What are Terpenes ?

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in indica-dominant cannabis, offering relaxing and stress-busting properties. Researchers believe it can promote sleep when present in high enough quantities. This likely contributes to the popular belief that indica-dominant cultivars (strains) may result in drowsiness. In addition, studies have found that myrcene can alleviate aches and pains. 

How does it smell?

     Earthy, fruity, and pungent

How does it taste?

     Sweet and spicy

How can it affect you?

     Anti-anxiety, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain relief

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Caryophyllene

Beta caryophyllene is another major terpene found in cannabis, and it has the unique property of acting like both a terpene and phytocannabinoid like THC. Similarly to certain cannabinoids, beta caryophyllene selectively binds to and activates the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system. This can modulate pain perception and inflammation.

How does it smell?

     Peppery and spicy

How does it taste?

     Musky and spicy

How can it affect you?

     Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral

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Limonene
Limonene offers a citrus, fruity flavor and smell. Users report pain relief, increased energy levels, and improved mood. Limonene is also found in the rinds of citrus fruits, which are well known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

How does it smell?

     Citrus and fruity

How does it taste?

     Sweet, sour, and zesty

How can it affect you?

     Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and uplifting

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Pinene
Alpha pinene carries an earthy, fresh grassy scent, with pine flavors. Researchers believe it may reduce inflammation while offering protection against both physical and mental disease. It may also provide an energizing, mood-boosting experience. Some plants and herbs famous for alpha pinene levels are eucalyptus, mint, and rosemary.

How does it smell?

     Earthy, Pine, and woody

How does it taste?

     Herbal and Minty

How can it affect you?

     Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and neuroprotective

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Linalool

Linalool may be one of the best terpenes for relaxation and sleep. Despite a sweet floral smell, the flavor of linalool may best be described as a bit spicy with hints of citrus. Linalool is found in lavender, rosewood, and among plants with strong, perfumed scents.

How does it smell?

     Floral, sweet, woody

How does it taste?

     Sweet, spicy, citrus

How can it affect you?

     Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, uplifting

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Humulene

Humulene is known for having a earthy, herbal, and somewhat spicy aroma and taste. Researchers are testing humulene for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and there is some evidence that it may curb appetite as well. Humulene is found in plants like black pepper, ginseng, and hops.

How does it smell?

     Earthy, spicy, floral

How does it taste?

     Herbal, hoppy

How can it affect you?

     Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, appetite suppressant

 

Terpinolene

Often found in sativa dominated strains, Terpinolene's fresh floral smell and sweet citrus flavor may offer an uplifting experience while helping to promote a restful night's sleep (especially when combined with the terpene Linalool.

This terpene is also found in apples, cumin, lilacs, nutmeg, and tea tree.

How does it smell?

     Pine, floral, and herbal

How does it taste?

     Fresh, floral, and herbal

How can it affect you?

     Antioxidant, sleep promotion, and uplifting

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Ocimene

Ocimene offers sweet, fruity, herbal aromas and flavors. According to preliminary research, Ocimene may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects while also alleviating anxiety and stress. Ocimene stands out as an additive in perfumes, and it lends its scent to hops, mint, orchids, parsley, and pepper. It’s also thought to play a role in pest control in nature.

How does it smell?

     Sweet, earthy, citrus

How does it taste?

     Fruity, herbal, woody

How can it affect you?

     Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

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Bisabolol

Bisabolol may help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote sleep, as well as reduce inflammation throughout the body. It’s one of the less common cannabis terpenes found throughout the plant kingdom, appearing primarily in the candeia tree and chamomile. It’s notable for its fruity, sweet flavors with a hint of spice and nuttiness.

How does it smell?

     Floral, fruity, nutty

How does it taste?

     Sweet, citrus, peppery

How can it affect you?

     Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sleep promotion

 

Menthol

Menthol offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial benefits, while also helping to reduce pain. When it does appear in flower, it’s most common in Kush strains. In addition to cannabis, menthol is found naturally in mint oils and peppermint and can also be produced synthetically. 

How does it smell?

     Minty, fresh

How does it taste?

     Minty, cooling, spicy

How does it affect you?

     Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, pain relief.

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Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is well known for its minty, cooling, spicy aromas and flavors. It has long been used as a herbal remedy for cough suppression and mood enhancement. Eucalyptol may also help to improve respiratory functions by dilating airways while stimulating mucus production to help move bacteria out of the lungs. Medical users report that Eucalyptol contributes to the cannabis entourage effect, which offers benefits such as mood enhancement, pain reduction, and mental clarity.

How does it smell?

     Minty, fresh

How does it taste?

     Cooling, spicy

How can it affect you?

     Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, uplifting