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What are terpenes? A closer look at what they can do for you

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Last updated on Dec 5, 2024

Created on Nov 29, 2021

alternate photos of cannabis and nose

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. What are terpenes?
  2. How terpenes affect the body
  3. The medical benefits and uses of terpenes
  4. Types of terpenes
  5. Risks and side effects
  6. Maximizing the benefits of cannabis terpenes
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Resources

Terpenes are organic chemical compounds that naturally occur in the Cannabis sativa plant, and they give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavor. They are found in the trichomes, which are the tiny hairs protecting the outer layer of the plant’s buds.

While terpenes are mostly associated with cannabis, they’re found in a wide range of plants, from citrus fruits like lemons, to aromatic herbs like thyme.

These organic compounds do much more than deliver a potently flavorful and aromatic experience when we consume cannabis. Research shows that terpenes may be beneficial to treating a variety of health conditions, from epilepsy to malaria.

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What are terpenes?

Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbon-based compounds that give cannabis its unique smell and taste, and play a role in the plant’s therapeutic effects, along with cannabinoids. It’s estimated that there are almost 150 terpenes naturally occurring in cannabis, with up to 40 unique terpenes in any one plant.

Each strain of cannabis has a distinctive terpene profile, which is why every strain (cultivar) has a unique aroma and flavor. It’s also partly because of each cannabis strain’s terpene profile that different strains can affect us differently.

Note that terpenes are not the same as terpenoids, another term associated with the cannabis plant. Terpenoids are a class of terpenes that have been chemically modified, changing how they behave when consumed. Usually, terpenoids are created through oxidization, meaning that the cannabis terpenes are combined with oxygen.

How terpenes affect the body

Terpenes play a large role in how you feel when you consume cannabis, such as sleepy, energized, and pleasure. On the surface, they provide a sensory experience each time you inhale and taste the plant. But far beneath the surface, cannabis terpenes are providing numerous therapeutic benefits that may help address all kinds of medical issues.

The differences between terpenes and cannabinoids

Close-up of cannabis flower buds

When discussing all of the medicinal benefits that medical cannabis has to offer, the focus is usually on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While terpenes are found in virtually all plants, cannabinoids occur in only a small number of species, including black pepper, kava, and, of course, cannabis.

Cannabinoids are highly regarded for their therapeutic potential. In fact, cannabinoids and terpenes work together to impart unique properties to the body through the entourage effect. Cannabinoids and terpenes even share the same chemical precursor, geranyl phosphate, which is why beta-caryophyllene, for example, is both a terpene and a cannabinoid.

Cannabinoids and terpenes have a complex relationship, and not only that, but they’re mutually necessary. For example, it’s been theorized that terpenes can control the amount of THC that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This is partially why some strains of cannabis feel a lot more potent than others, aside from their unique concentrations of THC.

While terpenes act as carriers for flavor, aroma, and color molecules, cannabinoids are flavorless, odorless, and colorless. This is why cannabinoid “isolate” and “distillate” products have no smell, taste, or color.

Free Cannabinoid and Terpene Guide

The medical benefits and uses of terpenes

Terpenes have been used medicinally for thousands of years through herbalism, aromatherapy, and other forms of natural medicine. Cannabis terpenes carry an abundance of therapeutic effects that can enhance mood, aid in sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus, and more.

Additionally, some terpenes have been shown in scientific research to exhibit the following properties:

  • Antibacterial
  • Anticancer/antitumor
  • Anticonvulsive
  • Antidepressant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiviral

Each of these potential terpene effects requires further research to reach definitive conclusions.

Uses

You might be surprised to find that outside of cannabis plants, terpenes are used in many industrial products that we use every day, such as:

  • Active ingredients in mosquito repellents and insecticides
  • Flavoring in candies and other food products
  • Fragrances in shampoos and body lotions

Massage therapists and natural healers also integrate terpenes into their work through aromatherapy oils and balms.

Oil dropping from a leaf

Types of terpenes

Just as there are different cultivars of cannabis, there are also many different types of terpenes. These are some of the most prominent terpenes found in cannabis.

Alpha-bisabolol

Many terpenes bring a sweet, citrusy, and floral smell to cannabis, and alpha-bisabolol, aka bisabolol, is one of them, abundant in chamomile and candeia trees. Alpha-bisabolol has anti-irritant, antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.

Alpha-bisabolol can produce a slight psychoactive effect, which may act alongside THC to produce stronger intoxication. Bisabolol may also be useful in reducing inflammation associated with various skin disorders.

Alpha and beta pinene

Pinene (α-pinene) is the reason why certain cannabis strains smell like pine trees. It’s also the most abundant terpene in nature. Unsurprisingly, pinene is also found in pine needles, as well as dill, parsley, rosemary, and basil. Pinene’s abilities include increasing alertness, improving memory retention, and even counteracting some of the adverse effects of THC.

Pinene may be particularly beneficial to people with asthma due to the terpene’s bronchodilator effects. Pinene also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and could be used for superbug treatment and antibiotic resistance.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene, sometimes called caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene, is a spicy terpene that can taste like black pepper. It has pain-blocking, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant effects. Beta-caryophyllene may be useful in treating pain, cancer, inflammation, addiction (mainly alcohol and opiate/opioid addiction), anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and fungal and bacterial infections.

Beta-caryophyllene is also considered a cannabinoid, as it interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors (CB2).

Humulene is a terpene similar to beta-caryophyllene, and is often found in hops as well as cannabis. Humulene also has painkilling, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties.

Borneol

Borneol brings a minty aroma and taste to the plant, and may offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can be useful in the treatment of chronic pain. Borneol may also have positive effects on eyesight, and benefit respiratory health.

Camphene

With an aroma similar to mothballs, camphene is abundant in cannabis, and also in nutmeg. Camphene is an antibacterial agent that also acts as an antioxidant, and may be useful in treating inflammation of the skin. Studies also demonstrate cardiovascular benefits.

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is the dominant terpene in eucalyptus, and its cooling effects are well-known, as is its strong minty scent. Eucalyptol may aid in respiratory function, and it’s a potent antiseptic. It may also improve cognitive functions like concentration and alertness.

Geraniol

Geraniol has a sweet, floral aroma, which isn’t surprising as it’s present in geranium flowers. It’s a very useful terpene with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, and may offer pain relief as well.

Limonene

Limonene is responsible for that “citrus” or “lemony” aroma and taste found in certain strains. Outside of cannabis, limonene is found in fruit rinds, juniper berries, peppermint, and rosemary. It’s credited with elevating mood and focus, while providing stress relief.

Limonene is also surprisingly versatile. When combined with “sleepier” terpenes like myrcene or linalool, it can actually aid sleep, while combining it with pinene, THC, or THCV can boost its energizing properties, especially if taken in higher doses.

Linalool

Linalool is a terpene you’ll also find in lavender and jasmine, and its aroma is often compared to an air freshener. Linalool is a valuable terpene for anxiety relief thanks to its sedating properties. It also has anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-acne properties. Like myrcene, linalool may be a useful natural remedy for insomnia when combined with THC and CBN.

A lavender field

Myrcene

Myrcene (β-myrcene) is an antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant. Myrcene is found in hops, mango, lemongrass, and thyme, and it’s known for its sleepy effects, especially when combined with THC and CBN. Myrcene is also believed to boost the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids.

Terpineol

Terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol found in pine, tea tree, cajuput, and petitgrain oil. It boasts a complex aroma of lilac, floral, peach, and pine, with a taste that’s described as fruity, minty, lime-like, and anise-like.

Terpineol may work with cannabinoids to increase anti-inflammatory effects, and may act as a gastroprotective and antibacterial. Terpineol may also increase the anticonvulsant effects of CBD and CBDV in patients who have epilepsy.

Trans-nerolidol

Trans-nerolidol has antiparasitic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, and may inhibit the growth of leishmaniasis (a disease caused by protozoan parasites spread by sandfly bites). Nerolidol has also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity.

Other terpenes

Scientists are studying other minor terpenes found in the Cannabis sativa plant to understand their potential therapeutic uses. These minor terpenes occur less abundantly, and include:

These five minor terpenes only scratch the surface of the 100+ others naturally in cannabis.

Terpenes in CBD oil

Risks and side effects

In their isolated and concentrated forms, terpenes may cause irritation or rash if applied to the skin. Inhaling isolated terpenes may also irritate the lungs. However, if you’re consuming terpenes as a naturally occurring component of cannabis, there are no known major risks or side effects.

Maximizing the benefits of cannabis terpenes

Terpenes are multifaceted compounds, each with their own unique therapeutic potential. The key to benefiting from the terpenes in cannabis is having a general understanding of what each one brings to the table, and using that knowledge to make informed choices when purchasing terpene-rich cannabis products, like flower, vaporizers, and concentrates.

To unlock the full potential of terpenes, apply for a medical marijuana card and legally experience the benefits of cannabis. Reach out to one of the experienced doctors at Leafwell today, and we’ll meet with you in our virtual clinic.

Frequently asked questions

Do terpenes make you high?

Terpenes do not directly make you high, but may have indirect psychoactive effects through their interaction with THC and other receptor systems (e.g. serotonin, dopamine). Some people may feel mild “heady” effects from the stimulating aromas of terpenes.

Do all cannabis products contain terpenes?

Not all cannabis products contain terpenes. Terpenes naturally occur in flower, so flower-based products will naturally be high in these compounds. Certain products like gummies and tinctures may or may not contain terpenes, depending on the type of cannabis extraction that was used.

As we become more aware of the benefits of terpenes, the cannabis industry is putting a greater emphasis on terpene-rich products.

What are true terpenes?

As cannabis science has evolved, some manufacturers have started using botanically derived terpenes in their cannabis products. This requires sourcing individual terpenes from plants in which they occur more abundantly, to bring down manufacturing costs.

“Botanical terpenes” is the term often used for terpenes derived from alternative plant sources. Botanical terpenes act just like cannabis terpenes, although products containing them may not offer the true entourage effect due to imprecise concentrations added to products, compared to what naturally occurs in cannabis.

“True terpenes” refer to terpenes extracted directly from the glandular trichomes of the cannabis plant. Many medical and recreational cannabis users prefer true terpenes as they’re authentic to the plant.

Do terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

Some terpenes present in cannabis, such as beta-caryophyllene, do interact with cannabinoid receptors. For other kinds of terpene, like humulene, the debate is ongoing. Myrcene, meanwhile, could enhance the sedative effects of THC and help it cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but not interact with the ECS directly.

Terpenes can also affect other receptor systems, like serotonin, dopamine, and adenosine receptors. Using a combination of terpenes may give a mild, cannabis-like effect in some people, even if no cannabinoids are being consumed.

For this reason, terpenes can be classed as “cannabimimetics.” That is, a class of compounds that can give cannabis-like effects by directly or indirectly affecting the ECS.

Resources

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