The medicinal potential of terpenes and their influence on the effects of cannabis
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are not only responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors but also influence the effects of cannabis. The interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids is known as the entourage effect, in which terpenes can modulate the absorption, distribution, and effects of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Over 150 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis so far. This diversity is not only an expression of the plant’s chemical complexity but also a key to its aromatic and pharmacological properties. Terpene profiles vary considerably depending on cannabis strain, cultivation method, climate, maturation, and storage. Here we present 20 important terpenes and highlight their aroma profiles and potential effects.
1. Myrcene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Mango, thyme, basil, cardamom, hops, lemon, bay leaves, cloves, juniper, tea, eucalyptus, coriander, cinnamon, apple, lemongrass, ginger.
- Therapeutic Effects: Myrcene is associated with a calming and relaxing effect. It could relieve muscle tension and promote the absorption of cannabinoids.
2. Limonene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, tangerine, lemongrass, lemon balm, juniper, guava, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, ginger, blackberry, pineapple, bay leaf.
- Therapeutic Effects: Limonene may have mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. It could also have antioxidant effects.
3. Caryophyllene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, caraway, wood, cardamom, juniper berries, nutmeg, ginger, sandalwood, cedarwood, thyme, tea, rosemary, earth.
- Therapeutic Effects: Caryophyllene interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system and is associated with potential anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
4. Pinene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, parsley, juniper, mint, eucalyptus, bay leaf, fir needles, sage, camphor, tea tree, lemon balm, guava, grapefruit.
- Therapeutic Effects: Pinene is associated with improved concentration, potential relief of inflammation, and a refreshing effect.
5. Linalool
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Lavender, coriander, pear, lemon balm, rose, lily of the valley, bergamot, cinnamon, orchids, honeysuckle, apricot, vanilla, musk, blackberry, almond, cloves.
- Therapeutic Effects: Linalool is often associated with a calming and relaxing effect that could reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
6. Terpinolene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Apple, lilac, nutmeg, cinnamon, citrus fruits, mint, sage, tea tree, lime, pineapple, lavender, camphor, honey, cedarwood, thyme, bay leaf.
- Therapeutic Effects: Terpinolene could have invigorating effects and possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
7. Humulene
- Aroma memories: Hops, wood, ginger, pepper, coriander, earth, chamomile, lemon, bergamot, tea, forest floor, cinnamon, rosemary, dill, grapefruit, basil.
- Therapeutic effect: Humulene is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and may have appetite-suppressing properties.
8. Ocimene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Basil, melon, orchids, mint, peach, citrus fruits, lychee, honeysuckle, mango, passion fruit, kiwi, papaya, eucalyptus, lavender, orange, tea.
- Therapeutic Effects: Ocimene is said to have a potential refreshing and antibacterial effect.
9. Geraniol
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Rose, peach, lemon, grapefruit, blackberries, raspberries, geranium, melon, cherries, strawberries, jasmine, orange blossom, pear, nectarine, woodruff, guava.
- Therapeutic Effects: Geraniol could have antioxidant properties and act as a calming agent.
10. Bisabolol
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Chamomile, honey, almond, vanilla, tea tree, mint, coriander, jasmine, ginger, orange blossom, cinnamon, nutmeg, bergamot, grapefruit, guava, cedar.
- Therapeutic Effects: Bisabolol is associated with regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Valencene
- Aroma Reminiscent of: Oranges, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, apricot, mango, papaya, guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit, clementine, cherry, pomegranate, kumquat, pineapple, lychee.
- Therapeutic effect: Valencene is often associated with energizing and refreshing effects.
12. Eucalyptol
- Aroma memories: Eucalyptus, mint, tea tree, rosemary, camphor, pine, lavender, basil, peppermint, menthol, sage, lemon, anise, thyme, bay leaf, lemongrass.
- Therapeutic effect: Eucalyptol is associated with a fresh, clarifying effect and potential antimicrobial properties.
13. Sabinene
- Aroma memories: Pine, pepper, citrus fruits, bergamot, juniper, cardamom, sandalwood, bay leaf, anise, dill, pine needles, lime, tea, chamomile, coriander, cinnamon.
- Therapeutic effect: Sabinene may have antioxidant and calming effects.
14. Camphene
- Aroma memories: Pine, rosemary, camphor, pine needles, earth, cloves, thyme, sage, cedar, lavender, basil, juniper, mint, tea tree, anise, bergamot.
- Therapeutic effect: Camphene is said to have anti-inflammatory effects and a revitalizing effect.
15. Phellandrene
- Aroma memories: Mint, pepper, lemon, anise, cinnamon, juniper, basil, nutmeg, dill, bay leaf, camphor, pine needles, guava, thyme, lavender, tea.
- Therapeutic effect: Phellandrene may have energizing and clarifying effects.
16. Nerolidol
- Aroma memories: Apple, rose, orange blossom, peach, tea, cinnamon, ginger, bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, woodruff, vanilla, cloves, almond, lychee, lime.
- Therapeutic effect: Nerolidol is often perceived as calming and may possess antimicrobial properties.
17. Farnesene
- Aroma memories: Green apples, pear, basil, mint, lemon, hops, cinnamon, flower meadow, lavender, peach, citrus fruits, passion fruit, orange, melon, dill, sandalwood.
- Therapeutic effect: Farnesene is attributed with calming and refreshing effects.
18. Isoborneol
- Aroma memories: Camphor, mint, eucalyptus, wood, basil, bay leaf, sage, lavender, tea, guava, juniper, thyme, bergamot, cedar, pine, lemon balm.
- Therapeutic effect: Isoborneol may have a revitalizing effect and possibly antimicrobial properties.
19. Carene
- Aroma memories: Pine, cedar, nutmeg, grapefruit, mint, sage, dill, anise, earth, cloves, basil, lemongrass, juniper, chamomile, lavender, bergamot.
- Therapeutic effect: Carene is associated with a refreshing effect and the promotion of alertness.
20. Guaiol
- Aroma memories: Wood, lemon, rosewood, pine, eucalyptus, mint, thyme, cinnamon, dill, juniper, camphor, cedarwood, sage, tea tree, rosemary, pine needles.
- Therapeutic effect: Guaiol may have anti-inflammatory properties and is associated with a calming effect.
