Six Primary Terpene Groups For classification of cannabis and hemp

Terpenes, and terpenoids, are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in many plants. Often, they are responsible for the characteristic smells (lavender, pine trees, and oranges as examples) and are the major constituent of plant essential oils and resins. Terpenes have extensive uses in everyday life including foods, cosmetics, aromatherapies, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids, known as the “entourage effect,” may ultimately differentiate the effects of one strain of cannabis from another.

6 Primary Terpenes

Pn Lm Cr Mc On Te

Pinene Limonene Caryophyllene Myrcene Ocimene Terpinolene

One of two isomers of the A monoterpene with a fra- A sesquiterpene with a Myrcene is the terpene most Ocimene imparts a sweet, Terpinolene has a complicat- monoterpene Pinene, the grance that can be described fragrance that can be frequently found in cannabis, floral and woody scent. ed organoleptic profile with most abundant terpene as orangey, citrusy, sweet, described as spicy, dry, and is described as earthy Although present in many a nose described as woody in the natural world. It is and tart. Limonene is woody, dusty, and mildly and herbal. Myrcene is found strains, Ocimene dominant and herbaceous yet floral. responsible for the distinct common to the lemon and sweet. β-Caryophyllene is in hops, thyme, lemongrass strains of cannabis are rare. It can be found in nature in aroma of many coniferous other citrus essential oils, found in black pepper and and mango. Strains in which It can be found in a wide lilac, tea tree, apples, cumin, trees, particularly pines, and is the second most cloves and is used as a Myrcene is the dominant ter- variety of plants including and nutmeg. Terpinolene is from which it derives its widely distributed terpenoid flavoring agent to add pene represent the largest hops, kumquats, mangoes, common in strains but usual- name. α-Pinene is found in in nature.6 spicy and herbal notes. proportion of strains current- basil, bergamot, lavender, ly in small amounts. Strains dill, basil, rosemary, and ly available in the market. orchids, pepper in varying in which Terpinolene is domi- parsley, in addition to pine quantities. It is used exten- nant are much less common. needles and other conifers. The monoterpene produces uplift- β-Caryophyllene is one of the only sively in the perfume industry ing and energizing effects thought terpenes that is known to interact Myrcene interacts with TRPV1 and due to its aromatic profile. to be caused by its agonist effects directly with the endocannabinoid the opiate system to produce pain Studies in mice have shown that its 7 Offers benefits including anti-in- at the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A. system and produces anti-inflam- relieving effects. We know this inhalation produces sedating flammation1,2, anti-microbial3, It may offer promise for those matory and antinociceptive effects based on studies using pharmaco- Ocimene is produced as a defense effects15. This terpene also exhibits 9 anti-cancer4, and anti-anxiety.5 It suffering from gastrointestinal via the CB2 receptor. Additionally, logical interventions. When nalox- mechanism in response to insect anticancer and antioxidant proper- may be beneficial against a range issues as D-limonene exhibits there is evidence that β-Caryphyl- one (Narcan) and opioid antagonist predation in some plants.13 Addi- ties16. Recent research is also of degenerative disorders includ- anti-inflammatory and antioxidant lene is effective at easing local- is applied prior to treatment with tionally, there is evidence that exploring terpinolenes role in 8 10 11 ing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, properties in ulcerative colitis. ized and neurological pain. Myrcene, the analgesic effects of Ocimene may have anti inflammato- avoiding coronary heart disease in 12 amnesia, cognitive dysfunction, myrcene are blocked. ry properties.14 concert with other anti-oxidants.17 and overall memory loss.6 Suggested Effects / Aroma / Flavor / Aroma Effects Suggested MAC Taffy Gelato Papaya Papaya Nightcap Do-si-Dos Jack Herer Trainwreck Sour Diesel Blue Dream Purple Punch Sour Carmelo Wedding Cake Wedding Harmony Rose Harmony Durban Poison Pink Lemonade Blueberry Muffin Tropical Sleigh Ride Tropical Associated Strains

Organoleptic Attributes

Aromatic descriptors such as floral, peppery, skunky, cheesy, and many others are commonly used to describe strains of cannabis. These organoleptic characteristics (flavors and smells) of specific strains of cannabis are directly attributable to the presence, volume, and combination of specific terpenes/terpenoids.

Also found in: Also found in: Also found in: Also found in: Also found in: Also found in:

Pine Lemon Rind Black Pepper Mango Lavender Lilac

Tea Tree Juniper Cloves Hops Orchid Patchouli

Rosemary Orange Rind Cinnamon Lemongrass Basil Apple

Terpenoid Composition

With a wide variability in terpenoid composition, SC Labs finds that strains generally have the following 6 terpenoids as the dominant terpenoid in order from most common to least: Myrcene (~43%), β-Caryophyllene group (~23%), Limonene group (~16%), Terpinolene (~10%), α-Pinene (~6.5%), and the β-Ocimene outlier group (<1%).

Cited Sources/Contact Information

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