What are terpenes?

When it comes to cannabis, everyone will tell you about terpenes without really explaining what they are.

Hopefully, we're here to help you understand this molecule and give you arguments to bounce back from in your next conversation.

Terpenes, definition:

Terpenes are a class of naturally occurring hydrocarbons. Derived from the German "Das Terpentin" or turpentine in English, terpenes are produced naturally by many plants. They are the main components of turpentine and conifer resin. They are, among other things, the fragrance components of plants, such as lemongrass. Terpenes are often extracted in the perfume industry or in the form of essential oils.

What about cannabis ?

As you well know, each variety has its own smell and taste. We owe this to those famous terpenes, which are the aromatic molecules of plants. What's more, they are produced by the same glands that produce CBD and THC, two molecules you already know very well!

In human food, terpenes are present in number and are one of the standard components. A study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published in 2011 even states that they are safe and healthy.

The benefits of terpenes

There are over 200 different terpenes in cannabis. Each has its own role and provides its own effects to its consumer and their therapeutic potential is enormous. Yet the lack of research on the subject means that it is not possible to measure how beneficial they are to your health.

Below are the main terpenes found in plants and their potential health effects. This diagram is by Natureight.com

The 10 most important terpenes in cannabis:

• Myrcene: myrcene is a vital terpene. It is known for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing effects. In terms of aroma, myrcenes are earthy and musky, and provide a slight fruity note. Myrcene is found in many plants including mango, mint and thyme.

• The 10 most important terpenes in cannabis:

  • Myrcene: myrcene is a vital terpene. It is known for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing effects. In terms of aroma, myrcenes are earthy and musky, and provide a slight fruity note. Myrcene is found in many plants including mango, mint and thyme.
  • Limonene: weight loss, stress relief and anti-depressant are its main virtues. Limonene is mainly found in lemon and brings that citrus touch to the so famous Super Lemon Haze variety (among others).
  • Linalool : linalool gives a flowery smell with a hint of spice. This terpene is mainly used to treat insomnia, depression and pain of all kinds. It is found in lavender, birch and also in widespread Amnesia Haze.
  • Eucalyptol: also known as cineol, he is named after the eucalyptus plant and has a minty, fresh, earthy smell. It is used in toothpastes, in dishes and as an essential oil. From a therapeutic point of view, this terpene is used mainly to treat pain, particularly osteoarthritis, and is said to have properties to slow the development of cancer cells.
  • Terpineol: with its clove and pine scent, terpineol contains anti-inflammatory but also sedative properties.
  • Pinene: very present in softwoods, alpha and beta pinenes provide anti-inflammatory effects and a sweet pine aroma.
  • Bisabolol: alpha or alpha-bisabolol is used to fight bacteria and to help healing. In addition, it produces a particularly pleasant floral scent. alpha or alpha-bisabolol is used to fight bacteria and to help healing. In addition, it produces a particularly pleasant floral scent.
  • Borneol: Borneol has earthy flavours and is used to relieve pain of all kinds. Cannabis uses it to fight fungus on the plant.
  • Caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene also has a woody, more peppery smell and is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory with gastro-protective agents. Also useful for treating anxiety and depression.
  • Carene: delta-3-carene is found in basil, pepper, cedar, pine and rosemary, among others. It can be used to treat inflammation and excess body fluids such as runny nose and menstrual fluids. It can also be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and can repair bones.

  We know, that's a lot of information at once but the next time someone tells you about terpenes, you'll know what they're talking about and you can even respond by showing that you too are paying attention to them when choosing your strain.

  Vaporization Tip

  When vaporizing your cannabis, pay attention to the temperature. This is because terpenes diffuse differently depending on the heat so we recommend doing some research to find out what temperature to vaporize your herb at to target the right terpenes.

  Why "Myrcene Solutions"?

  Our company takes its name directly from Myrcene. Our initial intention is to distribute natural wellness and, as you can imagine, we focus on the relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis. That's why we thought it was a good idea to choose this terpene as our emblem.

  Do you still have questions about terpenes? Feel free to contact us at info@myrcenesolutions.com

  Sources:

  https://420intel.com/articles/2018/07/17/10-terpenes-commonly-found-cannabis-and-their-benefits

  https://www.zamnesia.fr/guide-culture-cannabis/15-terpenes-terpenoides

  https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terp%C3%A8ne

  Photo by Christina Winter on Unsplash