What Are Terpenes?

The Smell and Taste of Cannabis

Have you ever wondered what exactly gives us the sensory experience of smell—what makes us love certain aromas? Why does lemon smell citrusy? Why does a forest have the rich scent of pine and earth? Why do essential oils carry such calming fragrances? All of this is thanks to terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

So, what exactly are terpenes?

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds and are the primary reason behind the distinctive aromas of plants.
In fact, these plant compounds are naturally used to attract or repel other living organisms.

About 140 of these aromatic organic hydrocarbons have been identified in the cannabis strains we know and love. These substances offer a broad and diverse range of sensory characteristics that are often unique and complementary—and they can bring various benefits to our bodies.

Types of Terpenes

Terpenes are crucial for identifying the flavors of fruits, vegetables, spices, and even CBD oil extracted from hemp plants.
In hemp plants, terpenes are produced by the same sticky resin glands that generate CBD and other cannabinoids.

There are many different types of terpenes in nature. Below are five terpenes commonly found in hemp plants that are widely used due to their benefits to the human body:

1. Limonene
2. Pinene
3. Myrcene
4. Linalool
5. β-Caryophyllene

1. Limonene

Limonene is responsible for the citrusy aroma found in oranges, lemons, tangerines, and various other citrus fruits. Whether it’s citrus peels, juniper berries, rosemary, or mint, these scents help uplift mood and energize the mind.

Thanks to its enticing fragrance, limonene is widely used in many everyday products and has been shown to help with obesity and inflammation.

2. Pinene

Pinene gives off an earthy, woody aroma and is typically found in the resin of pine and fir bark.
It is one of the most abundant terpenes in nature and has been widely used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator, and topical antiseptic.

Although research on pinene is still limited, studies have shown that it may help relieve anxiety, act as an antidepressant, and prevent epileptic seizures. It may even be effective in treating chronic neurological conditions such as persistent pain.

3. Myrcene

The citrusy and herbal aromas found in thyme, bay leaves, hops, and sweet mangoes come from one of the most common terpenes in cannabis—myrcene.

This incredible terpene is well-known for its wide array of medicinal properties, including the prevention of peptic ulcers. It also plays a vital role in the world of CBD.
Myrcene is a common flavoring and fragrance additive in food and beverages, and has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects, while also easing pain and anxiety.

4. Linalool

Linalool is a floral and spicy terpene found in lavender, birch, and rose, known for its calming and relaxing properties.
Numerous studies have found that this terpene can enhance our immune system in various ways, effectively reduce lung inflammation caused by smoking, and help improve the neurological and behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Although many clinical trials are still ongoing, current evidence shows that linalool may have effects comparable to common anti-anxiety, pain-relief, and antidepressant medications—such as lorazepam, benzodiazepines, and paroxetine—with fewer side effects.

5. β-Caryophyllene

β-Caryophyllene is found in pepper, cloves, basil, and cotton, and is known for its signature peppery spice.

Like many other terpenes, β-caryophyllene is beneficial to human health and is a key component of high-quality CBD oil.
Due to the high safety and low adverse effect profile of plant-based cannabinoids and β-caryophyllene, their oral combination can be used to treat chronic pain.
In addition, black pepper oil, which contains β-caryophyllene as its main ingredient, has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.

Terpenes and Us

Aside from methane, terpenes are the most common volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. They are everywhere—and just like everything in nature, terpenes interact naturally with their chemical environment.

When it comes to CBD oil, this “chemical environment” refers to the cannabinoids and other compounds present in cannabis. How these compounds interact with terpenes can affect how they impact our bodies.

According to research, the unique therapeutic effects of terpenes may contribute to the entourage effect of cannabis extracts.
(The “entourage effect” refers to the synergy between various compounds—such as terpenes and cannabinoids—found in cannabis extracts, which can enhance the overall benefit and effectiveness of the product.)