Cannabis Terpenes and their effects on humans.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis, and they contribute to the plant’s distinct smell and flavor. It’s important to note that research on the effects of terpenes is still ongoing, and their interactions with other compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids, may also play a significant role in their overall effects. Additionally, individual responses to terpenes may vary.

CANNABINOIDS VS. TERPENES

If you’re familiar with cannabis and hemp you might already have another question in your mind: what are the differences between cannabinoids and terpenes?

Basically, not much. Some natural chemists have argued that cannabinoids are what they call “terpeno-phenolic compounds”…and they’re right.

But cannabinoids differ from most other terpenephenolic compounds in more than a few ways. For one, they’re bigger. Cannabinoids’ molecular weight tends to clock in around 300 g/mol; terpenes usually come in around 100. Some cannabinoids are so big (as far as molecules go) that they barely squeeze through the brain’s blood-brain-barrier after being ingested.

CBDa and THCa are good examples. These ‘raw’ cannabinoids have to be decarboxylated by heat, a process that reduces their molecular weight, in order to absorb well. Eating a raw cannabis plant won’t get high, nor will eating a raw hemp plant give you access to CBD’s best benefits.

Terpenes don’t have this problem. They’re easily absorbed in many different ways, including through the skin and sublingual glands.

One more similarity for now: terpenes and cannabinoids come from the same place, chemically speaking. When a hemp/cannabis plant is super young it doesn’t actually contain any cannabinoids or terpenes at all. Instead it produces something called olivetolic acid, which then converts to geranyl phosphate, which then-and-only then gets converted to the specific cannabinoids and terps we’ve come to know and love.

Speaking of which, let’s take a look at 10 of the hemp’s most well-known terpenes next.

10 COMMON TERPENES IN HEMP

One of the biggest reasons we love hemp actually relates back to its terpene content. The concept that plants produce terpenes is nothing new…but hemp is a little unique.

Why? Because it contains nearly endless combinations of terpenes, combinations not found anywhere else in the nature kingdom.

For example, hemp often contains the lemon terpene limonene, the pine terpene pinene, and the lavender terpene linalool. It might even contain all three of these in high concentrations. Most strains of hemp contain several primary terpenes and dozens, if not hundreds, of trace ones.

How hemp manages to be so chemically diverse is anyone’s guess — call it a miracle of evolution or symbiosis if you want. Here are ten of the most common terpenes in hemp:

LIMONENE

This terpene is most commonly found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s been tied to everything from reduced stress to increased energy; it may also be a natural digestive aid. Like many other terpenes, limonene seems to trigger enzymes that turn on fat burning when it’s ingested. And fat burning is the stablest form of energy production there is.

Many people credit limonene-heavy essential oils by giving them an improved clarity of mind. Hemp strains high in limonene have a similar effect.

PINENE

The namesake terpene in pine trees, pinene is a known bronchodilator. That just means it opens up the lungs and makes you better at breathing! This quality makes pinene especially helpful to people with asthma.

Pinene is also calming — so calming it may be a big part of why some cultures advocate for forest bathing. You can experience these same benefits by smoking or vaping hemp strains like Trophy Wife or Jack Herer. Bonus points if you decide to partake while walking through a pine forest.

LINALOOL

Ah, the lavender terpene. Linalool is both relaxing and anti-inflammatory, and it actually calms down the nervous system to promote better health. Some research shows that linalool activates the same TRPA and TRPV channels CBD does, resulting in less inflammation and pain.

And did we mention that linalool’s relaxing yet? Okay, just one more thing then: this terpene also smells really good.

GUAIOL

Guaiol isn’t as well-known as some terpenes, but maybe it should be. This terp shares a lot in common with pinene. It gets its name from the guaiacum plant whose bark it’s derived from; like pinene, guaiol smells woodsy and earthy.

As far as effects are concerned, research shows that guaiol maybe both anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

EUCALYPTOL

Can you guess what plant this one’s from? (If not, it may be the time to take a little more limonene…)

All jokes aside, eucalyptol is a terpene often found in eucalyptus, salvia, and hemp. Studies show it may help regulate the immune system and activate one’s innate immune response. Translation: eucalyptol could help one’s immune system avoid over-responding to short-term issues by strengthening things from the ground up.

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

This terpene is an interesting one. While beta-caryophyllene is commonly found within black pepper and cloves, it also makes an appearance in hemp. And research shows it binds to the very same endocannabinoid receptors as CBD — so much that researchers consider it a “dietary cannabinoid.”

The end result of all this? Reduced inflammation and a healthier nervous system.

BISABOLOL

Another underrated terpene, bisabolol is usually found in chamomile flowers. Research shows it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and more. Bisabolol is said to have a delicate floral scent…hardly a surprise given its source.

MYRCENE

Myrcene’s presence is felt pretty much everywhere. It’s found in mangoes, thyme, basil, and hops. And hops’ botanical cousin hemp, of course.

What does myrcene do? Well, it’s a favorite of many cannabis users since it plays a role in what’s affectionately known as “couch lock.” Hemp’s myrcene content also provides relaxing results.

And that’s just the start. Myrcene may reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and calm the nervous system enough to help you get the sleep you need.

CAMPHENE

Camphene might be a “minor” terpene, but it has larger-than-life health benefits. Camphene may do everything from reducing cholesterol levels to protect against infection.

Think of camphene’s scent as a combination of pinene’s and myrcene’s. It’s…unusual. Maybe this terpene is only found in trace amounts for a reason? Nature does tend to know best.

TERPINOLENE

Last, but not least, we have terpinolene. This interestingly-named terpene has a complex sweet + spicy scent and can be found in apples, lilacs, nutmeg, allspice, and more. Some of the more ‘earthy’ strains of hemp feature high levels of pinene and terpinolene in combination.

What does terpinolene do? If ingested, it may slow the growth of harmful cells, at least according to this 2013 study. True to its scent, terpinolene may also help bring one back “down to earth” by calming the nervous system.