Terpenes are volatile organic compounds with odoriferous properties produced by many plants, including trees, herbs and fruits. In other words, terpenes are what give plants their odour and flavour, as well as their medicinal properties. They can also be produced by certain bacteria and fungi.
The main terpenes in cannabis are limonene, myrcene and pinene, but there is also linalool (found mainly in lavender), beta-caryophillene (found in pepper or other strong spices), or humulene (found in hops or ginger). Terpenes are widely used in fragrances, foods, medicines and industrial products. Terpenes can also be used to produce synthetic cannabinoids for medicinal purposes.
It is difficult to identify the individual aroma of a terpene in cannabis plants, as its rich and complex scent comes from a wide variety of terpenes. It is almost impossible to smell the aroma of each terpene in cannabis because when several terpenes are present in the plant, the aroma that emerges is very complex.
Cannabis' main terpenes
Myrcene is found in large quantities in cannabis, but also in hops or cloves. It gives an earthy, musky and fruity aroma to cannabis flowers, with notes of grape and spices.
Myrcene is said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It may also help to improve the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to a better efficacy of cannabinoids, and enhance the effect of some myrcene-rich cannabis varieties.
Cannabis strains such as AC/DC and Blueberry, Afghan Kush, White Widow or Skunk #1 are packed with myrcene.
It is important to note that myrcene content may vary depending on the growing conditions and the extraction method used to produce the cannabis products.
Limonene is found in cannabis plants, but also in some citrus fruits, plants and spices such as rosemary or peppermint. It gives a citrus taste to cannabis flowers that are packed with it.
Limonene is commonly used in perfumery, food products, medicines and industrial products because of its antiseptic properties and pleasant smell, but it is also used in some medicines to treat digestive disorders, headaches and joint pain.
It is studied for its potential antifungal, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, for its potential anti-tumour action, and for general concentration and well-being.
Limonene is found in large amounts in Orange Bud or Maui Wowie for example, and in general in all strains that include “Lemon” in their name.
Phellandrene is a common terpene found in many plants, such as pines, cedars, cypresses or eucalyptus, or in dill.
Thanks to its properties and its pleasant woody scent, it is also commonly used as an ingredient in cosmetics and aromatherapy products because of its antibacterial, antifungal, anxyolitic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can also be used as a natural insecticide as it acts as a repellent on insects, making it a popular choice in organic farming.
Phellandrene is found in large amounts in strains such as Black Lavender, Super Silver Haze or Pineapple Express.
Well known to brewers, this terpene gives a refreshingly hoppy taste to beer. It is also found in ginger and ginseng, to which it gives a spicy taste.
It is said to have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and appetite suppressant properties. It also has anti-coagulant properties when coupled with THC, and antifungal properties when combined with CBD or CBG.
It is found in large amounts in strains like Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush or White Widow.
Pinene is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the essential oils of certain trees of the Pinaceae family such as Scots pine and fir, and some cannabis strains. It is a monomeric terpene that has a woody, resinous aroma and is used in a variety of industrial products, including detergents, perfumes, cosmetics and medicines. It has also been studied for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pinene is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, expectorant and bronchodilator properties.
Pinene is found in large amounts in strains such as Cannatonic, Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, Haze, Northern Lights, and Amnesia Haze.
Sabinene is a bicyclic hydrocarbon that belongs to the family of terpenes, organic compounds that are widely distributed in plants and trees.
Sabinene is mainly found in the essential oils of plants such as rosemary, thyme, mint and juniper. It has a fresh pine or woody odour and is often used as a flavouring in food products and cosmetics.
In addition to its use as a flavouring, sabinene is also believed to have medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antifungal and analgesic properties. It is being studied for its potential in the treatment of various conditions, such as joint pain, fungal infections and dermatitis.
Ocimene is a natural terpene found in many plants, including mint, parsley, basil, ginger and artemisia.
This terpene is known for its sweet and herbaceous aroma, which is why it is often used in perfumery to add a fresh and citrusy note. It is also used medicinally for its properties anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has also been studied for its potential as a natural insect repellent, making it a popular choice for organic crops.
It is found in large amounts in strains such as Toxic Punch, Red Dragon, Blueberry AK or Bubblegum Kush.
Valencene is a natural organic compound that belongs to the sesquiterpene family. It is a colourless or pale yellow liquid with a woody odour punctuated by citrus notes.
Valencene is naturally found in the essential oils of cypress, sweet orange, bergamot, mandarin and lemon, among other plants. It is also present in other plants such as lavender, mint and cardamom.
Valencene is used in perfumery for its woody and fresh note, and in the food industry as a natural flavouring. It can also be used as an additive in cosmetics and personal care products for its pleasant fragrance.
In addition to its use in perfumery and the food industry, valencene has also been studied for its potentially beneficial health properties. Some research suggests that valencene may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as potential to help fight fungal infections.
Valencene rich cannabis strains include Agent Orange, Pineapple Express and Super Lemon Haze.
Terpineol is a natural organic compound belonging to the monoterpene family. It is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a pleasant, sweet and floral smell.
Terpineol is naturally found in the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and thyme. It is also present in other plants such as lilac, apple and black pepper.
Terpineol is widely used in the world of perfumery and cosmetic products for its floral and fresh notes, and in the food industry as a natural flavouring.
Terpineol has also been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that terpineol may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as the potential to help relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Terpineol is found in large amounts in cannabis strains such as Girl Scout Cookies, Durban Poison and OG Kush.Borneol is a monoterpene cyclic terpene often used in traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy and perfumery.
Borneol is found naturally in several plants, such as camphor, rosemary, lavender, thyme and eucalyptus. It is also produced synthetically for use as a food additive, in cosmetics and perfumes, and in medicines.
In aromatherapy, it is used to help calm the mind and reduce stress. Borneol is also studied for its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties, as well as for its potential to boost the immune system and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Strains of cannabis rich in borneol include Kali Mist, G13 Haze and Chemdawg.
Geraniol is an organic compound of the monoterpene family, more precisely of the terpene alcohol family. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for its pleasant rose and geranium aroma.
Geraniol is found naturally in many plants, including rose, geranium, lavender, citronella, palmarosa and coriander essential oils. It is also produced synthetically from various sources.
In addition to its use as an aroma, geraniol is believed to have medicinal properties. It has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has also been used as an analgesic and to help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Geraniol rich cannabis strains include Amnesia Haze, Banana Kush and Island Sweet Skunk.
Thymol is an aromatic organic compound that belongs to the terpene family, and is commonly used for its antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is found in many types of plants, including thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, rosemary, sage and clove.
Some studies have shown that thymol is an effective antiseptic and antifungal. It can be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections, as well as to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis and coughs. Thymol’s antimicrobial properties make it a popular ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Thymol also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, such as arthritis, gout and muscle pain.
It is also used as a food additive to add flavour and antimicrobial properties to certain foods, such as cheese and meat products.
Finally, thymol is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties. It can be inhaled from essential oils or added to a diffuser to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Pulegone is a monoterpene found in many plants such as peppermint, spearmint and mentha pulegium. It is one of the main components of peppermint essential oil, where it is found in concentrations up to 50%. It is also found in other aromatic plants such as rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender.
Pulegone has a characteristic peppermint odour, making it a popular ingredient in oral care products, cleaning products and perfumes. It is often used as a flavouring agent in foods and beverages such as mints, chewing gums, teas and liqueurs.
However, despite its widespread use, pulegone can be toxic in high doses. It can act as a skin and eye irritant, and when inhaled in large quantities can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. It is also considered a potential carcinogen when consumed regularly and in high doses.
But pulegone is also of interest as a chemical compound. It has been studied for its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties, as well as for its potential in the treatment of pain and inflammation.
Camphene is a terpene frequently used in the cosmetic and food industries because of its aromatic properties and health benefits. It is found in many plants, including essential oils of conifers, as well as in some citrus fruits.
Camphene has a fresh, woody, earthy aroma that is often described as similar to peppermint. In cosmetics, camphene is often used as a fragrance or to mask the unpleasant odours of other ingredients. In food products, it is often used as a flavouring in baked goods, soft drinks and candies.
Camphene also has interesting medicinal properties. It is often used as an active ingredient in traditional medicines to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds and bronchitis. It is also used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory to treat muscle and joint pain.
Some studies have also shown that camphene has antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties, making it a useful agent for fighting bacterial, fungal or other infections.
Bisabolol is a natural terpene found in chamomile, bay flower, arnica flower, candeia, and some cannabis strains. It has a sweet, floral scent, which makes it widely used in the cosmetic industry, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry for its anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and healing properties.
Also known as alpha-bisabolol or levomenol, bisabolol can help reduce inflammation, irritation and redness of the skin, making it a preferred ingredient for sensitive skin.
In addition to its skin-soothing properties, bisabolol has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat gastric ulcers and inflammation of the gastric mucosa, but also to relieve muscle and joint pain.
Bisabolol is often used in combination with other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerine to improve the effectiveness of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Although bisabolol is considered safe for topical use, there may be risks of allergies or irritation for some people. It is always advisable to do a patch test before using a product containing bisabolol for the first time.
Hashishene is the common name for the molecule 5,5-dimethyl-1-vinylbicyclohexane. As far as scientists know, it is only found in hashish, and it is the result of the chemical transformation of myrcene, the most common terpene in cannabis. It was named by the team of scientists who discovered it in 2014.
This type of chemical transformation is not new or surprising. Indeed, myrcene can transform into other terpenes such as geraniol and linalool, but they are usually already here, even in low concentrations, in the cannabis plant itself. So far, hashishene has only been found in aged hashish.
It is likely that light, heat and pressure over long periods of time are responsible for the chemical transformation of myrcene into hashishene, which is probably only one of many unique terpenoids that are formed in aged hashish and are not commonly found in nature.
