What are Terpenes?

If you are starting to grow cannabis and you have heard a lot about terpenes, but you are getting lost with so much information. If you still don’t know what they are or you still have a lot to learn about them, stay reading this post because here you will find all the information you need: types of terpenes, uses, properties, examples and how to use them.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are chemical substances, organic compounds, which can be found in many plant species, and even in animals (although to a lesser extent in the latter). They are responsible, among many other things, for giving plants those particular aromas and flavors. Not only to cannabis seeds, since we can find terpenes in multiple species of the vegetable kingdom.

There is a wide diversity of terpenes, each with a unique chemical structure, which are the ones that provide the unique and exceptional smells and aromas to the plants. In the case of cannabis plants, terpenes are found in the trichomes and have various functions, which we will explain below.

Terpenes are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, specifically isoprene repeat units. Isoprenes are the union of 5 carbon atoms. Thus, depending on how many isoprene repeat units there are in the plant, there will be a predominance of one type of terpene or another.

Structure of terpenes according to isoprenes

We can find different types of terpenes in the cannabis plant depending on the amount of isoprene units they are composed of:

• Monoterpenes: composed of two isoprene units. As an isoprene is the union of five carbon atoms, monoterpenes are the conjugation of 10 of these atoms.
• Sesquiterpenes: composed of three isoprene units, i.e., 15 carbon atoms.
• Triterpenes: composed of three isoprenes, i.e. a combination of 30 carbon atoms.

There are many other combinations of isoprenes since, as we have already mentioned, they are not only found in cannabis plants, but also in many species of the plant world. However, most of the terpenes found in cannabis plants are monoterpenes.

Terpenes have high organoleptic qualities in plants (concerning aroma and taste), although they can also define their effect together with cannabinoids. We already know that cannabis plants work very well under the so-called entourage effect, i.e. all their qualities work better in synergy than in isolation. Thus, we can understand that the effects produced by cannabinoids are complemented, in part, by the qualities offered by terpenes.

Functions

Terpenes have various uses for the plant, to learn miore about it read the article how to use terpenes. Although the most characteristic feature of terpenes is the characteristic aroma they provide, their main function is to protect the plant from external agents. The smell and aroma that we humans find so attractive, generates an opposite effect when it comes to predatory insects or herbivorous animals. The smell is, in many occasions, a repellent for these animals that can attack the plant. And not only the smell, but the resin (where terpenes are also found) are also responsible for trapping insects that approach the plant.

They not only protect the plant from animals, but also from extreme temperatures. For example, they are responsible for regulating the humidity of the plant to prevent it from being in drought or excess humidity. As a consequence, they also help the plant to prevent fungi and bacteria.

Terpenes are found in greater quantities in female cannabis plants that have not yet been pollinated. While they can scare away predatory insects, they also have the ability to attract pollinating insects. However, the amount of terpenes varies depending on the genetics and growing conditions of each plant.

Different terpenes

Over 120 terpenes have been meticulously identified, yet the majority exist in such minuscule concentrations that their impact remains negligible. However, there are standout players among them, those present in significant quantities that wield noticeable effects. The noteworthy terpenes, ones that command attention for their potency, include:

Limonene

Known for its citrus aroma and flavor, it is present, above all, in fruits such as lemon and orange, but also in mint and rosemary. But it is also present in marijuana, and in large quantities. As a therapeutic use, limonene is widely used to treat bronchitis. Some examples of varieties of marijuana plants with a predominance of limonene are Lemon Skunk and Super Lemon Haze, among many others.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common in cannabis plants and the one that gives us that more earthy aroma and flavor. Although it is found a lot in cannabis plants, other plants such as thyme and parsley also contain this specific terpene. Its essential oil is used as a relaxant and sedative, as it helps fight insomnia. Some examples of marijuana plant varieties containing myrcene are White Widow and Special Kush.

Linalool

This particular terpene is renowned for infusing certain strains of cannabis with the delightful scent and taste reminiscent of fresh flowers. However, its presence extends beyond the realm of cannabis; notable concentrations can also be found in botanicals such as lavender and basil. Beyond its aromatic qualities, linalool boasts an array of therapeutic benefits. It’s been hailed for its potential to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, among other notable effects. Strains like Amnesia Haze and Lavender are recognized for their significant linalool content, making them sought-after choices for those seeking its potential benefits.

Beta-Caryophyllene

In addition to some varieties of cannabis plants, this terpene can be found in black pepper or rosemary. The most characteristic feature of this terpene is that it also acts as a cannabinoid because it activates our CB2 receptor. By activating this receptor, the effect provided is not psychoactive, but it can help in combating the symptoms of arthritis or multiple sclerosis. The caryophyllene can be found in varieties such as Gorilla Glue or OG Kush.

Pinene

Pinene is another terpene commonly found in marijuana, but also in pine and rosemary. The flavor and aroma it provides, as we can deduce from its name, is pine. Among its therapeutic effects, pinene is considered anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, among many others. Some examples of varieties of marijuana plants with pinene are Sweet Skunk Auto and Durban Poison.

Entourage effect

As mentioned above, terpenes also influence the type of effect they can generate. They act in synergy with the cannabinoids of our marijuana plant (such as CBD, THC, CBG or CBN). Thus, the predominant type of terpene will vary according to the variety of cannabis plant in question, whether it is indica or sativa.

We already know that the effects that the more indica varieties can provide us are more relaxing than those of the sativas, and in this aspect the type of terpenes found in them also influences.

Thus, in the indica genetics we will find much higher percentages of myrcene, accompanied by low amounts of pinene or limonene. It is because of the high quantities of myrcene that the effect is so physically relaxing, mixed with the cannabinoids that the plant has, thanks to the already mentioned entourage effect.

On the other hand, sativa or sativa-dominant genetics may also present high doses of myrcene as a dominant terpene together with pinene and terpinolene also in abundant doses. However, there are also some sativas with dominance of the latter terpenes. These will be responsible for providing, together with cannabinoids, a mostly euphoric and stimulating effect.

You probably know about entourage effect in regards to cannabinoids and terpenes. The entourage effect is the idea that cannabis has more medicinal benefits as a whole-plant state.  This is to say, cannabinoids and terpenes interact with each other and modify the effect they produce. While we know that  even small amounts of other cannabinoids have an impact on THC, it’s only recently that scientists are starting to realize that terpenes can modify cannabinoids’ effects.

Properties

Terpenes are the main constituent of essential oils used in aromatherapy. We consider aromatherapy as an alternative treatment to promote physical and psychological well-being. Thus, we can say that the use of terpenes in aromatherapy has medicinal and therapeutic properties.

As a therapeutic effect it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory functions, fights depression and anxiety, also addiction, calms epileptic seizures, can be considered anticarcinogenic, and fights fungal and bacterial infections.

This is in general terms, but depending on the type of terpene used in aromatherapy or by any other technique, one type of effect or another will be observed (as we have already mentioned above). Thus, for example, while myrcene is more sedative and relaxing, limonene offers a more stimulating and stress-relieving effect.

Willing to know more about the different types of terpenes and their particularities? Stay tuned to our next posts and keep learning about these curious chemicals.