Back in the day, your options when choosing marijuana were ‘Sativa’ or ‘Indica,’ and that was just about it. Now, there’s a whole lot more to identifying cannabis and creating the best strains with the most desirable qualities. We now know that one of the most important features of any cannabis strain is its terpenes.
Terpenes are the physical compounds that give plants their smell, whether it be fruity and bright, or musky and earthy. Most cannabis strains contain dozens of terpenes in extremely small amounts, but those few terpenes that occur in abundance are what give different cannabis strains their unique scents.
How Do Terpenes Affect Us?
In addition to determining the aroma of cannabis, terpenes are also thought to have varying effects on mood, and physical response to cannabis. If you’ve ever heard of or tried aromatherapy, you know the shift in emotional state you can experience by applying a little lavender oil or adding your favorite essential oil to your diffuser. The same principle applies with cannabis terpenes, though aromatherapy may not be the limit to the power of terpenes.
According to some studies, terpenes may also have physical benefits like anti-viral properties, anti-depressant qualities, and can enhance the pain-relieving effects of cannabis.
5 Most Common Terpenes In Cannabis
While more than 150 terpenes occur naturally in cannabis plants, there are a few that appear far more often and in more abundance than the rest.
- Caryophyllene: Spicy, peppery. Also found in cloves, black pepper, and rosemary. The only terpene known to be able to bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
- Limonene: Citrusy, and almost lemony – as the name suggests. Also found in citrus rinds and ginger. May possess anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
- Linalool: Floral, perfumed. Also found in lavender, roses, and jasmine. May possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Myrcene: Herbal, earthy. Also found in hops and lemon grass. May possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pinene: Pine. Also found in pine and evergreen trees. May possess anti-inflammatory and anti-congestive properties.
Now that you know a little more about terpenes, you can begin to make more informed choices when buying cannabis seeds, cannabis clones, or flower from dispensaries.
Klone Colorado cultivates and offers a wide variety of seeds and clones featuring unique terpene composition and superior genetics. Visit our online store to browse strains, or find us in your local dispensary!
