Our budtender Kiki is starting a new audio series where she’ll talk about cannabis and explain the science, culture, and history behind it. This is the second segment of the series, where she explains terpenes!

Terpenes: An Overview

Science always needs deeper explaining so for terpenes we’ll need to break it down into two parts.

For this episode the topic, is about the definition of terpenes and synergies.

Terpenes are oily compounds secreted in the cannabis plant’s glandular trichomes. They can also be found in different plants, herbs, and fruits! Those smells and flavors that you are experiencing when you’re medicating are also known as terpenes, essential oils, or terpenoids! All of this knowledge is kin to the holistic healing modality where aromatherapy is used.

Cannabis experts are probably finding more terpenes as we speak, but there are over 500 terpenes known to scientists, and only a few hundred of those are known to exist in cannabis. During our research we’ve found that people who extract fragrances and perfumes know more about terpenes than cannabis scientists.

Having the right profile is what makes each strains’ entourage effect beneficially unique.

Cannabinoids and terpenes are what differentiate every cannabis strain.
Terpenes play an instrumental role to the physiological and psychoactive effects of cannabis.

This is because many terpenes act synergistically with other varieties of terpenes. Some terpenes either catalyze or inhibit formation of different compounds within a cannabis plant.

Terpenes and CBD moderate THC’s well known heavy psychoactivity.
It’s the cannabinoid-terpenoid interactions that amplify the beneficial effects of cannabis while mitigating THC-induced anxiety.

Just imagine knowing and having your favorite cannabis terpene profile handy to make sure you experience the best entourage effects. It would save a lot of time and effort.
Next time you purchase some cannabis that you really like, save the label that reads the terpene profile. We could try and match that in an any concentrate or vape cartridge. It’s all about a good experience when medicating so try this tip and become a real cannabis connoisseur!

Listen to part two where we’ll dive into the most common terpenes and their potential medical benefits.

Terpenes: The Specifics

Remember that terpenes and cannabinoids work together to boost and regulate the effects of one another in the body’s endocannabinoid system.

These are 14 of the most common terpenes in cannabis:

Bisabolol- the primary component of chamomile and has recently been shown to induce apoptosis in models of leukemia.

Caryophyllene-β – the only terpene known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (CB2) . Also found in black pepper

Eucalyptol- Derived from eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol has a minty, earthy aroma

Geraniol- sometimes known as lemonol, this terpene has a fruity odor that blends the scent of passionfruit with plums, peaches and citronella. It is an effective mosquito repellent and shows a potential protective effect against neuropathy.

Humulene- contributes to the “hoppy” aroma of cannabis. Also known as alpha-caryophyllene, humulene is a mish-mash of spices and herbs.

Limonene- a dominant terpene in strains with a pronounced sativa effect. It is also found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Limonene aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and mucous membranes, and has been used to treat anxiety and depression.

Linalool- has a floral scent reminiscent of spring flowers, but with spicy overtones. Has relaxing effects.

Myrcene- Myrcene is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and citrus, and is used in aromatherapy. Myrcene concentration dictates whether a strain will have an indica or sativa effect. Strains containing over 0.5% of myrcene produce a more sedative high, while strains containing less than 0.5% myrcene have an energizing effect.

Ocimene- gives off levels of herbal/woody/citrus aromas

Pinene- α Pinene accounts for cannabis’ familiar odor, often associated with pine trees and turpentine. Recent research has shown terpenes like pinene and other compounds make THC an even more effective cancer killer.

Trans-nerolidol- is found in oranges, lemongrass and tea tree

Terpineol- is known for its pleasant smell of lilacs and is often used in soaps and perfumes.

Terpinolene- terpinolene is responsible for many of the flowers, herbs, citrus and pine smells

Valencene- is present in Valencia oranges and contributes to cannabis’ citrus aroma.


Look out for more segments about cannabis brought to you by Kiki at Silver State Relief. Let us know what you’d like her to talk about next. Happy medicating!

Keep out of reach of children. For use of 21 years and older.