What Are Terpenes?

What Are Terpenes?

Surprisingly, terpenes are something you are already familiar with, without evening knowing it. Terpenes are natural compounds that are found in plants and insects. They are what gives an orange its citrusy smell and what gives pine trees their unique aroma. More than 200 terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. With a wide variety of therapeutic effects, terpenes can help the body destroy bacteria, detoxify, relax and more.


Here is an example of a few terpenes commonly found in hemp CBD;

Myrcene:

Supports sleep and reduced muscle tension, insomnia, and pain.

Smells: Clove-like with notes of citrus fruit

Tastes: Sweet citrus

Also found in: Balsamic, Fruit, Geraniums, Herbs


Limonene:

Helps with depression, anxiety, reflux, and defense against free radicals.

Smells: Citrus lemon and orange

Tastes: Lemon and mint

Also found in: Orange, juniper, peppermint


Linalool:

Eases anxiety and inflammation. Supports motor control and pain management.

Smells: Floral with a hint of spice

Tastes: Coriander, Floral, Lavender, Lemon, Rose

Also found in: Lavender, Mint, Cinnamon, Citrus Fruit


A-Pinene:

Eases asthma, supports memory and destroys bacteria.

Smells: Pine forest and Rosemary

Tastes: Rosemary, cedarwood, pine

Also found in: Conifer trees, parsley, orange peels


The terpenes limonene and myrcene are great indicators of the overall effect of hemp CBD. If a hemp plant has a terpene profile that is more than 50% limonene, it’s likely that you will enjoy it more during the day to increase focus, energy or creativity. If there is more than 50% myrcene, you might have feelings of relaxation, sedation and physical ease.


The industry is becoming more in tune with the effect of terpene profiles and the impact they have on enjoying specific types of hemp CBD products. Combining cannabinoids and terpenes maximize the benefits of cannabis in mind and body.