What are Terpenes? Roles and Effects

Did you know that when you breathe in the unique and distinctive aroma of cannabis, you're actually smelling terpenes? As the negative stigma surrounding cannabis slowly deconstructs throughout the United States, more and more research is being done on terpenes, especially when it comes to their role in cannabis. So what are terpenes exactly?

In the latest SMOKEA article, we will investigate what terpenes are at their most basic structure and how different types might be used in your daily life - both inside and outside the world of cannabis.

What are Terpenes?

Before further investigating terpenes in cannabis, it’s important to understand what terpenes are at their core.

Terpenes are colorless oils found in all plant life. With over 20,000 different types of terpenes identified, they are some of the most abundant organic compounds around. Not to mention, there are likely many more that have not been isolated and researched yet.

As they say, variety is the spice of life, and terpenes prove it literally by acting as the building blocks of a variety of flavors. For example, menthol is a terpene characterized by its minty taste. Another terpene, caryophyllene, is found in spices such as black pepper and cinnamon.

Terpenes influence more than just flavor though. They also impact the aroma and even the colors found in plants. In plant life, these naturally occurring compounds help some plants thrive by attracting pollinators via scent and color. On the other hand, there are some plants with terpenes that evolved to keep potential pests away.

Interestingly enough, terpenes are even found in some animal life. In 2022, scientists discovered that soft corals made their own terpenes.

Whether you know it or not, terpenes are a part of your daily life. If you ever practice aromatherapy, clean with scented products, stop and smell the flowers, use perfume or cologne, or enjoy food or drink, terpenes are right there with you helping to shape your experience.

At their core, terpenes are hydrocarbons built up from isoprene. Each isoprene unit is built with 5 carbon blocks. The amount of carbon blocks in each terpene further classifies it into a particular type. It may sound simple enough, but terpenes can be quite complicated. Some follow the expected model to a tee, yet others are complex strings of atypical chemical pairings.

Types of Terpenes

Now that you have a better understanding of what terpenes are, let’s dive further into the topic by learning about how they are classified and the potential benefits of these terpenes.

Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes are made up of two isoprene units and ten carbon atoms. They are among the simplest, smallest, and most volatile types of terpene. Some examples of monoterpenes are myrcene, limonene, and pinene - all of which are found abundantly in cannabis. Monoterpenes are known to have some of the most distinctive flavors and smells.

Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes are made up of three isoprene units and fifteen carbon atoms. As such, they are a little bulkier than monoterpenes and therefore not as fragile. Some examples include caryophyllene and farnesol, both found widely in nature, table spices, and fruits and vegetables.

Sesquiterpenes are being heavily researched, as there is evidence suggesting that they are an important part of the human diet, in addition to potentially being a treatment for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Diterpenes

Diterpenes have four isoprene units and twenty carbon atoms. Some examples include cafestol and kahweol which are commonly found in coffee. These particular diterpenes have been found to raise LDL cholesterol.

Don’t worry too much if you’re a coffee lover, as your consumption of these diterpenes might not be as bad as you think. Diterpenes are most commonly found in cold brew coffee and French press coffee, but they get trapped by coffee filters. So if you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, you might want to try filtered coffee for a while.

Sesterterpenes

Sesterterpenes are made up of five isoprene units and twenty-five carbon atoms. Sesterterpenes are relatively understudied compared to the others, so there isn't very much information out there. However, we do know that they have been found primarily in fungi and marine life.

Realistically, we have just scratched the surface of the types of terpenes in existence. Other identified types of terpenes include hemiterpenes, polyterpenes, triterpenes, and more. It would likely take years of study to fully understand every type of terpene out there.

Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis Plants

Most of the buzz you'll hear about terpenes these days tends to be primarily in the context of cannabis and for good reason. Over 200 different terpenes have been isolated and found in cannabis, all with distinct smell and flavor profiles.

While 200 may sound like a large number, it’s important to remember that not all terpenes are equal. Some terpenes are only found in minute amounts in the cannabis plant, and others are far more abundant.

Let’s investigate a few of the most commonly found terpenes when it comes to cannabis and learn a bit more about how they impact the body and how they might affect your high.

As a disclaimer, this is not an all-inclusive list, many more terpenes have been found and are being researched. This is just a selection of some of the terpenes you’ll come across most often in the context of cannabis. It may be a lot to take in, but we advise you to experiment and follow your nose as you go about your terpene journey.

Limonene

As you might be able to gather from its name, limonene is typically found in the rind of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. Limonene has been known to produce an elevating effect on mood, and it has energizing and stimulating qualities.

Many people use limonene-dominant strains of cannabis to combat feelings of sadness or anxiety or simply as a pick-me-up during the day. Some find that limonene-dominant strains are enjoyed best when paired with an activity. If you’re looking for an energy boost during the day before you go on a walk or do some housework, then a high limonene strain might just be your best friend.

One study found that when limonene is present in a cannabis strain, users report a reduction of negative side effects such as anxiety and paranoia occasionally associated with THC use. Yet, the inclusion of limonene doesn’t detract from the psychoactive effects of THC. These compounds work together to create a satisfying experience for users.

There is preliminary evidence that limonene may be used to limit the spread of cancer, but more studies need to be done on humans to confirm this conclusively.

Beyond cannabis, you’re likely to find limonene in cleaning products, and food and drink. If you've ever tried a candy with a lemony flavor, you can be almost positive that limonene played a part.

Strains high in limonene include Apple Sundae and Gush Mintz.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundantly found terpene in cannabis. It is the dominant terpene in about half of all cannabis strains. It tends to have an earthy, spicy, or citrusy scent to it, and as such it tends to be used in cosmetics and air fresheners to create an earthy scent.

However, the smell alone isn't why myrcene is so common in cannabis. Myrcene might be best known for its relaxing effects as it is responsible for the infamous “couch-lock” side effect. As such, myrcene is the perfect terpene if you’re looking to have a good night’s sleep or relaxing lay on the couch after a long day at work. However, if you’re looking to be productive, it’s probably best to hold off on high amounts of myrcene.

Strains high in myrcene are generally considered to be indica (sitting at over 0.5% myrcene) and strains lower in myrcene are generally considered to be sativa (under 0.5%.) While this is a good rule of thumb, it’s important to be aware that myrcene content alone doesn’t provide the whole picture. Other terpenes and cannabinoids and their concentration will also have an impact on whether a strain is considered to be indica or sativa.

Outside of cannabis, myrcene is often used in the brewing of beer as it is one of the most plentiful hoppy terpenes around. In addition to beer, myrcene is also found in lemongrass, a plant well-known for being a muscle relaxer and sleep aid.

Strains high in myrcene include Platinum OG and Purple Urkle.

Pinene

Pinene is the most common terpene found in nature. It gets its name due to its high concentration in pine trees. Conifers and parsley are just a few additional plants that have a high concentration of pinene.

Even though it is found so abundantly in nature, pinene-dominant cannabis strains are relatively uncommon, so you’re more likely to see pinene closer to the bottom of the list of any terpene profile.

It is important to mention, however, that there are two different classifications of pinene - alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. While they are similar to one another, there are some key differences.

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-pinene is what you will find most commonly in both nature and cannabis; you’ll recognize it by its signature pine scent. It is known to be energizing and may help combat a lack of focus and short-term memory loss associated with THC use. It is more associated with strains considered to be sativa.

There is evidence suggesting that using alpha-pinene can help open up your airways. This is great news for people who have recently been ill or those who struggle with asthma. It also has proven benefits for reducing pain and reducing inflammation.

Beta-Pinene

While alpha-pinene has more of a stimulating effect, beta-pinene acts as a sedative in the body. It has been known to reduce anxiety and create a relaxing experience. It is more often found in strains that are classified as indica.

There is evidence that beta-pinene can be used as a sleep aid. While it doesn’t energize you, it can be used for mood elevation.

Preliminary studies suggest that there is huge potential for using beta-pinene to combat more serious memory loss associated with amnesia, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, though more human studies need to be done to prove it conclusively.

Strains high in pinene include Pink Candy and White Widow.

Caryophyllene

Also known as beta-caryophyllene, this terpene is often found in black pepper. As such, it tends to have a peppery or earthy scent to it. You might also note a gassy or diesel smell.

Interestingly enough, caryophyllene is the only known terpene to bind to cannabinoid receptors in humans. While THC binds to CB1 receptors to cause a psychoactive effect, caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors tend to only be expressed when there is inflammation present, and the fact that caryophyllene targets these receptors specifically suggests that it could play an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition, caryophyllene might be useful in the treatment of alcohol addiction and symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal.

Strains high in caryophyllene include Orange Creamsicle and White Truffle.

The Entourage Effect

As every cannabis user knows, not every high is created equally. Some highs will have you dancing the night away, some will have you feeling energized and focused, and some will have you passing out on the couch well before your bedtime. A common theory for why that is is known as The Entourage Effect.

Some cannabis users look at THC percentage alone when making a purchase. Yet, the theory of The Entourage Effect suggests that looking at that percentage alone won't give you the whole story when it comes to how you’ll feel when you use it. Even when you classify strains even further by labels such as indica and sativa, you're still not getting a full enough picture.

As a basic example of The Entourage Effect, it is widely accepted that when CBD and THC are combined, CBD helps combat the negative effects of THC such as anxiety, nervousness, or paranoia. They work together to produce a more satisfying experience. But as we know, CBD and THC aren’t the only components of cannabis that play a role.

While THC and CBD may be the main players when it comes to cannabis, the picture wouldn't be complete without help from terpenes and other cannabinoids to help set the stage. The Entourage Effect suggests that each component of cannabis works together in synergy to create the most satisfactory experience.

While terpenes on their own won’t get you high, terpenes work together with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in any given strain. Research suggests that terpenes can alter the effects of your high and using different concentrations of terpenes can produce very specific effects. Researchers are actively looking at terpenes to help classify cannabis strains even further and more accurately predict the effects.

Proponents of The Entourage Effect theory believe that smoking flower is the best way to get the full benefits as it is undiluted, though results can be achieved via nearly any type of cannabis consumption granted that enough components have been preserved from the plant.

Unfortunately, there have been no conclusive studies on the Entourage Effect in the way that we understand it. So a lot of this is still up for debate. However, it doesn't hurt to give this theory a try. After all, there's got to be a reason people swear by it.

How Can I Use Terpenes?

If you’re finding yourself anxious lately, maybe it’s time to try a limonene dominant strain to see if it helps to elevate your mood. Or if you’re having a hard time sleeping, maybe try something with a high amount of myrcene to see if you can get a better night's sleep.

It’s important to have an understanding of what terpenes can do, yet finding the terpenes that will help you the most is largely individual. Your biochemistry, tolerance, and headspace can all have an impact on how you feel as well. Cannabis strains that might relax someone else might be energizing for you and vice versa.

For example, drinking a cup of coffee is widely known to provide energy, yet some people find themselves drifting off to sleep from the caffeine.

The only way to know precisely how different terpenes will affect you is to try them. It's okay if you don't know where to start, many people suggest following your nose.

As you go about finding your terpene fit, you might want to take notes as you try different strains. Keep track of the ingestion method, time of day, terpene profile, and how the strain made you feel. You may have to experiment with several different strains before you find a good fit for you, but don’t be discouraged. Whatever it is you're looking for in cannabis, you're sure to find it with just a touch of trial and error.

What Terpenes Are, and What That Means for You

Terpenes are organic compounds made up of five-carbon blocks known as isoprenes. They can be found in all plant life and abundantly in cannabis plants. Research is ongoing, but there is ample evidence that the terpene profile of any given cannabis strain can have a significant impact on how you experience your high, and some terpenes may have major health benefits as well.

Studies on terpenes in cannabis are only just beginning, and only a small selection of them were discussed in this article. What we do know is that terpenes have many medicinal properties that have been proven through studies. We are excited for terpenes to be researched more thoroughly to show us everything they are capable of.

Yet, terpenes are just a singular piece of the puzzle when it comes to your cannabis experience. Everyone has different bodies, brains, and tolerance levels. The potential effects listed in this article may vary depending on your biochemistry.

Now that you know what terpenes are, you should try for yourself! Each strain listed in this article is available for purchase at SMOKEA. Whether you’re into smoking flower, vaping, or taking edibles - we have something for everyone. Check out our selection of THC products or take a look at our selection of exotic snacks if you’re feeling munchy after all of this reading.

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