Lettuce Talk A Cannabis Dictionary Volume 4: Terpenes

The devil is in the details, terpenes

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, fruits, and herbs. They’re responsible for many of the familiar aromas and flavors we experience, from the citrus scent of oranges to the earthy smell of certain cannabis strains. One interesting example is myrcene, a terpene found in mangoes and some cannabis varieties. You may have heard that eating a mango before smoking cannabis can make your high feel stronger. The theory is that myrcene in mangoes may influence the cannabis experience. Some cannabis users report that this trick makes their high feel more enjoyable. The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids remains an interesting area of research.

Alpha-bisabolol - A fairly rare terpene found in plants like the chamomile flower. It has a sweet, floral scent. See also Bisabolol.

Alpha-pinene - A common cannabis terpene with an easily recognized pine scent. It is the most

commonly found terpene in nature. Many users report feeling energized and clear-headed with products high in alpha-pinene.

Beta-pinene - A monoterpene and one of the two isomers that make up pinene. It is used in

turpentine and in luxury goods like perfumes and colognes. Many users report feeling

clear-headed and focused with strains high in beta-pinene.

Bisabolol - An aromatic secondary terpene found in cannabis, also written a-bisabolol. Many consumers describe it as relaxing.

Camphene - A minor terpene found in turpentine, valerian, ginger oil and camphor oil. Its musty Douglas fir and earth scent is sometimes mistaken for myrcene, which usually appears in higher concentrations.

Caryophyllene - Also called beta-caryophyllene. It has the unusual ability to bind to CB2 receptors. It is approved by the FDA for use in food and is commonly found in black pepper, cinnamon and basil.

Caryophyllene oxide - A sesquiterpene best known for its presence in rosemary, basil, hops and cannabis.

Cedrene - Used in an array of everyday products for its distinctive cedar aroma.

Citral A secondary terpene also found in lemongrass and citrus fruits. Many consumers describe citral-rich strains as uplifting.

Citronellol - A terpene also found in roses, geraniums and lemongrass. Many consumers describe it as relaxing.

Cymene - A terpene that occurs naturally in oregano, cumin, thyme and cannabis. Many consumers describe it as calming and relaxing.

Eucalyptol - Also called cineole. It carries the scent of mint and spice, and its nose resembles menthol.

Fenchol - A terpene with a strong, desirable fragrance. It occurs naturally in basil and is credited with giving basil its signature nose.

Geraniol - The terpene most associated with the smell of geranium. This flavorful terpene is also found in roses, lemongrass, carrots, lemon zest and cannabis.

Geranyl acetate - One of the contributors to the pleasant fruity aroma of some strains. It also occurs naturally in lemongrass, coriander and sassafras.

Guaiol Contributes - a pine fragrance to the aroma of some strains. It is found in cypress pine, guaiacum plants and cannabis.

Humulene - Commonly found in ginseng, ginger and hops. It lends its robust character to the scents of cannabis.

Isoborneol - A terpene with a slight menthol aroma, common in topical cannabis products. It is also found in the mugwort plant.

Limonene - Found in citrus rinds and the second most common terpene in nature. It is used in

topical products to help other compounds pass through the skin. Many consumers describe limonene-rich products as uplifting.

Linalool - Found in rosewood, coriander and lavender, and present in over 200 plant species worldwide. Many consumers describe it as calming and relaxing.

Myrcene - One of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It is also found in parsley, mangoes

and hops. Myrcene is known to increase the effects of THC. Many consumers describe myrcene-rich strains as relaxing.

Ocimene - A terpene common in cannabis and in many fruits and vegetables. Familiar sources include parsley, mango, basil, allspice and pepper.

Ocimene-1 - Also known as alpha-ocimene, one of three monoterpenes that make up ocimene.

Ocimene-2 - Also known as beta-ocimene. It is found in higher concentrations in Sour Diesel,

Golden Goat, Space Queen, Harle-Tsu, Strawberry Cough and OG Kush.

Para-cymene - Also known as p-cymene. A monoterpene with a sweet citrus aroma. It is found in the

essential oils of thyme, grapefruit, oregano and cannabis, and in many topical products.

Pinene - A bicyclic monoterpene with two structural isomers found in nature, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. It is best known as the fresh pine scent of a living forest.

Sabinene - Found in various plant species, including pepper and juniper. It is one of the compounds that gives pepper its spice.

Terpinene - Found in cardamom and marjoram oil and in cannabis. Its scent is citrusy but also dank and musky. Many consumers describe it as relaxing.

Terpineol - A common ingredient in soaps and lotions that also occurs in eucalyptus, lilacs and

pine trees. It is non-intoxicating. Many consumers describe it as relaxing and calming.

Terpinolene - A cannabis terpene with strong aromatic properties, popular in perfumes, lotions and soaps. It also occurs naturally in apples, tea trees and sage.

Trans-nerolidol - An aromatic secondary terpene with woody, citrus and floral notes. It is found in high concentrations in lemongrass, ginger, tea tree and jasmine. It has a long history of use