What are cannabis terpenes and why are they so important?

We often get asked what cannabis terpenes are and what exactly they do. Anyone who has ever smelled a fresh bud of cannabis knows that smell plays a huge role in the cannabis experience. Those unique aromas – citrusy, earthy, spicy or fresh – come from terpenes. But did you know that these fragrances not only provide flavour and aroma, but also have an important influence on the effect of your high or medicinal effect?

In this article, we delve into the world of cannabis terpenes. What exactly are cannabis terpenes, what do they do in your body, and why should you pay attention to them when choosing a strain?

What are cannabis terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic molecules that occur naturally in thousands of plants – think of lavender, pine trees and citrus fruits. They are also present in large quantities in cannabis, with more than 100 different types that make each strain profile unique.

They are produced in the trichomes, the same resin glands that also produce THC and CBD. Each strain has its own mix of terpenes, which give it a recognisable smell and taste and a certain effect on your mood or body.

Terpenes in cannabis: smell and feeling

Terpenes not only make OG Kush smell like a spicy pine forest and Lemon Haze like a tangerine – they also influence the effect of the strain. Below you will find some of the most well-known terpenes that you can encounter in cannabis:

Myrcene

• Smell: Earthy, spicy, slightly sweet
• Effect: Calming, muscle relaxant
• Common in: Indicas such as Northern Lights or Afghan

Myrcene is often linked to a ‘couch-lock’ effect. Perfect for a night of Netflix & doing nothing.

Limonene

• Smell: Fresh, citrusy
• Effect: Uplifting, stress-reducing
• Common in: Sativas such as Super Lemon Haze

Limonene is also used in aromatherapy because of its uplifting properties. No wonder citrus-rich strains often feel energetic.

Pinenes

• Smell: Pine needles, forest
• Effect: Clarifying, respiratory support
• Common in: Strains such as Jack Herer or Blue Dream

Pinenes may help with asthmatic complaints and increase alertness.

Terpinolene

• Smell: Floral, slightly spicy
• Effect: Refreshing, slightly activating
• Common in: Strains such as Ghost Train Haze

Although less well known, terpinolene often plays a supporting role in combination with other terpenes.

Terpenes and the ‘entourage effect’

An important concept in the world of cannabis is the entourage effect. This means that cannabinoids such as THC or CBD work stronger or differently when they work together with terpenes.

For example:

• CBD + myrcene can have an extra relaxing effect.
• THC + limonene provides a cheerful, euphoric high without paranoia.

There is increasing research that shows that terpenes can have anti-inflammatory, anxiety-reducing or analgesic effects – especially when combined with the right cannabinoids.

Why you should pay attention to terpenes

Whether you use cannabis for relaxation, focus or medicinal reasons, the right terpene mix can make the difference between ‘meh’ and ‘wow’.

A few tips

• Want to sleep better? Look for strains with a lot of myrcene or linalool.
• Stressed out? Look for something with limonene and caryophyllene.
• Looking for focus and energy? Then pinene and terpinolene are right for you.

More and more seed banks (such as Dutchfem) are listing strains with terpene profiles in the description. Very handy if you know what you’re looking for.

Finally: What are cannabis terpenes? The smell gives it all away

If you have ever smelled fresh buds on a coffee shop menu or from your own grow room, you know that the nose never lies. The smell often gives you a hint about the effect.

So the next time you try a new strain or choose a seed to grow, check not only the THC percentage, but also: which terpenes are present?

What are cannabis terpenes?

Our strains with a high limonene content:

Lemon Skunk Feminised Seeds

Lemon Cookies Kush Feminised Seeds

Super Silver Lemon Haze Feminised Seeds

Some examples of customers’ plants:

Lemon Cookies Kush by Indicat

Super Silver Lemon Haze by Miss Tabi kat

Lemon Cookies Kush by Bread N Buds

Super Silver Lemon Haze by GreatAlaskaGreen

Lemon Skunk Growdiary by Indicat