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What Is A Terpene?

Written by Jordyn on . Posted in Growing Cannabis, Seeds 101, Using Cannabis.

What Is A Terpene?terpene citrus

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds responsible for flavors, aromas, and colors within various vegetation types; and even some animals. People harvest them for a variety of uses like cleaning solutions, organic dyes, and safer pesticide alternatives. It is also becoming more common to find these aromas and flavors used therapeutically.

Everyday we interact with terpenes such as cooking herbs, oranges and other citrus fruits, and our favorite; Cannabis. Over 200 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, but only a handful are usually found in cannabis concentrations.

Our most popular profiles are:

  • Myrcene – Hops, Mint, Cloves, Lemongrass
  • Pinene – Pine, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Sage
  • Linalool – Lavender, Mint, Laurels, Lilies
  • Beta-Caryophyllene – Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Cinnamon, Oregano
  • Limonene – Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange
  • Nerolidol – Jasmine, Tea Tree, Lemongrass
  • Terpinolene – Tea Tree, Lilac, Apple, Cumin, Pine
  • Geraniol – Rose Oil, Lemongrass, Lemons

terpene herbsWhat Does A Terpene Do For Plants?

More than just smell and flavors, a terpene acts as a plants natural defense and communication system. These compounds attract pollinators while simultaneously deterring unwanted pests and communicating to other plants about nearby threats.

  • Herbivore Deterrence and Predator Attraction: While we may enjoy a plants natural flavor, these terpenes profiles can taste terrible or even be toxic to some insects or animals, making them more or less inedible. Terpenes also create a natural pest control system in their environment by attracting natural predators of harmful herbivores.
  • Disease Resistance: Microbial properties can be found within the compounds of terpenes, allowing plants to defend themselves from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
  • Communication Pollination: Fragrant smells attract pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies, to ensure successful reproduction.

What Does A Terpene Do For Humans?

Historically, humans have typically made the most of their environment. This includes crafting essential oils from plants and their terpenes and using them as therapeutic and medicinal remedies. In a time before prescriptions and pharmacies, plants and apothecaries existed and became an essential stepping stone. 

  • The Entourage Effect: In simple terms; A theory that says the various compounds within a cannabis plant work together and create distinctive and effective benefits.
    • This is a great indication on if you enjoy your plant’s flavor profile combined with the cannabinoids! We recommend starting a journal to document the after effects. 

Many medicinal qualities are found within the terpene profiles; especially when it comes to cannabis. Different strains contain different qualities the consumer is looking for, but without realizing it- a lot of your favorites may have very similar terpenes.

Being able to use these plants provides a deeper connection to ancient healing techniques and rituals in a modernized world. Terpene properties allow individuals to find a more natural way to allow the body to heal and restore. It is amazing how far medicine and science has come in regards to helping cure and save lives, and it is even more amazing to see the stepping stones still at work.

What Now?

There are so many terpenes and each one has their own file of information. We recommend doing some research on each compound to ensure the correct result is met on the journey of healing. A journal to note strains and their qualities can be super helpful as well when it comes to tracking and being able to continue to find the strains you like. Knowing what they are and how they work is a complete and total game changer in the world of plant medicine.

And wish wish everyone luck on their journeys through the world of plants and their benefits beyond looking pretty!