Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for the plant's unique scent and flavor. Beyond aroma, terpenes interact with cannabinoids to create an "entourage effect," influencing the overall experience and therapeutic potential of the cannabis strain.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are synthesized in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. While over 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis, a few are present in higher concentrations and are responsible for the most noticeable effects.
Terpene Name | Common Aroma | Potential Effects | Found in Strains Like |
|---|---|---|---|
Myrcene | Musky, earthy, herbal | Sedating, muscle relaxant | Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream |
Limonene | Citrus (lemon, orange) | Mood elevation, stress relief | Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel |
Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery, woody | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic | Girl Scout Cookies, Chemdog |
Pinene | Pine, woody, fresh | Alertness, memory retention | Jack Herer, OG Kush |
Linalool | Floral, lavender, sweet | Calming, anti-anxiety | Amnesia Haze, Lavender |
Terpinolene | Pine, floral, herbal | Uplifting, antioxidant | Ghost Train Haze, Jack Herer |
The "entourage effect" is a theory suggesting that the various compounds in cannabis—cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes—work synergistically. This means the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual parts, leading to more nuanced and effective therapeutic outcomes.