Believe it or not but cannabis has a variety of different smells, aromas and flavours. Terpenes are what you smell and they can be found in plants, flowers and cannabis. Cannabis plants produce terpenes in the same glands where THC and CBD are produced. Cannabis developed terpenes for adaptive purposes. Plants in general give off pungent aromas to repel pests or predators. The aromas can also help attract certain insects which they need for pollination. Over 100 different terpenes (over 20,000 terpenes found elsewhere in nature) have been identified in the plant all of which work together to provide different effects and aromas. Terpenes are hydrocarbons and can be referred to as the essential oils of the plant.

Each terpene has a unique effect. Some terpenes help with sleep, stress or relaxation whilst some can help improve focus, creativity or attention to detail.

Below are some of the more common types of terpenes.

1.  Myrcene
   Aromas: Cloves, musky, earthy, herbal and cardamom.
   Medical Value: Can help with insomnia, pain or inflammation.
   Strains: Trainwreck, Granddaddy Purple and Amnesia.
   Also Found in: Mango, Lemongrass, Thyme, Hops. Can also be found in essential oils such as wild thyme, parsley and ylang-ylang.
2.  Terpinolene
   Aromas: Herbal, piney floral.
   Medical Value: Antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, sedative and antioxidant.
   Strains: Agent Orange, Dutch Treat and Ghost Train Haze.
   Also Found in: Tea tree, nutmeg, conifers, apples, lilacs and cummin. Can also be used in soaps, perfumes and insect repellants.
3.  Ocimene
   Aroma: Sweet, herbal, woody.
   Medical Value: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and decongestant.
   Strains: Silver Bubble, Sensi Star and Durban Poison.
   Also Found in:  Mint, parsley, kumquats, basil, orchids, mangoes and pepper.
4.  Humulene
   Aromas: Woody, earthy
   Medical Value: Anti-inflammatory
   Strains: GSC, Death Star and Black Cherry OG.
   Also Found in: Hops, coriander, basil, cloves.
5.  Linalool
   Aromas: Floral
   Medical Value: Anxiety, pain, depression, insomnia, inflammation and neurodegeneration.
   Strains: Romulan, Sour Kush, Kosher Kush.
   Also Found in: Lavender
6.  Caryophyllene
   Aromas: Spicey, woody and pepper.
   Medical Value: Ulcers, pain, anxiety and depression.
   Strains: Fire OG, GG4 and Candyland.
   Also Found in: Black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
7.  Limone
   Aromas: Citrus
   Medical Value:  Pain, anxiety, cancer, depression, anti reflux and inflammation.
   Strains: Hindu Kush, Strawberry Banana and Lemon G.
   Also Found In: Fruit rinds, peppermint, juniper and rosemary.
8.  A-Pinene
   Aromas: Pine
   Medical Value: Asthma, cancer, pain, anxiety, aids memory and ulcers.
   Strains: Purple Kush, Bay Dream and AK-47.
   Also Found In: Parsley, dill, pine needles, rosemary and basil.

Not all types of terpenes work the same and it can be hard to determine what type of terpene a cannabis plant will produce. There are so many factors that could play a part. Details such a soil, fertilizers, climate or the age of the plant can make an effect. So we know that cannabis terpenes are responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavours but research shows that terpenes actually work with the cannabinoids (THC/CBD) yet the effects are different. Researchers now believe that terpenes are responsible for the unique effects of each strain and laboratories are now testing strains for THC, CBD and terpene content.

Despite the fairly recent legalisation of cannabis in a variety of countries/states there is very little known about terpenes however a lot of people are intrigued by them. The legalisation opens up new possibilities to explore and gain more knowledge about cannabis and how it works.

For now i’m gonna love you and leave you,

Sending my love to you all,

Emma xo