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What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a class of organic compounds that are responsible for the unique aroma and flavour of plants, including cannabis. They are found in the resin glands of the plant and contribute to the overall sensory experience of consuming cannabis.
There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis and each one has a unique aroma and flavour profile, including pine, lemon, and earthy notes. In addition to their sensory properties, terpenes may interact with the cannabinoids in the plant, an idea known as the entourage effect that is still being researched.
This means that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids can produce a range of effects, from relaxation to stimulation, and can even help to enhance or modulate the effects of THC and CBD. Understanding terpenes and their role in the effects of cannabis can help to personalize the cannabis experience and tailor it to the individual needs of the consumer.
Why do plants produce aromatic compounds such as terpenes?
Plants produce aromatic compounds such as terpenes for several reasons:
- Protection: Terpenes serve as a defense mechanism for the plant, deterring herbivores and insects from feeding on it.
- Attraction: Some terpenes are used to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the plant for reproduction purposes.
- Climate adaptation: Terpenes can help the plant adapt to its environment by protecting it from extreme temperatures and UV radiation.
- Competition: Terpenes can play a role in competition with other plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
How are they different from cannabinoids?
Terpenes and cannabinoids are both found in the resin glands of the cannabis plant and contribute to the overall effects of the plant. However, they are different in several ways:
- Chemical structure: Terpenes are a class of organic compounds that are composed of isoprene units and are characterized by their strong aroma and flavor. Cannabinoids, on the other hand, are a class of compounds that are unique to the cannabis plant and have a more complex chemical structure.
- Effects: 1are being studied for possible effects on the body, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but this research is still early. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are primarily responsible for the psychoactive and therapeutic property of cannabis.
- Interaction with the body: Terpenes interact with the body through the olfactory system and can have an impact on mood, appetite, and memory. Cannabinoids, on the other hand, interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body and can have a more profound impact on the body and mind.
In summary, terpenes and cannabinoids are both important components of the cannabis plant, but they differ in their chemical compounds, effects, and interaction with the body.
Where do terpenes come from?
Terpenes are produced by plants as a part of their metabolic processes. They are synthesized in specialized cells called glandular trichomes, which are found on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The exact mechanisms of terpene synthesis in plants are still not fully understood, but it is known that the production of terpenes is regulated by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
Once produced, terpenes can serve a variety of functions for the plant, such as attracting pollinators, deterring herbivores, and helping the plant adapt to its environment. The production of terpenes can also be influenced by external factors, such as temperature, light, and stress, which can impact the aroma and flavor of the plant.
How Do Terpenes Work?
Terpenes work by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system and the olfactory system. Terpenes are mostly experienced through smell and taste. How they act inside the body is still being studied, and some research suggests they may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions such as pain, mood, appetite and sleep.
Additionally, terpenes interact with the olfactory system, which is responsible for the sense of smell. The strong aroma of terpenes can have an impact on mood, appetite, and memory, and can even help to enhance or modulate the effects of THC and CBD. This is why the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids is often referred to as the entourage effect, where the combination of compounds can produce a greater range of effects than either compound alone.
Do Terpenes Get You High?
No, terpenes do not get you high by themselves. Terpenes are not psychoactive compounds, meaning they do not have a direct effect on the brain that results in a high. However, terpenes can enhance or modulate the effects of other compounds in cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD.
The combination of terpenes and cannabinoids can produce a greater range of effects than either compound alone, known as the entourage effect. For example, some terpenes have been shown to increase the potency of THC, while others can reduce anxiety and increase focus. By working together with cannabinoids, terpenes can play a role in creating a personalized and tailored cannabis experience.
How do terpenes affect the body?
Terpenes affect the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and the olfactory system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating various physiological functions such as pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. Early research suggests some terpenes may interact with the endocannabinoid system, but their effects in people are not well established.
Additionally, terpenes interact with the olfactory system, which is responsible for the sense of smell. The strong floral aroma of terpenes can have an impact on mood, appetite, and memory, and can even help to enhance or modulate the effects of THC and CBD.
How Are Terpenes Ingested?
Terpenes can be ingested through several methods:
- Inhalation: Terpenes can be inhaled through vaporization or smoking of the cannabis plant. This is the most common terpenes method of ingestion and allows the terpenes to interact with the olfactory system, producing an aroma and flavor experience.
- Edibles: Terpenes can be ingested through edibles, such as tinctures, gummies, and baked goods, which are infused with cannabis oil or extract. This method allows for a slower and more sustained release of terpenes into the bloodstream.
- Topicals: Terpenes can also be absorbed through the skin through the use of topicals, such as creams and salves, which are infused with cannabis oil or extract. This method allows for localized effects on the skin and can be used for specific conditions such as inflammation and pain.
- Sublingual: Terpenes can be ingested sublingually, by placing a tincture or oil under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This method allows for a faster onset of effects compared to edibles.
The reported effects of terpenes
Terpenes are being studied in laboratories for possible anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mood-related properties. Most of this research is early, done in cells or animals, and it has not shown that terpenes treat any condition in people. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you are thinking about cannabis for a health reason, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
The top three terpenes found in cannabis
The top three types of terpenes found in cannabis are myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene. These terpenes are found in high concentrations in many strains of cannabis and are known for their distinctive aromas and flavors. Researchers are also studying whether they may modulate the effects of THC and CBD.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis and has a musky, earthy aroma. It is found in high concentrations in strains such as Skunk #1, White Widow and Blue Dream. It is often linked to relaxing effects, but research in people is limited.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is also found in black pepper and cloves. It is found in high concentrations in strains such as OG Kush, Bubba Kush and Girl Scout Cookies. In laboratory research it interacts with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which are involved in regulating pain and inflammation. Whether this helps people is still being studied.
Limonene
Limonene has a fresh, citrusy aroma and is also found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. It is found in high concentrations in strains such as Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer and Sour Diesel. Its possible effects on mood are still being studied.
What Is a Terpene Profile?
A terpene profile is a detailed analysis of the specific terpenes present in a sample of cannabis or hemp plant. It is a useful tool for understanding the unique aroma of cannabis, flavor, and potential effects of a particular strain of cannabis or hemp.
Terpene chemical profiles are typically performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which are laboratory techniques that allow for the separation and identification of individual compounds in a sample. By analyzing the terpene profile of a cannabis or hemp plant, growers, processors, and consumers can better understand the potential effects, as well as the aromatic molecules and the flavor profile.
Frequently asked questions
What are terpenes?
Organic compounds that give plants, including cannabis, their aroma and flavour. In cannabis they are found in the resin glands, and more than 100 different terpenes have been identified.
Do terpenes get you high?
No. Terpenes are not psychoactive by themselves. THC is the main psychoactive compound. Terpenes may modify how a strain feels, but this is still being studied.
What is the entourage effect?
The idea that terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce effects that differ from either alone. It is a popular theory and an active area of research, not a settled fact.
What are the most common terpenes in cannabis?
Myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene. Myrcene has a musky, earthy aroma, caryophyllene a spicy, peppery one, and limonene a fresh, citrus one.
Where do terpenes come from in the plant?
They are made in specialised cells called glandular trichomes on the leaves, stems and flowers. Genetics, environment and the stage of growth all influence them, and so do temperature, light and stress.
What is a terpene profile?
A laboratory analysis of which terpenes are present in a sample of cannabis, which describes its aroma and flavour.
Do terpenes have health benefits?
Terpenes are being studied in laboratories for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mood-related properties. Most of that research is early and has not shown that terpenes treat any condition in people. This is general information, not medical advice.
