Common Terpenes

Question 1

Myrcene

Answer 1

Most common terpene in modern cannabis, believed to promote calming effects

Potential therapeutic value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, migraines and inflammation

Strains: Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple, OG Kusk, Cherry Pie

Also found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops

Question 2

Limonene

Answer 2

Believed to provide anxiety and stress relief

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, migraines and cancer

Strains: Strawberry Banana, White Fire OG, Do-Si-Dos, Wedding Cake

Also found in: Fruit rinds (citrus), rosemary, juniper, peppermint

Question 3

Caryophyllene

Answer 3

The only terpene also known to also act as a cannabinoid: it can activate our endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, ulcers

Strains: GSC, Original Glue, Purple Punch

Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon

Question 4

Terpinolene

Answer 4

About one in ten strains is terpinolene-dominant, believed to have uplifting effects

Potential therapeutic value: Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer

Strains: Ghost Train Haze, Chernobyl, Jack Herer, XJ-13

Also found in: Lilacs, nutmeg, cumin

Question 5

Pinene

Answer 5

Most common terpene in the natural world, it may be useful for pain, inflammation, or anxiety

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, cancer, migraines

Strains: Big Smooth, Snoop’s Dream, Critical Mass

Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

Question 6

Humulene

Answer 6

Herbal aroma, may provide anti-inflammatory benefits

Potential therapeutic value: Anti-inflammatory

Strains: Gelato, Sherbert, GSC

Also found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil

Question 7

Ocimene

Answer 7

A beautiful, sweet, earthy, citrusy aroma frequently used in perfume

Potential therapeutic value: Antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial

Strains: Dutch Treat, Amnesia, Clementine

Also found in: Mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats

Question 8

Linalool

Answer 8

Floral aroma, believed to promote relaxation and calming effects

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, migraines and neurodegenerative disease

Strains: Zkittlez, Do-Si-Dos, Kosher Kush

Also found in: Lavender, birch bark

Question 9

What ARE terpenes? What do they do in regard to cannabis?

Answer 9

Terpenes are the primary constituents of the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers.
In cannabis, they can work in a similar fashion to the entourage effect in that they work together with THC affect your experience.

It’s even theorized that terpenes contribute to the entourage effect, but this remains unconfirmed as almost no studies on humans have been completed.