Have you ever walked into a room and smelled something that immediately sparked a memory, maybe from childhood or a notable experience? Smell is the strongest of our five senses because it’s directly linked to where our memories are stored. Some smells can be extremely pungent, while others are more subtle. This is because of organic chemicals, known as terpenes. In cannabis, terpenes account for their unique and distinct aromas. In this guide, we discuss everything you want to know about terpenes and how they contribute to your favorite cannabis strain.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic chemical compounds found in plants, some animals, and essential oils. Cannabis terpenes create a very distinct, pungent, musky odor, among the hundreds of other aromas of the various strains. Interestingly, while the “skunky” aroma typically associated with cannabis is thought to be terpene-related, it is actually a sulphur compound. Terpenes also influence the various flavors and even effects of each unique strain by interacting with the THC and CBD and the endocannabinoid system through the entourage effect.
What Are Some Types of Terpenes in Cannabis?
Cannabis has over 200 terpenes, which are divided into primary and secondary terpenes. Some primary cannabis terpenes include:
Myrcene
This terpene is by far the most common terpene in weed, with myrcene in some strains making up as much as 65% of their overall terpene profile. Most commonly, myrcene gives off a distinct musky, earthy aroma, often with fruity notes. Some studies suggest it can enhance the psychoactive properties of THC and have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also responsible for the sedative (couch-lock), relaxing effects you find in many indica and indica hybrid strains, including:
- Afghani: Legend Flower
- Northern Lights: Select Disposable Vapes
- Berry Haze: Fernway Terpene-infused Pre rolls
- Black Magic: Fenway Vapes
Limonene
A close second to myrcene as the most common terpene in cannabis, limonene is what gives citrus fruit its distinct aroma and flavor. In cannabis, it is that fresh, vibrant, citrusy aroma you find in many sativa and sativa hybrid strains. Limonene is also responsible for stress-reducing, anxiety-relieving, and mood-boosting effects of cannabis. Strains that are abundant in limonene include:
- Mandarin Orange: Fernway Vapes
- Alpine Strawberry: Fernway Terpene-Infused Pre rolls
- Go Go Guava: Select Vapes
- The Happy Hybrid: Lowell Smokes Pre rolls
Pinene
This cannabis terpene has a distinct fresh, earthy, piney aroma that reminds you of being outside in the fresh mountain air because the terpene is also found in pine, fir, and other coniferous tree resins. Pinene can be helpful for inflammation and respiratory issues because it is a known bronchodilator. It may also be helpful to improve alertness and memory. Pinene is often found in sativa and sativa-leaning strains and some indica strains.
- Blue Dream: Disposable Vapes
- Honeydew Dream: Joy Stick Vapes
- Jack Herer Flower: Grown Rogue Flower
Linalool
This cannabis terpene creates the floral and lavender notes in various weed strains. As a secondary terpene, linalool is not as prominent as other types of terpenes, so it is not found in as many strains, but it has some wonderful analgesic, calming effects, promoting relaxation, like lavender, so it can be helpful for anxiety and sleep, so it can be found in some indica and indica hybrid strains. Strains that contain linalool include:
- Lavender Dream: Fernway Disposable Vapes
- Ice Wookie: Garden Greens Flower
- Ice Wookie: Garden Greens Pre rolls
- Animal Mint Cake: Grass Roots Pre rolls
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene gives off a warm, pungent, woody, spicy scent, like black pepper. While not as prominent as some of the other cannabis terpenes, it is the only terpene that binds with the endocannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which makes it helpful for anxiety, deep relaxation, and as an anti-inflammatory. You can often find caryophyllene in strains such as:
- Sour Diesel: Rythm Vapes
- Watermelon Cosmos: Joy Stick Vapes
- Pineland Diesel: Fernway Vapes
Humulene
Humulene has a very woody, earthy, and spicy aroma. It is common in other things like hops and is often found in sativa and sativa hybrid strains. This terpene has powerful appetite-suppressant properties and is helpful with inflammation and pain. Humulene can be found in strains such as:
- Super Runtz: Garden Greens Diamond Infused Pre rolls
- Sour Balance Orchard Peach: Camino Edibles
- Super Lemon Haze: Garden Greens Flower
Visit Casa Verde For More Terpene-Rich Cannabis Strains
For more information on cannabis terpenes, visit Casa Verde and speak to their professional budtenders or browse their extensive online menu for more premium cannabis products.
