Terpenes
Terpenes are plant chemicals. They are aromatic hydrocarbons found in essential oils produced by many plants and are an important part of the biochemistry of cannabis plants. Unlike the phytocannabinoids, they are not unique to cannabis. Terpenes are emerging as a major factor responsible for not only the flavours and smells of plants, but also a large amount of the effects for which we use cannabis medicinally.
Limonene
Boiling Point: 176°C (349°F)
Found in high concentrations in the rinds of citrus fruits. Limonene is commonly used in perfumes, household cleaners, and medicines, and boasts a very low toxicity in humans.
Some medical benefits may include:
Anti-anxiety
Anti-depressant
Immune stimulant
Appetite suppressant
May promote weight loss
Relieves GI distress
Antifungal and Antibacterial
Pinene
Boiling Point: 155°C (311°F)
Found in high concentrations in cannabis, rosemary and… you guessed it, pine trees. Pinene is what gives the pine tree its characteristic smell.
Some medical benefits may include:
Pain reliever
Anti-inflammatory
Bronchodilator
Memory retention
Linalool
Boiling Point: 198°C (388.4°F)
While commonly found in cannabis, linalool is well known for giving lavender that very distinct smell. Lavender, and therefore linalool, has been used for thousands of years to treat multiple ailments.
Some medical benefits may include:
Anti-anxiety
Sleep aid
Relaxant
Humulene
Boiling Point: 198°C (388°F)
Common hops, or Humulus Lupulus, is where this terpene derives its name due to high concentrations in these plants. Humulene often naturally occurs alongside caryophyllene. Pine trees, orange orchards and tobacco fields are just a few examples of humulene emitters into the environment.
Some medical benefits may include:
Anti-inflammatory
Potential anti-cancer properties
Analgesic
Appetite suppressant
Caryophyllene
Boiling Point: 160°C (320°F)
Most commonly found in hops, cloves and basil, caryophyllene is the primary terpene that contributes to the spiciness found in these foods as well as in cannabis.
Some medical benefits may include:
Dietary cannabinoid
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Local anesthetic
Potential Anti-cancer properties
Anti-anxiety properties
Myrcene
Boiling Point: 168°C (334°F)
Myrcene derives its name from Myrcia sphaerocarpa, a brazilian shrub that boasts high concentration of this terpene. It also occurs in moderately high concentrations in hops, mangoes.
Some medical benefits may include:
Antibiotic and metabolic potential
Pain relief
Anti-inflammation
Antispasmodic
Terpinolene
Boiling Point: 184°C (363°F)
Terpinolene occurs in higher concentrations in cumin and lilacs, as well as in tea tree and most apple varieties.
Some medical benefits may include:
Potential anti-cancer agent
Antifungal
Antibacterial
Sedative
Trans-Nerolidol
Boiling Point: 122°C (252°F)
Trans-Nerolidol is commonly found in ginger and jasmine. It is commonly used as a flavouring agent due to the notes of fir and pine it exhibits. When isolated, it has a distinct woody scent reminiscent of fresh bark. Nerolidol shows promise of improving the transdermal delivery of other terpenes and cannabinoids.
Some medical benefits may include:
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Potential anti-cancer properties
Sedative
Bisabolol
Boiling Point: 153°C (307°F)
Commonly found in chamomile, bisabolol is a potent anti-inflammatory. It is a source of Panthenol, a form of vitamin B, that helps the skin hold onto moisture making it less likely to dry out. Bisabolol has been shown to speed up the healing of sunburn and skin rashes. It actually enhances skin’s ability to absorb other active ingredients, making it a go-to terpene for the skincare industry.
Some medical benefits may include:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-irritant
Antioxidant
Anti-microbial
Analgesic
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