What are terpenes and what do they do?

You may never have heard the word 'terpenes' before, but you've definitely come across them in your life. In this guide, we explain:

• What are terpenes?
• What do terpenes do?
• How are terpenes different from cannabinoids?
• What types of terpenes are there?
• Do terpenes exist outside of cannabis?

Learn about other parts of the cannabis plant, such as Flavonoids and Trichomes.

Terpenes are unique compounds found in plants that give them their flavor and aroma. Cannabis plants are no exception. Depending on the cannabis strain terpenes can vary greatly and produce unique scents including grape, citrus, pine and even diesel fuel, as well as aromas such as peppery, sweet, lemony and woody.

How are terpenes different from cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are unique from terpenes in many ways. Cannabinoids, for example, have no distinct odor or taste . Terpenes do. So do terpenes have psychoactive properties like THC? In itself, the answer is no.

Although marijuana terpenes and cannabinoids are different, when consumed in the body they work together to create the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes actually work together to produce the effects we feel in our bodies when we consume cannabis.

Cannabinoids can be confusing. Read our article on this today Cannabinoids read it today.

What types of terpenes are there?

There are hundreds of different types of terpenes in cannabis and other plants, but there are some that stand out from the rest. These terpenes have unique properties and are often cultivated for things like essential oils and household cleaning products. When it comes to some of the most well-known, here's a list of terpenes :

• Humulene terpene: This terpene has been used for centuries, but we've only just begun to really explore and understand it. It is one of the most important terpenes in hops and gives beer its hoppy flavor.
• Caryophyllene terpene: This spicy, wood-scented terpene is found in many household spices, including cinnamon and black pepper. In addition to common herbs and spices, this terpene is also found in a variety of popular marijuana strains.
• Myrcene terpene: As with all terpenes, we continue to study and understand myrcene, but there are a few things we do know: It has a sweet, earthy scent that probably reminds you of mango - because myrcene gives mango its unique flavor.
• Limonene terpene: This is one of the most popular terpenes and gives most household cleaning products its lemony aroma! Limonene is also a popular botanical insecticide because it repels certain insects. This citrus-scented terpene gives oranges and grapefruits their unique scent, and it does the same for certain strains of marijuana.
• Pinene terpene: Another popular household product, pinene has a sweet, woody aroma similar to your favorite conifer. From candles to cleaning products to essential oils, pinene can be found in a variety of products.

There are other terpenes we're keeping an eye on, including Linalool, Terpineol, Ocimene, Bisabolol, Valencene,Farnese and Geraniol. Each of these terpenes is present in cannabis and is being studied for the potential of additional benefits.

Do terpenes exist outside of cannabis?

Yes, terpenes are key compounds in most plants found in nature. They play an important role in the life of the plant, whether it is rosemary and basil or a cannabis variety is involved. While cannabinoids are unique to marijuana terpenes are not - so keep that in mind the next time you're making a basil pesto pasta dish or scrubbing your kitchen floor. There's a good chance those scents come from terpenes.