The words “terpenoid” and “terpene” are often used synonymously, but the two words actually have different meanings:
Terpenoids are terpenes that contain additional functional groups (functional groups are what make chemicals unique like alcohols, esters, carboxylic acid, etc). Terpenoids may refer to terpenes that have been chemically modified to produce a desired effect.
There are increasing studies on the medical benefits of the active cannabinoids such as delta9THC and CBD, but that is only part of what makes cannabis medically beneficial, and now there is a new dimension by looking at the secondary active ingredients (terpenes).
The terpenes most commonly found in cannabis are as follows. Keep reading for the science of each terpene!
- Betacaryophyllene
- Linalool
- Pinene
- Myrcene
- Limonene
Beta-caryophyllene
Scent: Spicy/peppery/woody
Foods that contain beta-caryophyllene: black pepper, rosemary, oregano, cloves, and other dark leafy green herbal plants.
Medical benefits: Because BCP binds to CB3 receptors, it can be highly useful for inflammatory disorders (example: arthritis, multiple sclerosis or chronic pain). BCP can also be beneficial for treating anxiety & depression without the overwhelming mental effects from THC. BCP can also be gastroprotective, which can be helpful for patients with ulcers or even just regular indigestion. BCP will selectively bind to CB2 receptors (which are actually found outside of the brain and in all other parts of the body), so it is not a psychoactive component of cannabis. There is some debate on whether or not BCP is actually a cannabinoid or a terpene because of it’s ability to selectively bind to the CB2 receptors.
Types of strains that betacaryophyllene is commonly found: Arjan’s Haze #2, Super Silver Haze, Neville’s Haze.
Linalool
Scent: Floral, a terpene that is commonly used in perfumes.
Foods that contain linalool: bergamot, coriander, cinnamon, clary sage, geranium, lavender, petitgrain, rosewood, sweet basil, thyme.
Medical benefits: Linalool differs from other terpenes commonly found in cannabis in that it has an OH group attached to it, making it a terpene alcohol. Linalool has been shown to be helpful with treating mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It has been shown to reduce psychosis, relieve stress and help improve mental health. Linalool may even be used as a sedative (sleep aid) as well as an anticonvulsant. Some studies even report antiinflammatory and analgesic effects from linalool essential oil.
Foods that contain linalool: bergamot, coriander, cinnamon, clary sage, geranium, lavender, petitgrain, rosewood, sweet basil, thyme.
Medical benefits: Linalool differs from other terpenes commonly found in cannabis in that it has an OH group attached to it, making it a terpene alcohol. Linalool has been shown to be helpful with treating mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It has been shown to reduce psychosis, relieve stress and help improve mental health. Linalool may even be used as a sedative (sleep aid) as well as an anticonvulsant. Some studies even report antiinflammatory and analgesic effects from linalool essential oil.
Types of strains that linalool is commonly found: Cannabis strains with purple leaves and flowers tend to have higher concentrations of linalool, however, the specific phenotype of each plant will have different levels of linalool present. Strains that have qualities such as this are GDP (Grand Daddy purple), Grape Ape, and Amnesia Haze.
Pinene
Scent: Pine/woody
Foods that contain pinene: Basil, parsley, dill and pine nuts. Can also be found in pine needles that can be seeped in hot water and consumed as a tea.
Medical benefits: Bronchodilator (helps patients with asthma), anti-inflammatory/painreliever. Pinene can be helpful for memory retention/mental clarity. May counteract some negative qualities of THC. Pinene is an antioxidant (prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body) and also has antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities.
There are two isomers of pinene (isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula, but they have different arrangement of atoms). There is an alphapinene and a betapinene, but the alphapinene (the left structure in the image above) is more commonly found in cannabis.
Types of strains that pinene is commonly found: Trainwreck, ChemDawg, and Jack Herer normally will test high in pinene.
Foods that contain pinene: Basil, parsley, dill and pine nuts. Can also be found in pine needles that can be seeped in hot water and consumed as a tea.
Medical benefits: Bronchodilator (helps patients with asthma), anti-inflammatory/painreliever. Pinene can be helpful for memory retention/mental clarity. May counteract some negative qualities of THC. Pinene is an antioxidant (prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body) and also has antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities.
There are two isomers of pinene (isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula, but they have different arrangement of atoms). There is an alphapinene and a betapinene, but the alphapinene (the left structure in the image above) is more commonly found in cannabis.
Types of strains that pinene is commonly found: Trainwreck, ChemDawg, and Jack Herer normally will test high in pinene.
Myrcene
Myrcene is found to be the most abundant terpene in cannabis.
Scent: Earthy, sweet and somewhat clovelike.
Foods that contain myrcene: Mango, hops, lemongrass, thyme, and guava melon.
Medical benefits: Analgesic/antiinflammatory, anti-proliferative/anti-mutagenic (inhibits cell mutation, including cancer cells), suppresses muscle spasms, sleep aid, and also has antibacterial properties as well. Studies show that myrcene may make THC more effective, which is why it has been said that consuming fresh mango (or other foods with high concentrations of myrcene) prior to consuming cannabis will increase the effects of the cannabinoids.
Foods that contain myrcene: Mango, hops, lemongrass, thyme, and guava melon.
Medical benefits: Analgesic/antiinflammatory, anti-proliferative/anti-mutagenic (inhibits cell mutation, including cancer cells), suppresses muscle spasms, sleep aid, and also has antibacterial properties as well. Studies show that myrcene may make THC more effective, which is why it has been said that consuming fresh mango (or other foods with high concentrations of myrcene) prior to consuming cannabis will increase the effects of the cannabinoids.
Types of strains that myrcene is commonly found: El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk # 1, White Widow.
Foods that contain limonene: Oranges, grapefruit, lemon/lime, and other citrus fruits.
Medical benefits: Anti-depressant / mood elevator, antimicrobial/antifungal, may be helpful for acid reflux or indigestion, and even stimulate the immune system.
Types of strains that limonene is commonly found: Tangie, Super Lemon Haze, Chernobyl, and can even be found in some indica strains, like Berry White!
Limonene
Scent: Citrus
Foods that contain limonene: Oranges, grapefruit, lemon/lime, and other citrus fruits.
Medical benefits: Anti-depressant / mood elevator, antimicrobial/antifungal, may be helpful for acid reflux or indigestion, and even stimulate the immune system.
Types of strains that limonene is commonly found: Tangie, Super Lemon Haze, Chernobyl, and can even be found in some indica strains, like Berry White!
*Not every plant of any given strain will have the same levels of terpenes due to the expression of the individual plant’s phenotypes. The only way to be sure is through a terpene analysis from a cannabis testing laboratory.
Love talking terpenes? Stop by and talk to Alicia!
