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Terpenes are part of our daily lives they tickle our nostrils in the kitchen, on a walk in the woods, at the corner of a perfume shop... Or in a cannabis pouch!
Cannabis flowers synthesize no less than 200 different terpenesrepresenting on average 10% of its resin composition.
The terpene profile helps us differentiate one variety from another, but the role of terpenes doesn't stop there. In fact, a growing number of scientific studies corroborate their potential their potential effects on health and their synergistic action with cannabinoids [1].
In short, knowing the terpenes in cannabis is as fascinating as it is fundamental.
Terpenes: what are they?
Terpenes are hydrocarbons (composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms) synthesized by most plants, essentially those that secrete sap (conifers) or essential oils (flowering and fruiting plants).
In the case of cannabis terpenes, they are synthesized in the flowers (in female plants, that is), more precisely in the trichomeswhere phytocannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, etc.) are produced. Cannabinoids and terpenes share a common precursor, Geranyl Pyrophosphate.
In nature, terpenes play several key roles:
✔️ They protect plants against pests thanks to their organoleptic properties (they give off a repellent scent), but also thanks to their pharmacological properties (allergenic effect);
✔️ They also protect the plant against environmental stress (for example, a sudden change in temperature) by maintaining its vital phytochemical processes;
✔️ And promotes pollination by secreting substances that attract pollinating insects.
Terpenes are little-known substances, but they are relatively powerful. powerful a few nanograms in the air are enough to alter the behavior of a human or animal!
Although the pharmaceutical properties of terpenes are still shunned by modern science, their action on neurotransmitter receptors is scientifically has been scientifically proven.
At the same time, the study of ancestral medicines (traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, etc.) clearly show a relationship between the terpene profile of medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses.
Cannabis terpenes and their respective effects
Cannabis is a plant appreciated for its its tastebut also for its its effects. And it so happens that terpenes are involved in the manifestation of these two facets, which appear to be complementary.
To contemplate the extent of the importance of terpenes in cannabis, it would be necessary to study each variety on a case-by-case basis. Indeed, the smell, taste and effects they produce vary according to the proportion of other terpenes, as well as phytocannabinoids (see table below).
Even so, knowing how to identify the main terpenes in cannabis and knowing their respective effects is an excellent first step that can be supplemented by personal experimentation. Here, then, are the main terpenes found in cannabis.
Myrcene (β-myrcene)
It is the most common cannabis terpene terpeneIt is found in substantial quantities in the vast majority of chemotypes.
Its most notable action is undoubtedly its sedative effect sedative effect. In fact, Indicas, known for their "down" effects (as opposed to the "high" effects of Sativas), are said to be particularly concentrated in Myrcene. In fact, some studies show that this terpene potentiates the sedative effects of THC.
Aromas
Musky, grassy, earthy, reminiscent of cloves.
It can also be found in ...
Mango, thyme, lemongrass, bay leaf.
Potential therapeutic effects
Sedative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene that is still under-researched, but extremely interesting. In fact, it seems to be the only terpene capable of acting on on the receptors of our our endocannabinoid systemreceptors, giving it the same potential therapeutic effects as cannabinoids.
Unfortunately, the effects of Caryophyllene have been little studied, and we still don't know to what extent it can improve our health.
Aromas
Peppery, woody, spicy.
It can also be found in ...
Cloves, cinnamon, black pepper.
Potential therapeutic effects
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Linalool
Linalool is a terpene known for its fresh scent and tranquilizing properties. tranquilizing properties. In fact, it is a component of many essential oils used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.
Aromas
Floral, fresh, citric.
It can also be found in ...
lavender, citrus, rose, birch.
Potential therapeutic effects
Sedative, anti-stress, tranquilizer.
Pinene (α-pinene and β-pinene)
Pinene was one of the first terpenes to be identified, and is in fact the main component of turpentinethe substance which led to their discovery (Kékulé, 1863) and from which they take their name.
However, the few studies that have examined Pinene's effects are promising, particularly in the context of a treatment for against neurodegenerative diseases.
In traditional Chinese medicine, as well as in aromatherapy and other alternative medicines, Pinene is used to open bronchial tubes and purify the respiratory tract.
Aromas
Softwood, fresh.
It can also be found in ...
Conifers, sage, some citrus fruits.
Potential therapeutic effects
Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, local antiseptic
Humulene
Humulene, the main terpene in hops (humulus lupulus), is one of the main terpenes in cannabis. skunk-like odor and taste..
Humulene is the isomer of another terpene, Caryophyllene, i.e. it's made up of the same atoms, but in a different arrangement. This is why Humulene is found in varieties that also contain Caryophyllene.
Aromas
Hoppy, woody, earthy
It can also be found in ...
Hops, coriander.
Potential therapeutic effects
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic.
Limonene
Limonene is an easily identifiable terpene found in cannabis strains with a lemony taste. with a lemony taste like Lemon Haze.
Widely used in perfumery, insecticides and cleaning products, Limonene is also known in aromatherapy for its its energizing effects. Some alternative medicines recommend Limonene-based essential oils for blues and depression.
Aromas
Citric, tangy, citrus.
It can also be found in ...
Citrus, juniper, peppermint.
Potential therapeutic effects
Antidepressant, anxiolytic.
Cannabis terpenes: just as important as cannabinoids?
Yes, of course terpenes are just as important as cannabinoids! And the reason is simple: without them, CBD or THC don't have the same effects..
Dr. Ethan Russo's work on the entourage effect entourage effect has shown that terpenes inhibit the intoxicating effects of THC, while multiplying its therapeutic potential by a factor of two or even four.
He has also shown that the many benefits attributed to cannabis are not solely the result of the action of the THC/CBD duo on our endocannabinoid system, but of the synergy between terpenes and phytocannabinoids. the synergy between terpenes and phytocannabinoids.
In fact, various studies have repeatedly shown that "full spectrum" cannabis extracts "full spectrum have therapeutic properties with more intense effects than isolates containing a single molecule.
Even so, offering terpene-concentrated products remains a challenge for most industry players. Indeed, these small molecules are versatilemost of them vaporize at 150°C, but above all, they are extremely fragile culture conditions inhibit or potentiate terpene expression, while drying and curing can destroy a large proportion of them.
At Green Exchangewe put all our expertise and passion into our products. From the very first weeks of the plant's life, right through to the picking of the flowers, and then in our laboratory, we take care to preserve all its components, including terpenes.
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