Let’s Talk Terps
By Caroline Platzman
Anyone who’s ever smoked or gotten a whiff of weed knows that its aroma and taste are practically unmistakable. Terpenes (often lovingly referred to as terps) are responsible for this, and in fact, so much more.
Terpenes are naturally occurring, aromatic compounds found in a variety of plant species, including cannabis, and even some animals. They are among the most abundant compounds on the planet, and, whether you realize it or not, you’re exposed to terps every single day in the foods you eat, the flowers you sniff and the health and beauty products you use. So far, about 30,000 types of terpenes have been identified in nature.
In plants like cannabis, terpenes often play a vital role in protecting the plant from insects and predators while simultaneously providing it with distinctive flavors and aromas that can attract pollinators (and people): skunky, citrusy, woody, earthy, herbal, spicy, sweet, the list goes on. Terpenes can also play a role in a plant’s pigmentation and appearance.
Why Are Cannabis Terpenes Important?
Over 150 terpenes are thought to exist in cannabis, with each cultivar (or strain) host to a unique blend that gives them their characteristic aromas and flavors.
The gassy funk you get from NYC Diesel? That fruity explosion that comes from candy strains like Runtz? The unmistakable scent that hits your nose when you take a good whiff of Garlic Breath? Terps, terps and more terps.
Terpenes can provide otherworldly scents and flavors, but one reason they’re so useful in the cannabis plant is because of the therapeutic benefits they also bring to the table.
Terpenes are produced in the trichomes, or resin glands, of cannabis. Terps not only give cannabis cultivars their delectable aromatic properties, but they can also help boost their therapeutic effects and even impact the overall high you get from a strain via the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a theory first put forth by the “grandfather of cannabis science,” Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, and it proposes that the hundreds of chemically active compounds in cannabis work synergistically together to produce a richer experience and increased therapeutic benefit than any compound could on its own. In other words, terps are an integral part of the magic sauce that cannabis plants produce, and there is mounting research supporting the efficacy of full-spectrum products, which include terpenes, over isolates.
If you’ve ever noticed that consuming flower hits you differently than a distillate vape cart, for example, you can likey thank terpenes for that.
In fact, according to a meta-analysis published in 2019, products that incorporate terpenes may be up to 4x as potent as products that do not, allowing for improved symptom management and fewer negative side effects overall. Other data supporting the entourage effect imply that high concentrations of terpenes may boost cannabinoid activity.
Terpenes not only provide physical relief, but they can support mental health wellness as well. Fun fact: Upwards of 25% of prescribed antidepressant medications are formulated with herbal extracts containing terps.
The Top 5 Terps in Cannabis
Since there are hundreds of terpenes, some occur in very low concentrations in certain cannabis cultivars, if at all. With that said, these are the most common terps you’ll find in popular cannabis cultivars:
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis cultivars, recognized by its earthy, musky aroma and potential to reduce inflammation and chronic pain as well as encourage deep relaxation.
Found In: Hops, mango, lemongrass, thyme, parsley, cardamom, and juniper.
Caryophyllene
β-caryophyllene, or more commonly just caryophyllene, is the terpene best known for the spicy, peppery aromas it produces. Caryophyllene is unique in that it’s the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid, meaning it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, producing anti-inflammatory effects and other therapeutic benefits such as pain and anxiety relief.
Found In: Black pepper, basil, oregano, cloves, hops, and cinnamon.
Humulene
Humulene is an extremely common, powerful terpene that was first discovered in hops. It is present to some degree in many cannabis cultivars, often which are sativa-leaning. Humulene produces a particularly woody, herbaceous, and spicy aroma, and research is suggesting that anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties may be among this terpene’s benefits.
Found In: Clove, basil, wood, sage, ginger, black pepper, coriander, ginseng, and balsam fir tree.
Linalool
Linalool is a terpene found in cannabis that produces sweet, floral scents with spicy undertones that provides plants like basil and lavender with their special something. Linalool offers lots of therapeutic benefits, the least of which is its ability to help you relax. It’s also being investigated for its anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and antidepressant effects, too.
Found In: Lavender, coriander, jasmine, rosewood, basil, thyme, birch, mint, and laurel.
Limonene
Limonene is the terpene responsible for the clean, bright and citrusy smell of lemon and you’ll find it in many popular cannabis strains. Limonene is thought to reduce stress, improve mood, and it may even possess anticancer properties as well. Limonene is also thought to exert a protective effect on our bodies, where it’s being investigated in its potential role for helping to treat COVID-19.
Found In: Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, as well as ginger.
Terps: The Takeaway
The takeaway? Terpenes are a part of your everyday life, whether you knew it or not! From the hoppiest beer to the most alluring flower, terpenes are not just naturally occurring in cannabis, but thousands of other plant species.
As we continue to uncover the extensive medicinal benefits of these flavorful, aromatic compounds, it’s important to remember that research is still developing, and more is needed to fully unpack the value that terpenes hold. In the meantime, be sure to equip yourself with the knowledge that we do have about terpenes, so you can find cultivars that elevate your mind and body.