Terpenes are what make your plants smell great and there are over 100 different that have been found in cannabis so far. When you combine these terpenes with its CBD or THC oils, the entourage effect creates and boosts the overall experience of the product you are using. Terpenes are like a plant’s fingerprint.
This allows different strains to produce a different effect even if they are from the same family — Sative or Indica, which we’ll elaborate on later. For example, one strain may have a calming effect while another may have an energizing effect. Knowing some of the most popular strains can be really helpful when expanding your Holistic healing approach.
First, we will discuss terpenes more in-depth then move onto some of the most popular strains-specific terpenes to help you evolve into a more educated consumer of CBD and Cannabis.
What are Terpenes?
Medical News Today refers to Terpenes as the organic compounds which give plants their aroma and flavor. They can be found in everything from full-spectrum CBD oil to essential oils to citrus fruits. Just in a single cannabis strain, there may be 100 different types of terpenes—all with different health benefits.
Terpenes are not always specific to a certain type of plant—for instance, you may find varying amounts of the same terpene in both a full-spectrum CBD oil and a fresh lemon. The types of terpenes a plant produces can depend on the strain, what climate it is in, the quality of soil, and even the age of the plant.
Scientists believe that the types of terpenes a plant contain have developed over millions of years to attract certain species of bugs and animals that are necessary for the life of the plant (ie: bees pollinating orange blossoms) and repel species that are harmful to the life of the plant (like how eucalyptus repels beetles).
Types of Terpenes
There are over 23,000 terpenes known today. Of course, not all of the benefits of these terpenes are fully known or exploited. However, there are plenty that have been researched and tested for their usefulness in human mental and physical health as well as the health of our pets.
Let’s talk about some of the most popular terpenes and their health benefits.
Pinene
This seems to be the most popular terpene in the world. It can be found in orange peels, basil, parsley, and of course, pine. One of the reasons for its popularity especially around the holidays is its pine scent. Pinene is not a terpene to take if you want to relax. This terpene causes alertness and may also help with memory retention.
Pinene may help with the treatment of asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, and cancer.
Myrcene
Myrcene may not be as popular as pinene, but it is believed to be the most abundant terpene in cannabis plants. It can also be found in thyme, lemongrass, basil, hops, and mango. This terpene has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-mutagenic properties. It is also used as a sedative or muscle relaxer.
Myrcene may help with the treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation.
Limonene
Limonene has made its way into many areas of our daily lives. You have probably been in contact with it multiple times without even realizing. Limonene is often used as a fragrant additive in cosmetics and cleaning supplies. As you can probably guess, it has a nice lemon or citrus aroma. Limonene can also be found in lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit. Limonene is most popular for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. In addition, it also has stress-relieving and mood-enhancing effects.
Limonene may help with the treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer.
Humulene
Humulene can be found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil as well as cannabis. It has a hoppy and earthy flavor and taste profile. Humulene has anti-inflammatory properties. Many different terpenes increase appetite which can be great for many conditions. However, humulene is one of the few terpenes that will suppress appetite. This can be helpful for dealing with chronic nausea.
Humulene may help with treatment as an anti-inflammatory.
Linalool
Linalool can also be found in lavender as well as coriander. This terpene has a floral and spicy taste and aroma. It is often used in fragrances and is widely popular for its stress-relieving effects. Linalool can be used as a sedative. It is also commonly used for people who deal with anxiety disorders or as an antidepressant. Linalool also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Linalool may help with the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease.
Caryophyllene
This terpene has a spicy and woody aroma and flavor. It can be found not only in cannabis but also in spices like black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Some studies suggest this terpene may be a natural way of relieving anxiety and depression. Caryophyllene also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Many people use it as a pain reliever as well.
Caryophyllene may help with the treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, and ulcers.
Terpinolene
Also found in nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs—terpinolene has a piney and floral aroma. This terpene is packed with beneficial properties and may even help in the prevention and fight against cancer. It is also known for the relaxing effects it has on the body. Terpinolene may help reduce anxiety and act as a sleep aid.
Terpinolene may help with treatment as an antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, and anti-fungal.
Ocimene
This terpene is less popular but found in a variety of other spices, fruits, plants, and vegetables such as mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, kumquat, and orchids. If you deal with allergies or want something to help with the common cold, this terpene may act as a natural decongestant. It also boasts antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
Ocimene may help with treatment as an antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, and antibacterial.
Strain-Specific Terpenes
Certain strains of cannabis have different chemical makeups. Each strain is bred to contain higher amounts of a specific terpene or combination of terpenes. The term “strain-specific terpenes” does not mean that there is one terpene that belongs only to that strain. Instead, it is a unique combination of terpene concentrations.
For one strain, there may be high concentrations of myrcene and linalool which have a sedating and relaxing effect and a relatively low amount of limonene which has an energizing effect (since this may marginally counteract the effects of the other terpenes). This could be great for those with insomnia, but not for someone who needs a morning energy boost.
Groups of terpenes tend to work significantly better together rather than separately. Many of the best strain-specific terpenes have high concentrations of a synergistic combination of terpenes.
Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
As we mentioned before, full-spectrum CBD oil contains many terpenes. These terpenes can work together with the CBD to increase the benefits of CBD oil. This is also known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect also applies to marijuana-derived products. THC can have a relaxing effect on its own but combined with a fleet of terpenes it can increase the feeling of relaxation.
This is why some prefer a full-spectrum oil over a CBD oil isolate. A CBD isolate is when the terpenes are removed from the CBD oil—leaving only a very pure concentration of CBD behind.
The entourage effect can increase the high one feels when using marijuana or increase the benefits of CBD oil for mental and physical health ailments such as social anxiety and chronic pain. Always check CBD and THC products to find out if they contain terpenes or if they are removed during the refinement process.
Top 4 Strain Specific Terpenes
Strawnana
As you may have guessed, Strawnana is short for strawberry banana. This strain gets its name from the strong sweet banana scent it produces along with an undertone of berries. Some connoisseurs say it has the aroma and flavor of tropical yogurt.
This strain is known to create a deep feeling of calm along with increased creativity and focus. The three most impacting terpenes in this strain are beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and beta-myrcene.
This combination is great for those that feel overly stress and need a little extra focus and creativity to get through the workday. Recommended for creatives, problem-solvers, and artists of any sort.
The Strawnana strain may also be great for those with social anxiety. The mixture of terpenes promotes a relaxing effect while also encouraging a mood of exploration—both of which are important for fluid and meaningful social interactions.
Zkittlez
The Indica-dominate strain known as Zkittlez is a mix of Grapefruit and Grape Ape along with one other “secret” strain. This strain has won several 1st place awards for its unique and powerful effects.
Zkittlez has the aroma and flavor of sweet berries and grape. Its complex variety of terpenes is known to cause both a calming and energizing effect—making for a calm body while simultaneously stimulating the mind. This combination is certainly unusual.
There are reports of this strain being particularly good at reducing stress and also relieving pain and fatigue. The mind-stimulating effects also seem to be great for those with depression.
Zkittlez is known to help improve your mood and help you stay happy and focused. This is great for those who need to study for a big test or work on a creative project. It is also great for general aches and pains, although some report occasionally developing a headache and a dry mouth after too much continuous use.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is yet another award-winning strain of cannabis. It is known for its citrusy aroma and lemon head candy-like flavor. This strain is known to be incredibly high in THC, ranging between 18% and 25%.
There’s no wonder why it has such a citrusy aroma with its high amount of the terpene called limonene which is found in lemons. It also has high amounts of beta caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and alpha humulene.
Many connoisseurs consider Super Lemon Haze the ultimate strain for energy and social ambition. It is also known to cause an increase in appetite and alleviate many types of anxiety and stress.
This strain claimed the first place spot two years in a row for the High Times Cannabis Cup. Some say it provides a deep mental clarity after a 15-20 minute haze—perhaps getting its name.
This is a perfect strain for those that need some help getting out of their shell. However, it may also make those who are already talkative way over talkative. Too much Super Lemon Haze is known to cause dry mouth, so keep some water nearby.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is known for its sweet berry fragrance and grape aftertaste. Its parents are Purple Urkle and Big Bud—both of which are indica strains. Some say it is very similar to the Grape Ape strain.
The terpenes highlighted in this strain include alpha humulene and beta caryophyllene. Granddaddy purple causes the body to become relaxed while also leaving the mind in a state of euphoria.
This strain is especially good as a sleep aid. It’s known to relieve tension in the body and even treat restless leg syndrome. It is also great at increasing appetite and relieving anxiety.
If you need to relax, this is certainly the right strain for you. Granddaddy Purple is great to pair with sitting quietly, reading a book, or doing some yoga before bed. This isn’t the best match for those who need a pick-me-up since its effects are primarily sedating.
Closing Thoughts
Terpenes make up roughly 60% of known natural products. Learning more about terpenes can help us pick the best ones to use so we can live happier and healthier lives. The best part is that terpenes are natural substances.
Using strain-specific terpenes could be an incredible way to address specific problems we have in our physical and mental health without relying on a medicine cabinet full of synthesized drugs. The more we can rely on natural remedies for health and mood, the less we have to put harmful chemicals into our bodies.
Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website; where our customers record their real-world results of using our products.
