What are Terpenes?
The word that is literally aroma and taste. Although these have been around you throughout your life, you probably did not really know that it is precisely terpenes you have experienced.
The terpenes have lived a bit in the shadow of the phytocannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBD, and CBC, which are found in hemp and cannabis. There are over 100 fragrant miracles that go by the collective name terpenes. They go in aromas such as berries, mint, pine, lemon, mango, spicy, floral, and which together in different combinations create an endless amount of new fragrance experiences. Not to mention how they interact with the various phytocannabinoids and create something called “the entourage effect”. Let’s dive headfirst among these fragrant and beneficial substances.
As with any intensely fragrant flower, cannabis and hemp with a large scoop have, with the help of evolution, made sure to attract pollinators with the help of terpenes and scare away intruders. A rather wonderful protection mechanism, at least from a human perspective. To date, over 100 individual terpenes in hemp and cannabis have been found.
These terpenes are considered not only important for the scent or how they interact with phytocannabinoids or the endocannabinoid system but also the unique properties that some of them individually appear to have. Your grandmother has been right all along, and now there is research that seems to back her up. Possibly not the plants around us, but their terpenes can have a variety of potential properties. For example, the Linalool terpenes in lavender and cloves can have a calming effect while the Alpha-Pinene terpenes found in, for example, pine and spruce can potentially have a relieving effect on 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 can potentially have an effect on the body. You are just in the starting blocks of understanding terpenes and there is still a lot of research on the subject before you can clearly see whether terpenes have any effect on the body.
Below you can see and read about the types of terpenes that create the type of recognizable scent. Easy to recognize, and also a real “showoff” that you can use when you are in type, the elevator (although we really do not recommend that you do this, if you are not immune to a stiff mood, i.e.). The terpenes we have chosen are the eight most common that occur in hemp and cannabis and are therefore found in our hemp oils, hemp capsules, and hemp skin ointment.
Linalool
Terpenernas terpene! This floral and spicy scent lets the mind wander straight to France. Linalool is not only found in hemp and cannabis, but also in more than 200 different plants around the world, where lavender is probably the most associated. We strongly recommend that you pick a bunch of lavender flowers this summer, dry and put them in a cloth bag, and then store them among your freshly washed sheets (life’s lifehack if you want to be in the south of France all night).
Alpha-Pinene
Pinene! An absolutely delightfully refreshing scent that, yes you guessed it, smells of pine. Hence the name pinene (pine). In addition to its faithful place in hemp, you will also find Alpha-Pinene in pine, orange peel, rosemary, parsley, dill, and basil. Keep that in mind when putting your teeth in the nearest pine.
Myrcene
Myrcene the terpene that would make anyone want to move straight to Costa Rica and work on a mango crop. A cardamom-like scent with hints of musk and cloves. Available in hemp and cannabis and also in lemongrass, thyme, and hops.
Lemons
This one probably everyone recognizes. A sour scent that is impossible to take for anything other than lemon. A fairly common terpene in hemp and cannabis. Found naturally in the citrus plants but also in several other plants such as rosemary, one, and peppermint.
Humulene
If you say humulene quickly and often enough, it will eventually be hops. Hence the name, kind of. Humulene has a dark, earthy, and slightly woody scent. Available in addition to 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 hints of cloves. It can almost sting a little in the nose if you smell for too long. Beta-Caryophyllene has also been shown to bind to CB2 receptors, similar to CBD and CBG.
Terpinolene
A terpene that is actually quite unusual in hemp and cannabis but which still managed to get on our top list of terpenes. Without a doubt our favorite of all terpenes because of its incredible scent. A totally magical mix of spruce, flowers, and herbs. Also available in our Seattle’s early summer favorite lilac and also in nutmeg, cumin, tea tree, and apples.
Ocimene
Ocimene has a sweet, herbaceous, and woody scent that is found in a number of different plants. The one you think about the most is probably basil. Other plants that contain Ocimene are orchids, parsley, pepper, mango, and mint. A clear favorite terpene with us.
