What is a Cannabis Terpene Profile?

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils, secreted by the same glands that produce cannabinoids in cannabis plants. They add the distinctive flavours and scents of all your favourite marijuana strains! 

There have been over 100 different terpenes identified in cannabis plants. Each strain has a unique combination of terpenes in varying levels, which is how some strains smell like fresh cut pineapples for example, while others smell more like pine trees or gasoline. This is a marijuana strain’s terpene profile. 

Terpenes are also thought to play a role in the effects of the weed strains they are present in. Of course, more research needs to be done on cannabis to confirm just how much of an effect terpenes have on the medical benefits people have associated them with. Not only do the terps vary, so do the levels of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and whether they are present in sativa, hybrid or indica cannabis plants. The combination of all these things will influence the overall effects felt. 

5 Common Terpenes in Cannabis Plants

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It is also found in high amounts in mangos, so a fun experiment is to try eating a mango or drinking pure mango juice before consuming cannabis. You should feel the effects come on stronger and more quickly. 

Myrcene is thought to have a relaxing effect. Its potential benefits include treatment of insomnia, pain, inflammation, and it is also an antioxidant. 

Scent: earthy, musky, cloves, fruit, grapes

Strain recommendation: Mango Kush

2. Limonene

The second most abundant terpene found in cannabis plants, Limonene, is also found in lemons, oranges and all other citrus fruits. It is believed to have anti-anxiety, stress relieving and mood improving effects. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. 

Limonene’s potential benefits include treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer. 

Scent: Citrus, lemons

Strain recommendation: Lemonnade

3. Linalool

Linalool is the terpene most responsible for the instantly recognizable scent of marijuana. It can also be found in lavender, birch bark, mint, cinnamon and coriander. 

Linalool has a relaxing, calming effect. It is also thought to enhance mood. Linalool has potential benefits for those with depression, pain, anxiety, insomnia, seizures and more. 

Scent: Floral, spicy

Strain recommendation: Angel Cake

4. Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the only terpene we know of (so far) that also acts as a cannabinoid. It can activate our body’s endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects. It can be found in black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. 

Caryophyllene has also been studied for its potential in treating alcohol withdrawal and addiction. Besides that, it has been known to help with stress relief, pain, and ulcers. 

Scent: Spicy, pepper, wood, cloves

Strain recommendation: Rock Tuna

5. Pinene

Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are also found in pine trees. Other plants with large amounts of pinene include rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill. Pinene has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps improve respiratory function, memory retention and mental alertness. 

Pinene terpenes can potentially aid in treating asthma, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, cancer, anxiety and pain. 

Scent: You guessed it, pine! 

Strain recommendation: Dutch Treat

There have been so many terpenes found in different cannabis strains, and probably many more to discover. It would be a very long article if we covered them all! Hopefully this has given you a general idea of what a cannabis terpene profile is, and some of the beneficial effects it lends to the overall makeup of the strains. 

See if you can recognize some of the terpenes we’ve covered here in some of the weed you have at home! Dankrupt? We’ve got a great variety of marijuana strains to choose from at HybridFast!