Terpenes 101

Did you know that everyone has experienced some of the very same compounds found in cannabis, even if they haven’t consumed it before? That’s because terpenes are highly aromatic compounds that determine the smell of many plants and herbs, such as rosemary and lavender, as well as some animals – and you guessed it – cannabis! 

If you’ve ever walked through a forest filled with pine trees – you’ve smelled pinene. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a fresh, juicy orange – you’ve tasted limonene (and pinene)! In cannabis, terpenes give cannabis strains their unique flavor, aroma, and also contribute to the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the mixture of compounds in cannabis that work together synergistically to modulate the plant’s psychoactive effects. Some believe that the mix of compounds also improves the health benefits of various cannabinoids. 

While the cannabis industry has historically categorized strains in three categories – indica, sativa, and hybrid – terpenes are much more complex than three categories can describe. It is still common to see products labeled with these three descriptors, however, many companies are beginning to test products for terpene content because they affect everyone differently. Some terpenes tend to be more uplifting than others, such as limonene, pinene, and ocimene. (Citrus strains, such as super lemon haze, tend to be more uplifting, and will often be categorized as sativa or sativa-dominant). Other terpenes tend to be more sedative, such as caryophyllene, myrcene, and terpinolene. (“Grape” strains, such as Grandaddy Purple, tend to be more sedative and will often be categorized as indica or indica-dominant).