TERPENES 101
the TANNINS & TERPENES issue
Mild, but earthy and sweet, this terpene is found in hops, thyme, and mango. Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in Cannabis. As a monoterpene, its simplistic molecular structure is a precursor to an array of more complex aromatic compounds.
MYRCENE
Floral and fruity, Geraniol is found in geraniums, roses, and coriander. Honeybees actually produce geraniolcontaining pheromones to mark hive entrances and nectar bearing flowers.
GERANIOL
Signature strain: OG Kush
Gentle, woody and floral, Linalool is found in lavender, birch and chamomile. Linalool has been studied many times in the medical community, producing a wide array of promising results (particularly when it comes to neurological health).
LINALOOL
Citrusy and bright, Limonene can be found in nature in oranges, lemons, and caraway. Limonene’s solvent qualities make it a popular compound for use in industrial cleaning agents.
LIMONENE
Signature strain: Amnesia Haze
Camphorous, minty and green, Eucalyptol can be found in eucalyptus, bay leaves, and cardamom. Eucalyptol exhibits cooling properties, and as such, is a common additive in products like mouthwash and cough syrup.
EUCALYPTOL
Signature strain: Harlequin
Signature strain: Sour Diesel
Fresh and forest like, Pinene is found in pine, sage, and rosemary. α-Pinene is the most commonly found terpene in nature, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects.
PINENE
Signature strain: Super Silver Haze
Signature strain: Romulan
ADOBE STOCK
leafmagazines.com
28
SEPT. 2021
Woody with a complex cleaner-like profile, Terpinolene is found in tea tree, lilacs, and fir. This floral and herbal terpene is known for its antioxidant properties and is found in relatively small amounts in numerous strains.
TERPINOLENE
Vegetal and woody with a subtle spice, Humulene can be found in hops, ginseng, and balsam fir. Humulene is largely responsible for the “hoppy” aroma of beer, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
HUMULENE
Signature strain: Durban Poison
Woody and sweet with floral notes, Ocimene is found in basil, bergamot, and orchids. This elusive terpene often constitutes only a small portion of a cultivar’s profile, and is often used in the perfume industry for its herbaceous aromatic profile.
Spicy and peppery, Caryophyllene is found in pepper, cloves, and oregano. β-Caryophyllene was one of the first Cannabis-based compounds outside of THC, CBN, and CBG shown to interact directly with our endocannabinoid system.
CARYOPHYLLENE
Signature strain: Stardawg
OCIMENE
Signature strain: Girl Scout Cookies
T E R P E N E S are a class of hydrocarbons that occur naturally in plants and animals. They are produced in nature for a range of reasons, from attracting pollinators to deterring danger. Terpenoids are the oxygenated derivatives of terpenes – although the terms often get used interchangeably. Together these compounds provide a vast range of smells, flavors and effects. Their history with humanity dates back to our very beginnings, from fragrances to flavoring. But to the modern-day consumer, terpenes represent the very variety that we crave from Cannabis.
Signature strain: Pink Lemonade
They are, after all, largely responsible for what makes your favorite cultivar your favorite! Before diving into some of the more common Cannabis terpenes, it’s important to note a few facts. Much like in nature, each plant will encounter an array of conditions during its life that (inevitably) alter outcomes. This can range from genetic sourcing to production practices, unplanned circumstances and everything in between. So, while we hope you’ll find a promising start here today, we encourage you to continue exploring the nuances of these exciting compounds on your own.
STORY by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA for LEAF NATION
