What Does Cannabis-Derived Terpenes Mean?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, responsible for many distinct scents and flavors in nature. They contribute to the unique properties of the cannabis plant.

What Are Terpenes

Terpenes are a large and diverse group of natural organic compounds primarily produced by plants. They are unsaturated hydrocarbons, meaning they are composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. With over 30,000 known compounds, terpenes serve as fundamental building blocks in many organisms, particularly in the plant kingdom. For instance, the refreshing scent of a lemon or the distinct smell of pine needles are both attributed to specific terpenes. Beyond their aromatic qualities, terpenes also play important ecological roles in plants, such as attracting pollinators, deterring predators, and even protecting against environmental stressors like UV rays.

What Makes Them Cannabis-Derived

“Cannabis-derived” specifically refers to terpenes that are extracted directly from the cannabis plant. Unlike botanical terpenes, which can be sourced from a wide range of plants, cannabis-derived terpenes capture the unique and complex aromatic profile inherent to a particular cannabis strain. The cannabis plant produces these compounds in its resin glands, alongside other well-known compounds like cannabinoids.

The process of obtaining cannabis-derived terpenes typically involves specialized extraction methods. Common techniques include steam distillation, CO2 extraction, or solvent-based extraction. These methods aim to isolate the aromatic and flavor compounds directly from the plant material.

How Terpenes Influence Cannabis

Cannabis-derived terpenes significantly contribute to the aroma and flavor profiles that distinguish different cannabis strains. Each strain possesses a unique combination and concentration of these compounds, creating a diverse range of sensory experiences, from earthy and musky to citrusy and floral. This intricate blend of terpenes is often referred to as the strain’s “fingerprint.”

Beyond their aromatic contributions, terpenes are also believed to interact synergistically with other compounds in the cannabis plant, particularly cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This concept is known as the “entourage effect,” suggesting that the combined presence of terpenes and cannabinoids may modulate the overall experience and potential effects of cannabis. This interaction means that terpenes may influence how cannabinoids behave in the body, potentially enhancing or altering their effects.

Common Cannabis Terpenes

Several terpenes are commonly found in cannabis, each offering a distinct aroma and contributing to the plant’s overall character. Myrcene, often described as having an earthy, musky, or even fruity aroma, is found in hops and mangoes and is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. Limonene provides a bright, citrusy scent, reminiscent of lemons and oranges, and is also prevalent in various citrus fruits.

Caryophyllene, known for its spicy, peppery, or woody aroma, is found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. This terpene is unique among others because it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to CB2 receptors.

Linalool offers a floral, lavender-like scent and is present in lavender and mint. Pinene, as its name suggests, has a fresh, piney aroma and is a significant component in pine trees and rosemary.