Common Cannabis Terpenes
When it comes to cannabis, the aroma is a significant part of the experience. But how much do we really know about that scent? Have you ever wondered why your favourite hybrid carries the fragrance of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, pine needles, and parsley? Or why your latest bag exudes a fresh pine scent that wouldn't be out of place in a forest? The answer lies in terpenes, the unsung heroes of the cannabis world.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their unique scent, not just for making them smell nice. Their diverse uses include cleaning products and medicines, showcasing their versatility. They are known for their medical properties, such as being Anti-inflammatory, an aid against Anxiety and Stress, a pain reliever, Antimicrobial, and aiding sleep.
Cannabis Terpenes
Now, it's easy to get excited trying to figure out what terpenes are in your bleach or your pint of beer, but we're here to talk about cannabis terpenes. How do you like your weed to smell? The more you know, the more you grow, and terpenes play a significant role in the development of a cannabis plant.
Common Cannabis Terpenes
Myrcene
Myrcene gives plants an earthy, musky smell with hints of cloves. It is associated with relaxing and sedative effects, and interestingly, myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, often making up more than 20% of the plant's terpene profile. However, it is also found in hops, thyme, and lemongrass. And studies suggest it may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. If you're looking for a cannabis strain high in myrcene, consider Mimosa by Royal Queen Seeds, a cross between Purple Punch and Clementine. Or Original White Widow (IBL) by Paradise Seeds, a balanced hybrid with 50% indica and 50% sativa genetics.
Limonene
Next, we have the terpene that gives us those tasty citrus strains: Limonene. Known to produce citrus smells, it is also known for uplifting and mood-enhancing effects. This is the second most abundant terpene in cannabis. Limonene is commonly found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. It is also widely used in cleaning products, perfumes, and cosmetics. On the medical front, research indicates it may have anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and immune-boosting properties.
If you want a strain high in Limonene, check out Lemongrass by Amsterdam Genetics, a robust strain with a potent citrus scent. It produces compact, glistening buds and is easy to grow. Or look at Lemon Shinning Silver Haze, which provides an uplifting, energetic, and creative high, often described as psychedelic.
Pinene
Want your grow room to smell like a fresh forest? You need to develop a cannabis strain high in Pinene. Not only will you get a waft of the outdoors, but indoors, as well. Pinene may help with alertness and memory retention. Do you remember that time your house smelled like pine? Of course, you do! Fun facts about Pinene: It exists in alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, both found in cannabis. It's complicated, but it smells good. It is also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, and parsley. So that's why you think your granny is dabbling in different herbs.
Strains with high levels of Pinene might get you going, including Enemy of the State by Super Seeds. The Pinene in this one gives a spicy/musky kick that will get your lips tingling. Or there is GG 48 by Nirvana Seeds, a potent sativa-dominant strain resulting from the AK47 and Gorilla Glue cross. Thanks to the Pinene, it has a slightly spicy, cedar wood taste, along with sour and bitter lemon notes.
Enemy of the State - 5PACKOut of stock
Linalool
Linalool is the reason your cannabis flowers sometimes smell like, well, flowers. Linalool is a common cannabis terpene and presents itself with scents of floral and lavender. It's associated with calming and anti-anxiety properties. Here comes another fact: linalool is used in lavender scent, which is widely used in aromatherapy. It can also be found in coriander and mint. And is known for its sedative and anti-anxiety effects. To save time, here are two cannabis strains high in linalool; we've got Apollo F1 Auto by Royal Queen Seeds, which contains significant levels of the terpene in question, contributing to its calming effects and floral notes. We have Bubba Kush by Green House Seeds, a terpene-rich kush strain that provides a unique fragrance and combines sweet, acidic, and earthy notes.
Caryophyllene
If you've ever wondered why you've got scents of pepper and spice in your nostrils, now you know. It's because of Caryophyllene, one of the most common cannabis terpenes. It might be common, but it's the hardest to say and spell. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to interact with the human endocannabinoid system. Being the known terpene to directly interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB2 receptors). Where else do your nose buds tangle with this cannabis terpene? It's all over the shop, literally. Well, especially in the herbs aisle because it's in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. For the doctors in the house (yeah, right), it may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects. And for the growers in the house searching for a strain high in the Caryophyllene, we've got two for you here. Check out Banana Slush from Amsterdam Genetics; it provides an uplifting and energetic cerebral buzz while keeping the body relaxed. Or look at Apricot Candy by Paradise Seeds. This sativa-dominant strain combines the genetics of Dutch Dragon and Thin Mint Cookies, resulting in a flavorful and potent cannabis variety.
Cannabis Terpenes
Now that you know your myrcene from your linalool, you can narrow your search. It's not all about THC and CBD or yield when growing cannabis. Terpenes play a vital role in the development of a cannabis plant, and they smell dam good, too. Until next time, the more you know, the more you grow.