Terpene of the Month: Recap | AusCannaReviews
This post is a review of all the terpenes I covered in 2023!
In female medicinal cannabis plants, terpenes are found in the trichomes and are responsible for the smell and taste of your flowers. Trichomes are the sticky, translucent glands covering the flower buds' surface and can also be found in smaller amounts on the leaves and stems.
Terpenes play a pivotal role in medicinal cannabis.
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in modern commercial cannabis plants. Found in mangoes, hops, ylang-ylang, guava and lemongrass, Myrcene is believed to produce a calming effect and is also thought to have analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and hops enhancing their spiciness but it can also be found in ylang-ylang. Touted for its powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties Caryophyllene is also believed to have analgesic and aphrodisiac properties.
Limonene can be found in mint, juniper, rosemary, pine, fennel and citrus. Limonene is believed to be stress relieving and mood enhancing, along with possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties.
Linalool is most associated with Lavender. But it can also be found in other flowers and oils such as rosewood, jasmine, rose, bergamot and linaloe seed. Linalool is also in fruits such as pineapples, plums and peaches and in herbs including spearmints, corianders, thymes, basil and oregano. Linalool has long-established sedative effects but it may also be good for stress relieving and mood enhancing.
Terpinolene is typically found in high amounts in apples, sage, tea trees, conifers, rosemary, and lilacs, but it’s also used in soaps, perfumes and as a component of some insect repellents. Terpinolene has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is known to enhance the effects of other terpenes.
Pinene is broken down into two types Alpha Pinene and Beta Pinene. Alpha Pinene is water-soluble and associated with pine needles and rosemary aromas. Beta Pinene is not water-soluble and is earthy and fresh in scent and more closely associated with the aromas of parsley and basil. Pinene is typically responsible for the clear-headed, invigorating “Sativa” effects.
Alpha Farnesene has a more woody, earthy and spicy scent and can be found in Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg and Ginseng. Beta Farnesene is more tropical and citrusy in aroma and is found in Grapefruit, Hops, Chamomile, and green apple skins. Touted for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and muscle-relaxing effects, Farnesene has a historical usage dating back to the writings of Hippocrates.
Humulene can be found in hops, basil, ginger, ginseng, cloves, and black pepper. Humulene has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for generations for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and memory-enhancing properties.
Bisabolol is present in significant amounts in chamomile flowers but can also be found in a few other plants, including the Candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa), Myoporum crassifolium, and cannabis. Its distinct aroma is often described as floral, sweet, and earthy, making it a sought-after component in perfumes and cosmetics. Bisabolol has been proven to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Ocimene is a terpene found in various plants such as mint, parsley, basil, orchids, marigolds, kumquats and cannabis. Like several other terpenes, Ocimene has been investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory effects but it’s also said to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
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This substack aims to provide anecdotal information from my personal experiences in hopes it will lead to meaningful conversations between my readers and their healthcare professionals about medicinal cannabis.
I have no formal training in medicine or science. This article does not constitute medical advice.
Thank you for all these exceptional terpene profiles, its been excellent to better understand the important little secrets in our medicine. And like you mentioned its going to be fun having that meaningful conversation with the doctor.
From what I've tried, Limonene is becoming the favourite.