you covered. — Simply, they are naturally occurring compounds found plants that serve a variety of functions in the cannabis plant. Check out the terpene chart below where we discuss what terpenes actually are, how their aroma profiles differ, and provide you with a little background on how to pair your favorite strain with your dish or drink.
While research is lacking to fully explain the “ entourage effect,” industry professionals will tell you there are different effects and “highs” depending on which strain you consume because all components of the plant- cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, impact each other to create a unique experience. Terpenes are one moving part of the cannabis plant and can intensify or lessen the effects of a particular cannabinoid.
While science can’t completely back the entourage effect just yet, it is evident in relationships like CBD and THC. Research has found that CBD can moderate some of the effects of THC in the body. While similar in molecular structure, THC and CBD act very differently on the body, hence why THC gets you “high” and CBD doesn’t. The study found that users that had high CBD strains experienced less unpleasant psychoactive side effects from THC. This would be an example of the the components of the plants complimenting each other to achieve a certain experience, for instance, a strain like Canna-Tsu (canna tonic x sour tsunami) can have <10% THC and 15% CBD, which creates a relaxing buzz without the heady high.
“Terpenes are one moving part of the cannabis plant and intensify or lessen the effects of a particular cannabinoid.”
- New England Leaf
Myrcene
Best Terpene for Trying to Relax and Recover. Strains to explore include Blue Dream, ACDC, and Blue Cheese
There are more than 200 terpenes in an individual strain of cannabis and myrcene is one of the most frequently occurring among them, with studies revealing that it composes almost 20% of terpenes volume in an individual sample of cannabis. That is fine with us, especially since this terpene
In addition to cannabis, myrcene terpenes are also found in fresh mango, hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus, and lemon grass, to name a few. Myrcene is an important player in increasing the effectiveness of THC, where it is know to enhance its psychoactivity (head high).
They also contribute to an earthy, citrusy aroma -think hops, cloves, and tropical fruits.
Suffering from inflammation? Myrcene terpenes are know to improve circulation in chronic problem areas, creating pain relief. Research has found that it can have a significant impact on the immune system, enhancing immune response against certain antigens. Lastly, myrcene can act as a sedative, serving as a natural sleep aid and is know to have analgesic characteristics.
In addition to enhancing the psychoactiveness of THC, it is attributed with play a major role in creating the “couch-lock” effect.
Looking for strains with a high percentage of myrcene? Check out our strain finder. Some myrcene-dominant strains you may be familiar with are Blackberry Kush and Mango Kush.
Pinene
Best Terpene For Doing Something Tedious. Consider a pinene-dominant strain to boost mental clarity and increase your alertness.
Pinene is a terpene that offers a familiar and intense aroma and packs a punch in terms of health benefits, too. Like myrcene, it is found in a variety of cannabis strains and exists in two varieties: alpha and beta. Alpha creates the pine needles or rosemary aroma, whereas beta has been described as smelling like dill, basil, or parsley. In addition to popular strains like Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Pineapple Express, pinene can be found in eucalyptus, sage, and rosemary. This provides you with plenty of insight into the aroma -it creates a savory woody, piney, earthy scent.
Research suggests that pinene has many positive health benefits, it can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and a bronchodilator (increase airflow to the lungs). A pinene-dominant strain like Bubba Kush is a strong favorite for consumers who are seeking relief from asthma, pain, or insomnia — the anti-inflammatory properties providing relief from discomfort, inducing relaxation, allowing consumers to rest easier.
Pinene is unique as it is known to for enhancing memory retention, boosting mental clarity, and increasing alertness. Pinene can also mitigate the psychoactive effects, for example, paranoia, anxiety, short-term memory loss, of THC.
Lastly, recent research found that pinene is toxic to Staphylococcus aureus (a bacteria that creates staph infections) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (a bacteria that results in pneumonia).
Looking for strains with a high percentage of pinene? Check out our strain finder.
Limonene
Best Terpene for Managing Anxiety and Stress. Limonene-dominant strains are believed to boost serotonin and dopamine.
Evolutionarily speaking, terpenes help to repel insects, attract mates, and fulfill a host of other duties in the plants that contain them. A terpene like limonene is especially effective in its role as a repellent as it has a unique, citrus aroma which deters predators- think lemongrass, citronella, and mint.
It is another prevalent terpene, frequently found in a variety of terpene strains. Commercially, it is used for flavoring foods and is commonly used as a fragrance for personal care and household products, and as a powerful solvent for cleaning products.
Limonene can help boost the immune system and an aid in healing heartburn relief, gastrointestinal discomfort, boosting the metabolic system and reducing inflammation.
There seems to be evidence from research out of Purdue University that limonene may have anticancer properties in experiments using rats. The findings suggest limonene inhibits malignant tissue growth, similar finding were seen in other studies where limonene induced autophagy, decreasing lung growths in rodents.
Limonene-dominant strains like Super Lemon Haze, Tangie, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison are great for consumers seeking a physical and mental boost with a citrusy aroma profile.
Looking for strains with a high percentage of limonene? Check out our strain finder.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Best Terpene for Fighting Chronic Pain. Beta-Caryophyllene has a unique flavor and aroma. It emits a dry, spicy, sweet and woody smell with hints of clove. It can be used with food items such as steak, chicken, and salads.
Looking for strains with a high percentage of beta-caryophyllene? Check out our strain finder.
Numerous studies in United States and in other parts of the world, beta-caryophyllene has been proved as an effective discomfort aid and soothing agent. This terpene is anti-inflammatory and tends to decrease inflammation and swelling in a gradual manner.
It is believed that beta-caryophyllene has the potential as a therapeutic terpene and when physically applied, it acts as a great pain killer. When combined with CBD and THC, caryophyllene can provide great relief to those who suffer from temporary or chronic pain.
It also acts as an antibacterial and reduces and curtails the growth of bacteria. It helps in reducing tension, stress, and depression for the human beings.
Beta-Caryophyllene also helps to alleviate pain caused by many reasons and helps to get relief from temporary or chronic pain. In spite of its presence in cannabis, beta-caryophyllene is never considered as illicit or dangerous substance. On the other hand, it is certified and recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a dietary supplement. It is hoped that further researches will caryophyllene is beneficial to humans.
Linalool
Best Terpene for Stabilizing your Mood. Linalool’s aroma is attributed with reducing unpleasant emotions (fear, anxiety).
Linalool is a terpene found in scented herbs and mints. This is a popular terpene mostly found in spice plants that are used for many commercial applications. This is also found in citrus fruits laurels, cinnamon, rosewood and the like.
Linalool is also found in some cannabis and it has a pleasant and floral aroma flavor and smell.
Looking for strains with a high percentage of linalool? Check out our strain finder.
Linalool has the properties and characteristics of an anti-inflammatory agent as it acts effectively to reduce inflammation. Linalool acts as an anti-epileptic agent and is an important component in strains that help reduce seizures and convulsions.
In terms of sedative qualities, it promotes sleep. Linalool, an extract of lavender, is best known for its sedative and calming effects.
Linalool has analgesic properties and helps relieve pain caused by numerous reasons. It is a major constituent in several essential oils that are extracted from sweet swelling spices of diversified types. Those who are employed in various medicinal practices use linalool because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Due to its aroma qualities and fine smell, linalool is widely used as a scent in many perfumed and cleaning agents that include detergent powders, bathing soaps, shampoos as well as lotions. Further, it is also used as an insecticide by pest companies to kill fleas, fruit flies and cockroaches. It is also used as a mosquito repellent in certain products.
Humulene
Best Terpene for Fighting Inflammation. Strains that contain a high percentage of humulene include Chem 4, Bruce Banner, Allen Wrench.
Ever notice that a hoppy IPA can have an aroma similar to cannabis? Enter humulene, a terpene commonly found in modest quantities in a variety of cannabis strains. Its responsible for that distinct spicy, hoppy aroma.
Looking for strains with a high percentage of humulene? Check out our strain finder.
Humulene usually offers a subtle woody, earthy, and spicy notes which are partly responsible for the unique scent of cannabis. Apart from its herbaceous charm, it offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Humulene is well-researched and known for its antibacterial properties. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and reduces pain due to inflammation. Lastly, Humulene can also act as an appetite suppressant, helping to facilitate weight loss.
Ocimene
Best Terpene for Fighting Congestion. Ocimene terpenes are found in a wide range of plants such as hops, mangoes, kumquats, basil, lavender, orchids, pepper and a host of other plants. A unique property of ocimene is its sweet, herbaceous aromatic profile.
Ocimene is less prevalent in cannabis strains, however, no need to stress, strains like Strawberry Cough, Himalayan Gold, Space Queen, Chernobyl contain a high percentage of the terpene. Looking for other strains high in ocimene? Check out our strain finder.
Ocimene is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The sweet and distinct aroma of ocimene is complex, being described as herbaceous with woodsy undertones. Research has suggested that ocimene can alleviate congestion in the upper respiratory systems and act as a bronchodilator.
Ocimene is naturally produced by plants to inhibit fungal growth and therefore, it is no surprise that ocimene has antifungal properties. Several studies by US researchers and scientists have revealed that ocimene is great with its anti-inflammatory properties. It curbs the production of pro-inflammatory growth factors which may worsen inflammation on the parts of the body.
Ocimene is present in a variety of fruits and plants such as basil, mangoes, parsley as well as cannabis. Ocimene is unique for its pleasantly tropical and woody bouquet. The aroma of this oil is more fragrant and therefore, it is commonly used in the preparation of perfumes.
Terpinolene
Best Terpene for Fighting Insomnia. Strains with a high percentage of terpinolene include Golden Pineapple, Black Widow, and Agent Orange.
You’ll find terpinolene present in hemp, cumin, sage, rosemary, and pine. In addition to being found in essential oils, terpinolene is commonly extracted and used in the manufacturing of herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, and cosmetic items.
Terpinolene is best known for its anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. A study in the year 2013 has established that terpinolene played a role in the reduction of cancerous cells in animal models.
Terpinolene is believed to be helpful in reducing stress and depressive feelings, and when combined with vitamin A and vitamin E can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Findings from recent research suggest that terpinolene has sedative properties and can be a great aid for those suffering from insomnia.
Originally published at https://newenglandleaf.com on June 4, 2019.
