What Are Terpenes in Weed? Taste, Effects, & How to Use Them
If you're a cannabis enthusiast, you've likely heard about terpenes and their impact on smell, flavor, and effects.
But what are terpenes, and why do they matter?
By understanding terpenes, the entourage effect, and the best ways to consume them, you can elevate your cannabis experience to the next level.
Let's get stuck in.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants and essential oils. These natural organic compounds are known for their distinct aromas and flavors and play an indispensable role in many aspects of human life.
Terpenes create the characteristic smells and tastes of many foods and drinks, as well as the fragrances of many perfumes and cosmetics.
In recent years, interest in the potential health benefits of terpenes has grown. Research suggests these chemical compounds may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties. They may also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and some terpenes may even have anti-cancer properties.
Terpenes in cannabis
Terpenes are exceptionally diverse and abundant in cannabis plants. Terpenes contribute to the distinct aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains, and they also play an important role in how these strains affect the human body.
Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, caryophyllene, and humulene. Each of these terpenes has a unique aroma and differing potential health benefits.
Terpenes in nature
Terpenes are found in a wide variety of plants and create many of their characteristic aromas and flavors. Plants create terpenes to protect themselves from dangerous predators or to attract bees for pollination. Terpenes are also found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
For example, limonene is found in citrus peels. It is responsible for their characteristic citrusy aroma, while pinene is found in many different plants, including pine trees, and is responsible for their distinctive "piney" aroma.
These aromatic compounds are extracted from their sources to make essential oils or food-grade terpenes (like we sell at True Blue).
You can add terpene extracts to many consumer products or use them in food and drink.
The effects of cannabis terpenes on your high
The combination of other cannabinoids and terpenes in a strain creates what is known as the entourage effect (more on this later), where the effects of one compound are enhanced or altered by the presence of others.
This means the terpenes in a strain can significantly affect the type of high it produces.
For example, some terpenes have sedative effects and can promote relaxation and sleep, while others have energizing effects and can increase focus and creativity.
Some cannabis terpenes also have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects, making them potentially useful for medical cannabis patients.
Understanding terpenes' effects can help you choose strains that produce the type of high you want.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect in cannabis is best understood through the history of clinical cannabis research.
Raphael Mechoulam's failure to isolate THC in 1964 led to the realization that cannabis is more effective as a "whole plant" or in a form that preserves both terpenoids and cannabinoids.
The entourage effect occurs when pure terpenes are combined with THC or CBD, creating a synergistic therapeutic effect greater than the sum of its parts.
One can experience the benefits of the entourage effect by using whole-plant marijuana or full-spectrum CBD oils. Another option is to incorporate food-grade terpenes derived from natural sources into your products.
Terpenes and the entourage effect are big businesses. Many experts believe terpenes and the entourage effect will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of the cannabis industry.
Potential therapeutic properties of terpenes
In addition to their role in creating the unique aroma and effects of cannabis strains, terpenes also have potential therapeutic properties that could benefit both medical and recreational users.
Some terpenes have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant properties, among others. They may also have neuroprotective effects and could potentially help treat certain neurological disorders.
More research is needed to fully understand terpenes' therapeutic potential, but early studies are promising. By isolating and targeting specific terpenes, it may be possible to create new cannabis-based treatments for various conditions.
How terpenes affect the taste & smell of cannabis plants
Terpenes are the main contributors to the unique aroma and taste of cannabis strains.
Each terpene has a distinct scent and flavor profile, ranging from sweet and fruity to earthy and pungent. Some terpenes are also found in other plants and fruits, such as limonene in citrus fruits and pinene in pine needles.
The presence and concentration of different terpenes in a strain can greatly influence its overall taste and smell. Terpenes can also interact with other compounds in the plant to create new, complex aromas and flavors.
By understanding the different terpenes and their properties, you can better appreciate the nuances of different strains and choose ones that appeal to your personal preferences.
Later in the article, we'll look at individual terpenes and their effects on your high, one by one.
Common marijuana terpenes: taste, aroma & effects
While there are hundreds of terpenes in the cannabis plant, those that get the most airtime are the most abundant ones.
Let's look at how these cannabis compounds affect the body and influence the taste and smell of your marijuana experience.
| Terpene | Smell & Taste | Effects | Therapeutic Properties | Found in (strain) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Musky, earthy with fruit notes | Sedative, relaxing | Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, enhances THC | Hops, lemongrass, thyme |
| Limonene | Bright, uplifting, citrusy | Mood-boosting, stress-reducing | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, enhances absorption | Rinds of citrus fruits |
| Pinene | Piney, fresh | Improves alertness, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator | Improves memory | Pine trees, rosemary |
| Linalool | Sweet, floral | Calming, relaxing | Analgesic, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety | Lavender, other plants |
| Caryophyllene | Warm, earthy, spicy | Anxiety relief, deep relaxation | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, interacts with endocannabinoid system | Black pepper, cloves, other spices |
| Humulene | Woody, earthy with spice and herb hints | Energizing | Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, appetite-suppressing, analgesic | Hops, basil, cloves |
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in marijuana, and it is also found in other plants such as hops, lemongrass, and thyme.
- Smell & Taste: It has a musky, earthy aroma with fruity notes.
- Effects: Myrcene is known for its sedative and relaxing effects.
- Therapeutic properties: It's also believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and may enhance the psychoactive effects of THC.
Limonene
Limonene is a citrusy terpene found in high concentrations in strains like Lemon Haze and Sour Diesel.
- Smell & Taste: It has a bright, uplifting, citrusy aroma
- Effects: mood-boosting and stress-reducing
- Therapeutic properties: Limonene may also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the absorption of other terpenes and cannabinoids.
Pinene
Pinene is a terpene found in many plants, including pine trees and rosemary.
- Smell: It has a piney, fresh aroma. Think of your pine car air freshener.
- Effects: It may improve alertness and counteract some of the sedative effects of THC and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties.
- Therapeutic properties: Pinene may also improve memory
Linalool
Linalool is a floral terpene found in lavender and other plants.
- Smell & Taste: It has a sweet, floral aroma and taste. While its smell is associated with lavender essential oils, it rarely manifests as such in marijuana.
- Effects: It's known for its calming and relaxing effects.
- Therapeutic properties: Linalool may also have analgesic, anti-epileptic, and anti-anxiety properties.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene found in black pepper, cloves, and other spices.
- Smell & Taste: It has a warm, earthy, and spicy aroma and flavor
- Effects: Strains high in caryophyllene are often associated with anxiety relief and deep relaxation
- Therapeutic properties: It's believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Caryophyllene may also interact with the body's endocannabinoid system and act as a CB2 receptor agonist, which may explain some of its pain-relieving effects.
Humulene
Humulene is a woody, earthy terpene found in hops, basil, and cloves.
- Smell & Taste: Humulene has a woody, earthy aroma and taste, with hints of spice and herbs.
- Effects: Humulene is often found in strains with energizing effects, such as Super Lemon Haze.
- Therapeutic properties: It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and appetite-suppressing properties and may also have analgesic effects.
Other less common terpenes
Other less common terpenes found in marijuana include:
- Valencene: sweet, citrusy aroma
- Terpineol: floral, piney aroma and sedative effects
- Geraniol: floral, rose-like aroma and anti-anxiety, pain-relieving effects
- Nerolidol: woody, floral aroma and antifungal, antibacterial properties
- Terpinolene: fresh, herbal aroma and sedative effects
- Eucalyptol: minty, fresh aroma and anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties
Common cannabis strains & their terpene profiles
Terpenes play different roles in every cannabis strain.
The amount and proportion of each terpene in a strain is known as its "terpene profile."
Let's look at some common cannabis strains and their terpene profiles.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is a Sativa-dominant hybrid created by combining Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze.
This strain is popular among recreational and medical users, known to give feelings of upliftment, energy, and creativity.
Super Lemon Haze's terpene profile gives it a sweet, zesty smell reminiscent of Lemonhead candies and imparts spicy, earthy flavors.
According to Leafly.com, Super Lemon Haze includes:
- Limonene (0 - 0.8%)
- Pinene (0 - 0.06%)
- Linalool (0 - 0.04%)
- Myrcene (0 - 0.05%)
- Caryophyllene (0 - 0.04%)
Jack Herer
Sensi Seeds created the Jack Herer strain in the mid-90s by combining a Haze hybrid with Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. The strain went on to win nine awards, including three High Times Cannabis Cup wins for Best Sativa.
Jack Herer's terpene profile is known for its clear-headed buzz and energy boost, and its flavor comes from pinene, which gives it a woody, piney scent.
According to Leafly.com, it contains the following terpenes:
- Linalool (0 - 0.05%)
- Myrcene (0.1 - 0.3%)
- Pinene (0 - 1.0%)
- Limonene (0 - 0.9%)
- Caryophyllene (0.01 - 0.4%)
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)is an Indica-dominant strain originating in California from the crossbreeding of OG Kush and Durban Poison.
GSC's terpene profile includes linalool, myrcene, pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene. These terpenes give it a sweet, earthy, and pungent flavor and smell.
According to Leafly.com, Girl Scout Cookies includes the following terpenes:
- Linalool (0.09 - 0.3 %)
- Myrcene (0 - 0.5%)
- Pinene (0 - 0.3%)
- Limonene (0.08 - 0.5%)
- Caryophyllene (0 - 0.9%)
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa dominant strain that originated in California by crossing the seeds of a Blueberry Indica and Haze.
Blue Dream's terpene flavor profile is fruity and sweet due to the high levels of myrcene and linalool terpenes. It also contains pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene terpenes.
According to Leafly.com, Blue Dream contains the following terpenes:
- Linalool (0 - 0.1%)
- Myrcene (.3 - 1.1%)
- Pinene (0 - 0.7%)
- Limonene (0 - 0.2%)
- Caryophyllene (0 - 0.2%)
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple, also known as GDP, is a popular indica strain that boasts a high THC content (>17%) and very low CBD content.
The strain's aroma is characterized by hints of grape and berry. Users report feeling both physically and mentally relaxed after using GDP. It's one of the best Indica strains for sleep.
According to Leafly & WikiLeaf, Grandaddy Purple contains:
- Myrcene (0.4%)
- Caryophyllene (0.3%)
- Ocimene (0.2%)
- Linalool (0.1%)
- Humulene (0.1%)
- Pinene (0.1%)
- Limonene (0.1%)
- Terpinolene (0.1%)
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a hybrid strain that originated in Seattle, Washington. Sensi Seeds in Holland further refined it. Its distinctive flavor and aroma are characterized by a sweet and spicy profile with hints of lemon, citrus, and pine.
The strain is a cross between Afghani and Thai landrace strains, resulting in potent relaxing and euphoric effects that are beneficial for managing stress, pain, depression, and insomnia.
It's often cited as being a good choice for dealing with anxiety.
According to AskGrowers.com, it contains:
- Myrcene (0.07%)
- Pinene (0.07%)
- Caryophyllene (0.05%)
- Limonene (0.04%)
- Linalool (0.03%)
- Humulene (0.02%)
- Terpinolene (0.02%)
- Ocimene (0.01%)
How terpenes are extracted
Terpene extraction generally falls into two camps: solventless and solvent-based.
Solventless extraction
Solventless terpene extracts are made using heat and pressure through two methods: steam and hydrodistillation. These methods avoid diluting the extract with residual solvents, but working at high temperatures can alter or destroy the terpenes.
Solvent-based extraction
Solvent-based cannabis extracts work at a lower temperature and therefore have less chance of altering or destroying the terpenes. Butane extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, and live resin extraction are some of the most popular methods.
- Butane hash oil (BHO) is made using butane as a non-polar solvent to extract THC and terpenes from the plant material.
- Supercritical CO2 extraction is a safer alternative that uses heat and pressure to create a solvent.
- Live resin is a concentrate that preserves the plant's terpenes by keeping it frozen during extraction, resulting in a greater and more complex terpene content. It takes longer to produce but is worth it for a more potent end product.
Synthetic Terpenes vs. Natural Terpenes
Synthetic terpenes are created in a lab, unlike natural terpenes that are derived from plants. Synthetic cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, were developed in the early 2000s to bypass cannabis laws and regulations.
At True Blue, we only sell naturally-derived, food-grade terpenes. We are dedicated to producing terpenes and flavorings without cutting corners that might put your health at risk. That's why we only create terpene and flavoring products for cannabis with 100% natural ingredients.
Why True Blue & many other cannabis businesses prefer botanical terpenes
Terpenes derived from non-cannabis sources are high quality and practically indistinguishable from cannabis-derived terpenes.
Cannabis businesses often prefer botanically-derived terpenes due to legal and practical considerations, as well as their effects and flavor.
Additionally, botanical terpenes are less costly and labor-intensive than cannabis-derived terpenes.
Therefore, the interchangeability of cannabis and botanical terpenes provides endless possibilities for flavor and aroma-related applications.
How Businesses & Consumers Use Terpenes
So what are terpenes used for in business and by consumers?
Let's take a look at some of the main applications.
Vaping terpenes
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in many states, vaping has become almost synonymous with using marijuana.
If you're vaping cannabis extract, live resin, or other marijuana products, you've probably vaped terpenes already, as they exist naturally within the plant.
Manufacturers may also add terpenes to different kinds of cannabis extract to enhance the effects or flavor.
The DIY approach to vaping terpenes involves adding terpene oil to an e-liquid or making a customized liquid from scratch using a base liquid, chosen terpenes, and THC/CBD oil.
However, it is important to purchase cannabis products from a trustworthy seller (like True Blue) and not overdo the use of terpenes, which should be added last due to their potency. Start small and proceed with caution.
Adding terpenes to shatter
Due to the purification process, shatter, and other BHO extracts lack the flavors and aromas of regular weed. To reintroduce the flavors, terpenes must be added back to the shatter.
There are two methods: 1) infusing terpenes before the shatter solidifies and 2) adding terpenes to already dried shatter.
A good rule of thumb is to start with 1 percent of total weight, or .01 grams of terpenes per 1 gram of shatter.
We offer terpenes for purchase in bulk and custom formulations, so feel free to get in touch if you're considering giving it a try.
Mixing terpenes with distillate
Adding terpenes to cannabis extracts like distillate is a simple and cost-effective way to customize your products.
To infuse your products with terpenes, you need a dab tool, a wide beaker, a magnetic hot plate equipped with a stirrer, and natural or synthetic terpenes.
Be sure to maintain the correct ratio of terpenes to distillate (typically between three to fifteen percent). This will significantly affect the final product's flavor, aroma, and viscosity.
Topical terpene-infused products
Cannabis topicals, such as lotions, balms, and oils, are products applied to the skin to relieve pain, soreness, and inflammation. Unlike smoking or ingesting marijuana, they don't cause cerebral effects.
Topical cannabis producers add pure terpenes to their products to enhance the scent and medicinal value, making them more attractive to a broader audience.
True Blue offers food-grade terpenes that are so pure they're cleared for human consumption, ensuring safety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis terpenes are there?
There are over 200 known cannabis terpenes, each with its own unique aroma, flavor, and potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits.
Does CBD have terpenes?
Yes, CBD (cannabidiol) can contain terpenes like other cannabis products. In fact, some studies suggest that terpenes may work synergistically with CBD to enhance its effects.
Look for broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products. Products containing CBD isolate have had the terpenes removed.
Do terpenes determine if a strain is an Indica or Sativa?
Not necessarily. While some terpenes are more commonly associated with Indica or Sativa strains, there is no guarantee that a specific terpene profile will correspond to a particular strain type. Find out more about the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains in our blog post.
Are terpenes legal?
Yes, terpenes are legal to buy and use in the US, Canada, and many other countries. However, it's important to note that some terpenes may be derived from cannabis or other controlled substances, which could have legal implications.
Learn more about the legal status of terpenes.
Why are terpene boiling points important?
Understanding terpene boiling points is essential for making the most of your cannabis experience. Boiling points can affect not only the flavor and aroma of your cannabis product but also its effects on your body.