What are terpenes: effects, what they do and how to use them

What are terpenes? What are their effects, what are they used for and what do they do?

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in plants around the world. You can find them in leaves, fruits, flowers, rhizomes and roots. Just as every animal 🐗 has its own specific odour, plants also have a characteristic scent, which is provided by terpenes. They often act as protection against pests or as an attractant for pollinators 🐝.

Terpenes are also found in cannabis 🌿 – which is why each variety tastes slightly different.

A cartoon koala sniffs bottles of terpenes, CannabiZoo logo at bottom right

For a long time, it was believed that terpenes only gave cannabis its attractive aroma. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that they can do more – they can contribute to the overall experience you get from using cannabis.

Types of cannabis terpenes

There are more than 200 different terpenes and terpenoids in cannabis, but in practice you will most often encounter a pack of 🦁 about 20 individuals. These include myrcene, limonene, alfa pinene, linalool, terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene and humulene.

Most terpenes in cannabis belong to one of four main groups:

What are terpenes used for in cannabis?

Terpenes are responsible for the aromatic properties of cannabis 🌿. And because there are hundreds of them, each variety can have a completely different smell and taste – which affects not only the experience of use, but often also the price of the product.

Terpenes are also often used in aromatherapy.

A cartoon owl sniffs a cannabis plant, next to it are bottles of terpenes, and at the bottom right is the CannabiZoo logo

List of terpenes and their effects

In specialist literature, terpenes are often attributed with various therapeutic effects – they can reduce mental tension, anxiety or fear and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, each terpene has different properties, and the resulting effect always depends on the individual, the dose, the combination of substances and the form of use.

The following effects are most commonly associated with the best-known cannabis terpenes:

  • myrcene 🌾 – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and muscle relaxant effects
  • α-pinene 🌲  – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects
  • limonene 🍋 – anxiolytic and antidepressant effects
  • linalool 🌿 – anticonvulsant, analgesic, sedative and antidepressant effects
  • β-caryophyllene 🧆 – gastroprotective, analgesic and antibacterial effects

Cartoon animals, terpenes and terpene names, CannabiZoo logo at bottom right

In one study, researchers observed a direct pharmacological effect on the brains of mice 🐁 (even at extremely low serum concentrations) that had been breathing terpenoids from the ambient air for an hour. This suggests that terpenoids may have a direct effect on the brain even when only trace amounts are found in the blood.

Terpenes and the endocannabinoid system

Terpenes can activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Studies also suggest that they may influence the action of cannabinoids (e.g. THC and CBD), thus contributing to the so-called entourage effect.

You can think of this as similar to a natural ecosystem, where every organism – plant 🌷 and animal 🦓 – influences the others. Similarly, some substances may work better together than in isolation.

How to use terpenes?

Terpenes are used for further processing and, when diluted in the appropriate ratio, they give the product the desired taste, aroma 👃 and other possible benefits.

Terpenes are most commonly used for:

Cartoon animals in a laboratory producing terpenes, with products containing terpenes underneath, CannabiZoo logo at the bottom right

For flowers, it is usually recommended not to exceed 4% terpenes – and it is often better to use even less, as the flowers may already contain their own terpenes. If you overdo it, the aroma can be so intense that you will feel like you are in a monkey pavilion🐵 – it will simply be too strong and unpleasant.

A fragrant stand with terpenes

We offer terpenes in a wide variety of scents – from traditional to truly exotic 🦜. Trust your nose and choose the terpene profile that suits you best.

More traditional terpenes without any additives:

Cartoon animals around a cauldron and various products around it, CannabiZoo logo at the bottom right

Terpenes with a fruity aroma:

Terpenes with unusual aromas:

Conclusion: Taste and aroma are key

Thanks to terpenes, cannabis can smell and taste like anything – for example, lemon 🍋, pine 🌲 or candyfloss 🍭. It is terpenes that make each variety smell different – and they often influence how individual cannabinoids affect us.

When choosing cannabis products, therefore, pay attention to the terpene profile. To a large extent, it will determine whether the product is right for you. And if you make your own cannabis products and add terpenes to them, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

FAQ

1. What do terpenes do?

Hundreds of terpenes have been described in cannabis, which have three main roles:

  • They give cannabis its taste and aroma – lemon, pine, lavender, pepper and others.
  • They protect the plant – they act as a natural shield: they can repel pests, protect against mould or, conversely, attract pollinators.
  • They can influence the overall impression of cannabis – they can affect the entire cannabis experience.

2. How does cannabis smell?

Cannabis smells depending on the terpenes it contains. These can include citrus 🍋, pine 🌲, floral 🌼, spicy 🌶️ or earthy aromas.

3. Do terpenes affect the state of intoxication?

Terpenes themselves are not psychoactive; their only purpose is to influence the taste, smell and overall experience of using cannabis. They can interact with receptors in the body, bringing relaxation, stimulation or even a better mood.

4. What are terpenes used for in vapes?

Terpenes in vapes give cannabis its characteristic taste and aroma. Together with cannabinoids (CBD, THCV and others), they create a unique experience in the form of vapour.

5. Can terpenes be smoked?

Terpenes themselves are not intended for direct smoking/vaping; they are smoked as part of cannabis or other herbs (vapes, extracts, hashish, and others).

6. Are terpenes addictive?

Terpenes themselves are not commonly considered addictive. Only the product in which they are contained can be addictive.

7. Are CBD and terpenes the same thing?

No, they are two different groups of substances. CBD is a cannabinoid, while terpenes are organic aromatic compounds. Terpenes mainly give CBD products their aroma and flavour – thanks to them, CBD oils not only contain CBD, but also have a more pleasant taste.

In addition, terpenes can influence the effects of cannabinoids (this is known as the entourage effect).

Sources:

 

Author: Lucie Schmidtová

   

 

Photo: AI

"All information provided on this website, as well as information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended to be a substitute for a medical diagnosis and should not be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not endorse, condones or advocate the licit or illicit use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. For more information, please see our Disclaimer."

Recommended products12

Next
%s ...
%s
%image %title %code %s
Trustpilot