Terpenes
WHAT ARE TERPENES?
When you open a jar of hemp flower, take a big whiff — your nose is in for an experience of aromatic delight! What is responsible for the complex layers of aromas that come from the plant? It’s tiny molecules in hemp plants called terpenes. They are part of the essential oils responsible for the wonderfully rich palette of smells and tastes.
Terpenes are not just in hemp and cannabis plants — they are naturally produced by fruits, vegetables, trees, and flowers. They are used widely in everyday products like foods, perfumes, shampoos, detergents, cosmetics, and essential oils.
HEMP TERPENES CONTRIBUTE TO THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
It’s not just about wonderful aroma and rich taste — the specific terpene profile helps determine the effects of hemp flower in your body. Unlike pharmaceutical medication with one chemical as an active ingredient, hemp flower and other plant medicine have a symphony of compounds that create a rich and multilayered effect called the entourage effect. Cannabinoids like CBG and CBD combine with terpenes and flavonoids to create an ultra-entourage effect, magnifying the benefits. Here is a guide to help you get to know some of the most common terpenes found in our hemp products, the other foods and plants that have them, how they smell, and their effects.
| TERPENE |
ALSO FOUND IN |
AROMA | EFFECTS |
| Carophyllene | Basil Black Pepper Cinnamon Cloves Hops Oregano | Earthy Peppery Spicy Woody | Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Kidney protection Liver protection Stomach protection |
| Humulene | Clove Coriander Ginger Ginseng Hops Sage Spearmint | Hoppy Earthy | Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Anti-viral Appetite-suppressant Pail reliever |
| Limonene | Citrus fruits | Citrusy Sour | Anti-anxiety Anti-depressant Anti-inflammatory Immune system stimulant Pain reliever |
| Linalool | Lavender | Floral Lavender | Anti-anxiety Anti-convulsant Anti-depressant Pain reliever Relaxation Stress reduction |
| Myrcene | Hops Lemongrass Mango Peppercorns | Earthy Herbal Musky | Anti-inflammatory “Couch lock” Pain relief Relaxation Sleepiness |
| Nerolidol | Citrus peels Lemongrass Jasmine Tea Tree | Floral Fresh Bark | Anti-anxiety Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant |
| Ocimene | Basil Hops Lavender Mango Mint Oregano Parsley Pepper | Floral Fruity | Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Anti-viral Anti-fungal Anti-convulsant |
| Pinene | Basil Conifers Dill Parsley Rosemary Sage | Piney Woody | Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Bronchodilator |
| Terpinolene | Apple Conifers Cumin Lilac Nutmeg Tea tree | Floral Fresh Piney | Anti-bacterial Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant |