Terpenes are found throughout the plant kingdom, including herbs and spices. In the cannabis plants, hundreds of different terpenes in an endless array of combinations give the plants their unique and pungent aroma. We are now beginning to uncover the medicinal properties of cannabis terpenes.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Cannabis terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the plants’ robust aroma. Terpenes found in cannabis are primarily found in the plant’s trichomes, highly concentrated on the flower buds. Experts believe terpenes evolved in plants to deter pests and animals. Beyond cannabis strains and the plant kingdom, terpenes have been used for years as a flavour or fragrance to create cosmetics, beauty products, and more.

While terpenes are most known for their invigorating scents, we are beginning to uncover their true medical potential on the body. In fact, research has shown that some of these terpenes can affect the way cannabinoid receptors interact with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Experts believe that terpenes may play a critical role in influencing how we experience cannabis.

Generally, terpenes make up a tiny percentage of the concentration in cannabis plants. Of course, concentrations range by genetics and growing conditions, including grow medium, cultivation method, and drying and curing method. Cannabis terpene levels can range between 2 to 4% or higher in some strains.

The terms terpenes and terpenoids are often used interchangeably. Terpenes refer to hydrocarbons found in raw cannabis plants. Terpenoids are terpenes that have undergone oxidation, such as when a grower dries and cures cannabis flowers.

The Entourage Effect

Experts believe that terpenes may play an important role in how we experience cannabis. In a 2011 article, cannabis researcher Ethan Russo discussed the entourage effect of cannabinoids and terpenes. Ever since then, experts have theorized that the terpenes positively influence the effects of consuming whole-plant cannabis for a variety of conditions and symptoms, including:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Cancer

In whole-plant cannabis, terpenes work together to either suppress or amplify the effects of THC. For instance, terpenes such as myrcene and linalool can increase the sedative effects of THC. Alpha pinene, however, can reduce the same sedative effects.

Terpene Boiling Points

One interesting thing to note about cannabis terpenes is their relatively low evaporation and boiling point. Terpenes can evaporate at temperatures between 70 and 100º F. Heat and light can naturally degrade these oils producing a pleasant scent but reducing the content in your flower buds. Terpenes’ boiling point occurs when they are vaporized when smoked or vaped. Terpenes boil at different temperatures, generally, about 300º F.

This is important to know when you want to get the most out of your cannabis plant. When you smoke your flower with the lighter, the scorching flame can reach temperatures between 430 to 2000º F. This boiling temperature can instantly degrade much of the terpenes when smoked.

The cannabis plant contains two main types of terpenes: monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Monoterpenes lower evaporation point and shorter-lasting effects. Sesquiterpenes have a higher evaporation rate, longer-lasting effects, and a more pungent odour. 

To salvage some of the terpenes, people turn to vaporizers that allow them to maintain a consistent and low temperature that can gently activate the volatile terpenes and give you their potential health benefits instead of completely combusting them. Generally, low-temperature consumption is preferred for a better and more flavourful experience.

Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis Strains

Cannabis strains vary in their terpene profile. Some may smell gassy and earthy, while others may smell fruity and sweet. These aromatic essential oils found in cannabis come in different concentrations. The unique chemical profile of your strain will determine how it smells and its effect on you.

Here are some of the most commonly found terpenes in the cannabis plant.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most commonly found terpenes in the cannabis plant. It is known for its sedating and relaxing effects. Myrcene is also found in hops, mangoes, thyme, and lemongrass. Experience notes of fruit, musk, cardamom, and cloves. Myrcene’s effects include:

• Antidiabetic
• Helps with insomnia
• Pain relief
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antibiotic
• Reduces cell mutation
• Depression relief 

Boiling point: 334º F

Limonene

Limonene is a monoterpene known for its ability to relieve anxiety and stress. It can also be found in peppermint, rosemary, juniper, and fruit rinds. You will notice the intense aroma of citrus from limonene. Limonene effects include:

• Gastro-protective
• Anxiety relief
• Mood elevation
• Reduces tumour growth
• Antioxidant
• Antifungal
• Antibacterial 

Boiling point: 349º F

Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with potent effects against inflammation and stress. Beta-caryophyllene can be found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Experience an aroma of pepper, cloves, wood, and spice. Beta-caryophyllene effects include:

• Anxiety relief
• Pain relief
• Sedative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-cancer
• Antidiabetic 

Boiling point: 320º F

Pinene

Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene known to fight off anxiety, inflammation, and pain. Alpha-pinene can also be found in rosemary, basil, and pine needles. You can’t miss its potent pine aroma. Alpha-pinene’s effects include:

• Bronchodilator
• Promotes alertness
• Pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory
• Improves memory and attention
• Reduces cancer cell growth
• Antibiotic 

Boiling point: 311º F

Humulene

Humulene is a sesquiterpene with a pungent floral aroma. Humulene can also be found in hops, ginseng, and sage. She Millions has the scent of spice, wood, and hops.  Humelene’s effects include:

• Appetite-suppressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Pain relief
• Reduces the spread of cancer cells
• Antibacterial 

Boiling point: 388º F

Linalool

Linalool is a monoterpene known for its relaxing effects. Linalool can also be found in rosewood, birch bark, lavender, and laurel. Linalool smells like candy, flowers, and citrus fruits. Linalool’s effects include:

• Antipsychotic
• Anxiety relief
• Sedative
• Mood elevation
• Pain relief
• Anti-epileptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces breast cancer
• Nausea relief
• Reduces acne

Boiling point: 338º F

Whole-Plant Cannabis For Everyone

Terpenes in cannabis are quickly becoming one of the hottest natural products available. Beyond their tantalizing aroma and flavours, terpenes offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Terpenes have quickly become an essential part of any medical cannabis regimen. Soon, we may see a shift towards breeding strains that have a particular terpene profile for even better medical properties.