Terpenes Explained

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants. They give plants their fragrance, flavor, and it can affect their coloring. When terpenes are dried and cured they turn into Terpenoids from oxidation. 

What do Terpenes do?

Terpenes hold many medicinal benefits, when present in extracts they have been shown to interact synergically with cannabinoids and enhance the effects. Terpenes will interact with the Endocannabinoid System so the body can absorb them, but the body can use them in different ways depending on what your body needs. 

Common Terpenes:

A-Pinene 

Aroma: Pine

Uses:

• sleep aid
• anti-anxiety
• focus
• memory aid
• stress reliever
• anti-inflammatory
• anticonvulsant
• antiepileptic
• bronchodilator (brings more air into the lungs)
• anti-microbial

Also found in Pine Trees, Frankincense, Rosemary, Cypress, Helichrysum, Juniper Berry, and Wild Orange.

Linalool

Aroma: Floral

Uses:

• sleep aid
• anti-anxiety
• sedative
• antibacterial
• pain reliever
• anticonvulsant
• stress relief
• antiepileptic
• analgesic

Also found in Citrus, Lavender, Jasmine, Basil, Rosewood, and Thyme.

Myrcene

Aroma: Musky

Uses:

• anti-tumor
• antifungal
• anticancer
• anti-spasm
• aids insomnia
• sedative
• anti-inflammatory
• antibacterial
• muscle relaxant
• analgesic
• antibiotic 

Also found in Hops, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang, and Mangos. 

B-Caryophyllene

Aroma: Rich Spicy

Uses:

• anti-tumor
• antifungal
• antiseptic
• anti-anxiety
• anti-inflammatory
• antibacterial
• antimicrobial
• anti-depressant
• muscle relaxant
• antioxidant

Also found in Rosemary, Hops, Cloves, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Basil, and Oregano.

Caryophyllene Oxide

Aroma: Spicy

Uses:

• antifungal
• anti-ischemic
• anti-inflammatory
• pain reliever

Also found in Cloves, Basil, Hops, Pepper, and Rosemary.

A-Humulene

Aroma: Hoppy

Uses:

• antitumor
• antibacterial
• anti-inflammatory
• suppresses appetite

Also found in Sage and Ginseng.

Limonene

Aroma: Orange

Uses:

• antianxiety
• antidepressant
• antitumor
• antiseptic
• anti-stress
• immunoshield
• produces apoptosis of breast cancer cells
• antimicrobial
• used clinically to dissolve gallstones
• relieves heartburn and gastrointestinal reflux
• increases blood flow from the heart

Also found in citrus peels like Lemon, Lime, and Oranges.

Terpinolene

Aroma: Smokey, Woody

Uses:

• antibacterial
• antifungal
• anti-insomnia
• antiseptic

Also found in Lilacs, Nutmeg, Cumin, and Apples. 

Now this was a very short list of Terpenes, since there are over 30,000 Terpenes, but these are the most common ones found in Cannabis or the Hemp Plant. These are what give certain products their unique scent, flavors, and uses. Certain products will use specific Terpenes to create sleep aids or focus blends so you can get the most from your CBD.