Terpenes
Cannabis is divided into three categories—Sativa, Indica and Hybrid—whereby Sativa is stimulating, Indica is relaxing and Hybrid is somewhere in between. While it is easy to categorize cannabis this way, it only describes the plant’s phenotype or structural properties. In recent years, researchers have developed a more complete understanding of cannabis, particularly the terpenes that give cannabis its medicinal properties.
Terpenes, also known as essential oils, are found in all fruits, vegetables, and spices in nature. Cannabis produces over 200 of these terpenes, but only 30 are found in significant quantities. The most dominant terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and terpinolene—while rarer terpenes include linalool, ocimene, and humulene. Each terpene produces unique physical and medicinal effects, giving each strain its distinct character.
With this in mind, it is important to consider a strain's entire terpene profile, not just the phenotype. For instance, a patient suffering from fatigue or depression may use pinene and limonene dominant strains, while a patient treating hyperactivity and insomnia may use myrcene and linalool dominant strains. High CBD strains are often preferred by patients treating seizures, anxiety, and pain—as they offer relief with little to no psychoactive effect.
Terpene Facts:
Terpenoids are organic compounds and the most abundant chemicals in plants found in flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Common Cannabis Terpenes:
Myrcene – beta-Caryophyllene – Limonene – alpha & beta-Pinene – Linalool – Humulene – Terpinolene – cis-Ocimene.
Two Types: Monoterpenes & Sesquiterpenes
Monoterpenes: 2 isoprene tails – Help reprogram code in DNA (alpha & beta-Pinene – Limonene – Myrcene)
Sesquiterpenes: 3 isoprene tails – Carries Oxygen molecule to hemoglobin – Help reprogram DNA (Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene)
Responsible for the aroma, taste, and feeling experienced through ingesting, inhaling, and sublingual administration.
Terpenes are secreted by many plants and animals in order to protect themselves from their predators.
Found in resin heads from the cannabis plants’ glandular trichomes.
Found in both Hemp CBD and THC flower
Strong Anti-inflammation and Anti-Carcinogenic properties
Interact with a wide variety of the bodies’ receptors
Paired with cannabis, terpenes pass the blood brain barrier a bit easier by increasing membrane permeability.
Terpenes are lipophilic (fat loving) & Hydrophobic (water hating)
Terpene Facts cont…
Pharmacologically active at .05% (still bioavailable at low %)
Terpenes .2% and over are responsible for the physical effect.
Bioavailability greatest when applied through sublingual administration
Cannabis produces more than 200 cannabinoids – 30 in significant quantities *148CP*
FDA recognizes these chemicals as safe food additives and used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Terpenes with the suffix -ol have been found to have more relaxing and sedating properties although there are exceptions.
Terpenes with the suffix -ene have been found to have more stimulating properties, again, with exceptions.
Light terpenes, such as Pinene and Limonene can dissolve plastic. To best preserve delicate trichomes that contain terpenes and cannabinoids, it is best practice to store cannabis in black air-tight glass jars.
Terpene Research:
Research has shown terpenes to have possible anti-cancer properties. We can make this assumption because malignant cells are formed through improper codes in the DNA, whereas terpenes help reprogram code in the DNA.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/10335385/ -
“Experimental studies, using animal cancer models, have demonstrated that some monoterpenes possess anticarcinogenic properties, acting at different cellular and molecular levels. From these discoveries it seems clear that monoterpenes could be considered as effective, nontoxic dietary antitumorigenic agents that hold promise as a novel class of anticancer drugs.”
Loza-Tavera H. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;464:49-62. Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México.
Feeling Profiles:
The best cannabis products you can buy are those with terpene profiles found in a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Terpene profiles within a COA will provide information on the breakdown of terpenes within the prduct that are responsible for specific feelings and distinct aromas. When you start purchasing cannabis, be mindful of how you want to feel and go by the terpene profile, instead of the name or classification sativa or indica. Unfortunately, brands sometimes drop the ball on a products classification. When you learn which products and terpenes are best for you, make sure to record the profile by taking pictures or notes so you can find a similar product during your next dispensary visit. Most products’ terpene profiles change per batch, so knowing what profile suits you best will help you locate that same feeling a lot easier!
Flower & Vapes: You will find better medicine when you shop based on terpene profile rather then THC percentage.
Consumables: Terpenes are usually removed and reintroduced or entirely burned off through cannabis processing. If available, choose tinctures and edibles based on terpenes that fit your needs.
Sublingual Application (under the tounge): Apply cannabis under the tongue to receive an accurate cannabinoid dose to best achieve the terpenes feeling profile and medicinal value. If terpenes are ingested, stomach acids and digestive enzymes burn off terpenes before they create any effects. When THC is ingested, the liver metabolizes THC into 11-hydroxy THC which can double the dose and duration of effects, and maybe creating an unwanted experience.
More Terpenes = More Feeling
2% or higher in total terpene concentration and any THC% is better then a high THC% with under 1% terpenes!!
Always Always Always…. ask to see COA when purchasing any product on the Hemp and Rec market as testing requirements in these industries are sometimes lacking. Most medical cannabis industries have very strict requirements to the purity of their bud, but it’s always good to know for yourself! Every dispensary, grow, and processor should have certificate of analysis available whenever you ask!
Some states that offer medical cannabis do not require terpene testing. If your state does have terpene testing you can find the terpene profile on the back of the package. If your state does not offer terpene testing, we suggest you petition for terpene testing because this is the only information that allows you to purchase cannabis specific to your needs!
Daytime - Afternoon:
Energy & Focus (low impairing – Non-Impairing)
•Dominant Concentration: CBD & Limonene - Caryophyllene
• Low Concentration: THC & Pine (can create anxiety in some patient) - Ocimene – Terpinolene
• Look for a ratio of (CBD: THC) 1:1 - 2:1 – 3:1 - 5:1 – 10:1
• Can find in tinctures, vapes, and flower
Late Afternoon - Nighttime:
Relaxation & Sedation (impairing)
• Dominant Concentration: THC – (CBN – CBG) & Linalool – Myrcene – Limonene - Caryophyllene
• Low Concentration: CBD Terpinolene – Ocimene (Stay away from pinene)
• Look for dominant THC products with CBN
CBN could create a paradox effect in some patients as it could (promote energy)
Can find in tinctures, vapes, and flower
Other Consumables (Chews, Troches, Tablets, Powdered tinctures, Elixirs with dominant THC are great for sleep and relaxation
If taking CBD, make sure to use at least an hour or two before bed as CBD can promote stimulation. .
Stimulating
“Sativa”
Pinene: (Monterpene)
Reacts with other chemicals to form other terpenes (D-Limonene) - Boiling Point: 155 °C (311 °F)
Found In: Pine Needles, Conifers, Sage and the *Principle ingredient of turpentine*. responsible for the Piney, Sweet, and Sharp aroma.
Physical Effect: Pinene increases Memory Attention, Alertness, and even combats short term memory loss by * (Inhibiting enzyme activity in the brain, where this inhibition reduces / prevents short term memory)*
Best for: Memory Retention, Focus, Bronchodilator
Medicinally: Pinene offers: Anti-Inflammation, Bronchodilator properties (Opens up the lungs) Helping with breathing issue
Observation gives us an idea that dominant levels of pinene create anxious and or paranoid episodes when paired with high levels of THC. If this is an issue with you but looking to recieve the alertness without paranoia lokk for a products with dominant levels of both CBD - Pinene and limonene. With CBD and Limonene paired with pinene this increases the products anti-anxiety and memory retention properties.
Limonene: (Monoterpene)
Formed from Alpha Pinene - Boiling Point: 176 °C (349 °F)
Found In: Citrus Rinds, Juniper, and Peppermint. Responsible for the Citrus, Lemon, Clementine Aroma
Physical Effect: Limonene is responsible for the Elevation of mood (giggles) and Stress Relief
Best for: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Crohns, Depression,
Medicinally: Limonene Helps with gastrointestinal issues, Anxiety, and producing Anti-Fungal, Anti-Depressant, Anti-Tumor, Immunostimulant properties.
Limonene also helps other chemicals and terpenes penetrate the skin, digestive tract, and mucous membranes.
Like CBDA and CBD Limonene is a Anxiolytic & Anti-Depressant: This terpene is effective because when ingested, inhaled, or applied through sublingual admin, Limonene Increases levels of Serotonin and Dopamine via the 5HT1A Receptor, thus increasing the amount of dopamine in the hippocampus and serotonin in the pre-frontal cortex, both of these brain regions play a large role in mood regulation.
Beta-Caryophyllene: (Sesquiterpene)
Formula: C15H24
Molecular Mass: 204.1878 g/mol
Boiling Point: 160 °C (320 °F)
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg (25 °C)
Aroma: Spicy & Earthy
Found In: Black Pepper & Cloves
Best For: Arthritis, Inflammation, Pain, Anxiety, Stress, Dieting
Physical Effects: No detectable feeling – Linked to stimulating effects when paired with pinene and limonene – Linked to Sedating effects when paired with Myrcene and Linalool.
Medicinally: Anit-Inflammatory (Internally & Topically), anti-fungal, anti-tumor, antiseptic, anti-bacterial
High Activity with CB2 Receptors, More of a cannabinoid than a terpene, this creates high Immunomodulatory activity
Most common terpene found in concentrates, since it survives extraction more than monoterpenes
Dietary Cannabinoid / Terpene
Best Terpene to use for a THC hangover “over-medication” Groggy
Associated with the Cookie Family: Girl Scout, Cookies n Cream, Gelato, Wedding Cake
Drug dogs are trained to smell caryophyllene oxide in cannabis
Terpinolene (Monoterpene):
Boiling Point: 185˚C (365˚F)
Found In: Marjoram, Cumin, Lilac, Citrus Rinds, Conifers and produces a floral and citrus aroma
Physical Effect: Cognitive Clarity, Relaxation Sedation
Best for: Insomnia, Focus, Cancer, Heart disease, Bacteria, and Fungus
Medicinally:
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-Fungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anti-Insomnia – Aids with sleep.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant – Prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body.
Perfect hybrid as it has both stimulating and relaxing effects
Associated with Haze varieties
From the Terpinene family of terpenes
Ocimene:
Boiling Point: 65 °C (149 °F)
Found In: Orchids, Mint, Parsley
Aroma: Produces a Fruity and Herbaceous scent
Physical Effects: “Goldiocks Effect” – Mildly stimulating and Mildly Relaxing - Natural Decongestant
Best for: Inflammation, Compromised immune system, and Congestion.
Medicinally: Anti-(Viral, Inflammatory, Fungal, and Bacterial)
*Ocimene is released by the plant in response to spider mite attacks, which attracts predatory mites that eat spider mites*
Humulene (Sesquiterpene)
Formula: C15H24
Molecular Mass: 204.1878 g/mol
Boiling Point: 198 °C (388 °F)
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg ( 25 °C)
Aroma: Earthy / Woody
Found In: Hops, Coriander
Physical Effect: Suppresses the appetite, mildly relaxing, similar to caryophyllene properties
Best for: Inflammation, Pain, Bacterial issues, Diet
Medicinally: Anti-Inflammation, Anti-Bacterial, Analgesic, Anuretic
It is a depressant giving it strong analgesic properties
Known as (alpha - Caryophyllene) Shares a near identical molecular structure with caryophyllene but does not interact with endocannabinoid receptors like caryophyllene.
Curves the munchy phenomenon associated with THC use
Main terpene for hops used to make Beer, produces the hoppy aroma in breweries.
Humulene mixed with Caryophyllene works great to reduce inflammation
Rejuvenating
“Indica”
Beta-Myrcene: (Monoterpene)
Precursor in the formation of other terpenes - Boiling Point 168 °C (334 °F)
Found in: Mango, Thyme, Lemongrass, and Bay Leaves. Provides a Musky , Herbal, Citrus aroma.
Physical Effect: Enhances THC psychoactivity, Sedating, Relaxing, (Couch-Lock). A neat experiment you can do is eat a mango before you use THC, it may increase your psychoactive experience.
Best For: Restlessness, Sleep, Stress, Anxiety, Muscle Spasms
Medicinally: Myrcene provides Anti-Tumor, Anti-Septic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-convulsant, and muscle relaxing properties.
*Use with caution if taking sedative pharmaceuticals, myrcene is known to increase the strength of sedatives*
Myrcene Enhances THC psychoactivity by Increasing the maximum saturation level of CB 1 receptors thus adding to a strong psychoactive experience. Myrcene reduces the resistance across the blood brain barrier allowing other chemicals to flow across much quicker, in this case allowing THC to take effect quicker!
Linaool:
Linalool is a precursor in the formation of Vitamin E - Boiling Point: 198 °C (388 °F)
Found In: Lavender, Citrus, Laurels, Birch, Rosewood. Provides a Floral, Citrus, and Spicy aroma
Physical Effect: Calming & Sedating
Best for: Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, Seizures and Tremors
Medicinally: Linalool provides Anti-Insomnia, Anxiolytic, Anti-Depression, Analgesic, Anti-Convulsant / Epilepsy
Effective Insecticide against fruit flies, fleas, and cockroaches!
Citronellol (Monoterpene)
Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Mass: 156.27 g/mol
Boiling Point: 225 °C (437 °F)
Vapor Pressure: 0.02 mmHg ( 25 °C)
Aroma: Floral, Citrus
Found In: Geranium, Rose
Physical Effects: Relaxing
Best for: Inflammation, Compromised immune system, Tumor growth, Mosquito bites
Medicinally: Immune Regulating, Aggressive Anti-Tumor, Anti-Inflammatory
*Used as a natural mosquito repellent for 2000 years*
Guaiol (Sesquiterpene)
Boiling Point: 92°C (197.6°F)
Aroma: Sharp, Sweet, Piney
Found In: Cypress, Guaiacum
Physical Effects: Relaxing
Medicinal Properties: Anti-(Viral, Fungal)
Best for: Inflammation, Compromised immune system
Natural Insecticide
*The guaiacum plant, known to contain high concentration of guaiol, was brought back to Europe by the Spanish after they discovered Santo Domingo and quickly built up a reputation as a cure for syphilis*
*It has also been noted as a local stimulant that may help in the treatment of a sore throat, gout, rheumatism, and more*