What are terpenes?
Terpenes. The word that literally is fragrance and taste. Although they have been around you throughout your life, you probably haven’t really realized that terpenes are what you have experienced.
Terpenes
Terpenes have lived in the shadows of the phytocannabinoids for example CBG, CBN, CBD and CBC found in the hemp and cannabis plants. There are over 100 fragrant miracles that go under the collective term terpenes. They are found in aromas like berries, mint, pine, lemon, mango, spices, flowers and which in different combinations create an infinite number of new fragrance experiences. Not to mention how they interact with the different phytocannabinoids and create something known as “the entourage effect”. Let us dive head over heels into these fragrant and fantastic substances.
Just like with any intensely fragrant flowers, cannabis and hemp, with an assist from evolution and the help of terpenes, have been able to attract pollinators and scare off intruders. A quite nice protection mechanism, at least from our perspective as humans. So far, over 100 individual terpenes have been found in hemp and cannabis.
These terpenes are considered not only important for the sake of fragrance, or how they interact with phytocannabinoids or the endocannabinoid system but also the unique properties that some of them seem to have individually. Your grandmother has been right all this time, and now there is research that backs her up. Possibly not the plants around us, but their terpenes may have a lot of potential properties. For example, the terpene Linalool in lavender and cloves seems soothing while the terpene Alpha-Pinene in, for example, pine and spruce can potentially alleviate minor pain. However, there is no scientific evidence that these terpenes in combination with phytocannabinoids should have any physiological or psychological effect. It should therefore be clarified that terpenes, in their pure form, potentially can have an influence on the body. We are only beginning to understand terpenes and there remains a significant amount of research on the subject before we can clearly see whether terpenes have any effect on the body.
Below you can see and read about what types of terpenes that create what type of recognized scent (this is also something you can use to show off in an elevator (however, we don’t recommend that you do this unless you are immune to getting a stiff reaction from those around you). The terpenes we have selected are the eight most common ones that occur in hemp and cannabis, and that are found in our hemp oils, hemp capsules and hemp skin cream.
The terpene of terpenes! This flowery and spicy scent lets the mind wander straight to France. Linalool is found not only in hemp and cannabis, but also in more than 200 different plants worldwide, where lavender is probably the one we associate it with the most. We strongly recommend that you tie a bunch of lavender flowers in the summer, dry them and put them in a cloth bag, and then store among your freshly washed sheets (one of life’s lifehacks if you want feel like you are in France every night).
Alpha-Pinene
Pinene! An absolutely refreshing scent that, yes you guessed right, smells like pine. Hence the name pinene. In addition to its faithful place in the hemp plant, you will also find the Alpha-Pinene in pine, orange peel, rosemary, parsley, dill and basil. Imagine that the next time you take a bite out of the nearest pine tree.
Myrcene
Myrcene – the terpene who would encourage anyone to want to move straight to Costa Rica and work on a mango farm. A cardamom like fragrance with elements of musk and cloves. Available in hemp and cannabis and also in lemon grass, thyme and hops.
Limonene
Everyone probably knows this one. An acidic scent that cannot possibly be mistaken for anything other than lemon. A fairly common terpene found in hemp and cannabis plants. Quite obviously present in citrus plants, but also in several other plants, such as rosemary and peppermint.
Humulene
If you say humulene quickly and enough times, it will make you thirsty. And since humulene is a terpene found in hops, you are entitled to a beer. Humelene has a dark, earthy and slightly woody scent. Found in hemp and cannabis, also in coriander, cloves and basil.
Beta-Caryophyllene
A terpene that you find not only in hemp and cannabis, but also in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon. It has a spicy, woody scent with a hint of cloves. If you smell it a bit too long, it can almost burn a little in your nose. It has also been shown that Beta-Caryophyllene binds with CB2 receptors, in a similar way that CBD and CBG does.
Terpinolene
A terpene that is actually quite unusual in hemp and cannabis, but which managed to climb on to our top list of terpenes. Undoubtedly our favorite of all terpenes because of its incredible fragrance. A completely magical combination of spruce, flowers and herbs. It can also be found in lilacs int the spring, and in nutmeg, cumin, tea tree and apples.
Ocimene
Ocimene has a sweet, herbal and woody fragrance found in a variety of plants. The one you think of most is probably basil. Other plants containing Ocimene are orchids, parsley, pepper, mango and mint. A clear favorite terpene of ours.
