Terpenes are tiny organic molecules found in every strain of cannabis, and they are responsible for the flavours and aromas you might experience. Each strain has a different combination of terpenes, and no two strains are alike, kind of like snowflakes or fingerprints. While Terpenes affect the flavour and aroma of cannabis, there is no current scientific evidence that different terpenes have different effects on the human body. Terpenes are also found in lots of other plants, not just the cannabis plant.
Below are just a few of the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants and some fun facts about them.
Beta-caryophyllene
[bey-tuh-carry-o-fy-lean]
Also found in: clove, rosemary, hops, black pepper, oregano
Fun fact: the only terpene that binds to cannabinoid receptors
Limonene
[lim-uh-neen]
Also found in: peels of citrus fruits, pepper, cloves, hops, basil, oregano
Fun fact: is used as a food additive, as well as in cleaning agents
beta-Pinene
[bey-tuh-pahy-neen]
Also found in: pine trees, spruce trees, black pepper
Fun fact: found together in plants with alpha-pinene, just in smaller amounts
Terpinolene
[tur-pine-o-lean]
Also found in: allspice, nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin, juniper
Fun fact: referred to as a “lurker” terpene because it appears in many strains in small amounts
Humulene
[hu-mu-lean]
Also found in: basil, safe, clove, hope
Fun fact: partially responsible for giving cannabis its distinct spicy, herbaceous, and subtly floral bouquet of aromas
Myrcene
[mer-seen]
Also found in mangoes, bay leaves, hops, lemongrass, wild thyme
Fun fact: found in significant quantities in mangoes
Alpha-pinene
[al-fuh-pahy-neen]
Also found in coniferous trees, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
Fun fact: what makes pine trees smell like pine
Linalool
[lin-uh-lool]
Also found in: lavender, mint, cinnamon, coriander
Fun fact: found in over 200 essential oils
