Terpenes and Cannabis - What are they?

ter·pene
any of a large group of volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants, especially conifers and citrus trees. They are based on a cyclic molecule having the formula C10H16. - definition taken from google
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"Hello, I am a chemist working at a marijuana testing laboratory in Colorado and I decided to write my first Steemit article on some of the research I have compiled on terpenes. This is a very brief introduction to the science of terpenes and I would happily delve deeper into any individual terpene if asked. Please upvote and resteem and spread the knowledge of terepenes!
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Let us begin!
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Terpenes are rapidly becoming the latest buzz within the marijuana industry. But what are terpenes, and how do they affect various cannabis strains?

Simply put, terpenes create the unique scents and profiles of plants, various cannabis strains, essential oils, perfumes, fruits, and vegetables.

In addition to giving cannabis strains their distinct smell, terpenes can pass through the blood-brain barrier with ease and can also bind to various receptors in the brain, including some cannabinoid receptors which have been seen to modify the effects of cannabis (Andre et. al.).

There is a growing body of evidence that terpenes may be the biological compounds that give Sativas and Indicas their respective properties. A recent study comparing the terpene profiles of Indicas and Sativas suggest Myrcene, Linalool, and Humulene are more abundant in Indicas whereas Terpinolene, Pinene, and Ocimene are more abundant in Sativas. (Casano et. al.).

Let us talk more about Sativas versus Indicas and then dive into individual terpenes and some of their effects, scents, and applications.

-Head High
-Alertness
-Creativity
-Cheerful
-Energy
-Focus

-Body High
-Relaxation
-Appetite
-Pain Relief
-Sleep Aid

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– One of the most common terpenes found in both cannabis and hops, known to have that signature musky, earthy, and slightly fruity odor. Research has linked β-Myrcene with a sedative effect that could be associated with that “couch-lock” feeling found within Indica’s. β-Myrcene also has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic compound (Cleemput et al., 2009).
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– My favorite terpene and the most widely encountered terpene in the natural world. Having the scent of pine, α-Pinene is abundant in nature, most likely due to its natural insect repellant properties. Pinene also has a unique property to inhibit acetylcholinesterase which can, therefore, aid in memory retention (Kennedy et al., 2011). This activity helps counteract the short-term memory effects, commonly associated with THC consumption. Also, this property helps to counteract the sedative properties of myrcene which, in turn, promotes more alertness and clear-headedness, effects commonly linked to many Sativa strains. On the medicinal side of things, pinene is an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a bronchodilator, which may help with certain respiratory issues. Pinene mixed with isopropyl alcohol has also been shown to heal various skin infections including staph infections as well as treat cold sores. I whip up a concoction at work when needed (Russo EB, 2011).
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– The major contributing scent of the lavender plant. Linalool has a nice sweet, floral scent that is utilized in many perfumes and colognes around the world. Studies have shown that linalool possesses anxiolytic activity, meaning it holds medical value for relieving anxiety. Linalool also has been demonstrated as an anticonvulsant compound as well as being sedative in nature, hence lavender being a relaxing, sleep-inducing essential oil (Elisabetsky et al., 1995).
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– The second most widely distributed terpene found in nature, especially common to the citrus family, possesses a pungent citrusy aroma. Just like common citrus essential oils and candles claim, limonene has quite an invigorating scent that stimulates the olfactory system. In literature, D-limonene has shown anxiolytic, anti-depression, immuno-stimulating properties, and interestingly enough, some sedative properties as well (Komori et al., 1995).
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– Found in almost every strain of cannabis, β-Caryophyllene has a woody, spicy, pepper-like scent. This makes sense as it is found in high concentrations within everyday spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Being one of the heaviest terpenes, it is found in high concentrations within heated extracts. β-Caryophyllene has shown impressive anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal protective properties (Singh and Sharma, 2015). Yet, one of the most interesting properties β-Caryophyllene has, is the fact that it can bind to the CB2 receptor making it the first phytocannabinoid found outside of the cannabis genus (Gertsch et al., 2008). ![]
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– Found in many plants, terpinolene has a soft floral, herbal, and slightly piney aroma. Terpinolene is found commonly in sativa strains. Unlike the other terpenes, there has been much less research about this specific terpene. Terpinolene is abundant in sativa dominant strains.
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– Found in basil, parsley, mint, and orchids, ocimene has an herbaceous, sweet, woodsy scent. Found mostly in sativa dominant strains. I have yet to delve deeper into the studies involved with Ocimene. On the surface it seems that there has been significantly less research on ocimene compared to other terpenes.
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– Occurring naturally in hops, humulene has a hoppy, earthy, sharp aroma. Research has shown humulene has ant-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and insecticidal properties like most other terpenes. (Fernandes et al., 2007). Like ocimene, research on humulene is wanting.
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Most strains on the market today are hybrids. Growers often phenotypically classify strains as Indicas and Sativas based on the length of the flowering period and leaf width because there is not a cost-effective genomic test to determine the extent of hybridization. These physical plant traits seem to loosely correlate to the euphoric experience. Terpene testing provides a cost-effective way to monitor plant metabolites and this metabolomic approach may provide a valuable approach to predict how a strain will make you feel. Comparing the terpene profiles of strains you like to others you are curious about is a great way to discover new strains that work for you.

As consumers become more educated about cannabis we are seeing a shift in the decision-making process of dispensary purchases. Savvy smokers are no longer seeking out strains with the highest THC values but are instead selecting strains for a given activity based on terpene content. These decisions are either being made quantitatively by looking at a terpene report or qualitatively through smelling the product. Your body knows what you desire so following your nose will always be a useful guide.
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I am a professional chemist working in the cannabis sector within Colorado. I have personally aided in the development of cannabinoid separation methods via HPLC and a proprietary terpene analysis report involving a sativameter and indicameter.
Feel free to add any corrections to the comments. Being as this is science, I take all new information, whether it be for or against any claims I have made, and adjust my views accordingly.

Casano, S., G. Grassi, V. Martini, and M. Michelozzi. "Variations in Terpene Profiles of Different Strains of Cannabis Sativa L." Variations in Terpene Profiles of Different Strains of Cannabis Sativa L | Fundación CANNA: Scientific Studies and Cannabis Testing. Fundacion CANNA, 2011. Web. 1 Apr. 2017.

Andre CM, Hausman J-F and Guerriero G (2016) Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules. Front. Plant Sci. 7:19.