Terpenes and terpenoids are compounds found in cannabis. They are what gives the cannabis plant its diverse flavours and aromas.
Cannabis terpenes are found in the plant’s trichomes, the golden, sticky structures on the flower.
Over 200 terpenes and terpenoids are found in cannabis plants alone, but they are not unique to cannabis. Terpenes are found in almost all living plants.
Terpenes have many medicinal benefits and therefore are used for medical marijuana in Canada.
What Do They Do for the Plant?
Have you ever picked up a fresh bud and your chemosensory system is hit with smells of citrus, earthy scents, and maybe hints of cloves? This is all thanks to terpenes.
Terpenes are found in many fruits, herbs, and plants, and although terpenoids themselves do not produce a “high,” when combined with THC they can increase potency, flavour, and aroma.
There isn’t a big difference between cannabis terpenes and terpenoids, and the names are often used interchangeably.
The main difference is their structure. Terpenes are “organic hydrocarbons” found in the fresh, natural plant, while terpenoids have additional atoms that have experienced oxidation.
This means terpenoids appear when the cannabis plant has been dried out or cured. You’re sure to have an array of terpenoids in your bud, concentrate, or distillate.
What Medicinal Properties Do They Hold?
Terpenoids hold profound health benefits, ranging from anti-anxiety to anti-cancer, and are often used for medical marijuana in Canada.
Terpenoids can also be used to enhance the flavour and potency of concentrates, flower, and distillate.
Each terpene has specific tastes and benefits that aren’t found in all. Some of the most common terpenoids found in cannabis plants are myrcene, linalool, and limonene.
Limonene is one of the most commonly found terpenes in nature and offers several health benefits.
Research has shown that limonene, also found in citrus fruits, demonstrates anti-depression and anti-anxiety properties. It also possesses antioxidant properties, shown to be beneficial for skin and hair health, and to reduce inflammatory markers related to chronic conditions.
Myrcene has a spicy, earthy scent to it. You’ll also find it in eucalyptus, lemongrass, and mangoes as well as herbs like thyme and basil.
Myrcene carries powerful antibiotic, analgesic, and sedative properties. Working with THC, terpenoids can help with insomnia, pain and bodily discomfort, and even with cancer, for their ability to inhibit tumour growth.
Make Terpenoids Work for you!
There can be over 100 terpenoids found in a single cannabis plant, each working to provide you with heavenly aromas and distinctive tastes.
Terpenoids can be isolated, extracted, and concentrated to produce a non-psychoactive alternative.
They’re often added to boost flavours by infusing rolling papers with terpenes, adding them to concentrates and topicals.
The benefits of terpenoids are extensive. It can be helpful to look into the strain you’re interested in buying, like Pink Tuna for example, to identify terpenes to target specific medicinal benefits.