{"id":2313,"date":"2021-11-10T23:42:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T23:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/uncategorized\/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy\/"},"modified":"2021-11-10T23:42:00","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T23:42:00","slug":"what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/?p=2313","title":{"rendered":"What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>  <title>What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do? &#8211; Leafly<\/title>     <!-- This is Index Exchange, a script\/\/3rd-party integration that interjects GAM. It needs to be 'ahead' of GTM in the DOM, which comes from Cephalopod. GTM loads GAM. This script needs to setup it's interjection stuff before GAM loads. --> <!-- End Index Exchange --> <!-- Quotes = strings--><!-- No quotes = boolean-->\t   <!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v17.1.2 (Yoast SEO v17.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->                  <!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. --> <\/p>\n<p> <!-- BEGIN Sailthru Horizon Meta Information --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END Sailthru Horizon Meta Information -->  <!-- Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- End Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat --><br \/>\n <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) -->   <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) -->   <title>Leafly<\/title>     <title>Leafly \u00ae<\/title>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <title>Loading\u2026<\/title>     <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-white fixed flex hidden inset-0 items-start md:h-auto md:items-center overflow-auto\" id=\"age-gate-container\">\n<div class=\"bg-white md:h-auto mx-auto p-lg text-sm w-full\" id=\"age-gate\">\n<p><label for=\"select-country\">Where are you from?<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"age-gate__info\">\n<p><button class=\"button\" data-testid=\"age-gate-no-button\" id=\"tou-cancel\">no<\/button><button class=\"button ml-md\" data-testid=\"age-gate-yes-button\" id=\"tou-continue\">yes<\/button><\/p>\n<p><label class=\"checkbox__label my-xl\"><span class=\"text-xs\" id=\"remember-user-label\">Remember me for 30 days. <br \/>I confirm that this is not a shared device.<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<p class=\"error error--underage hidden\">Darn! You&#8217;re not old enough to use Leafly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"hidden age-gate__loading\">Redirecting you to<span class=\"redirect-domain\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-xs mt-auto\">By accessing this site, you accept<br \/>\nthe <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"tou-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/terms-of-use\">Terms of Use<\/a><br \/>\nand <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"pp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container my-xl\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col md:col-9\" id=\"article-content\">\n<p id=\"h-the-unique-musky-skunky-and-pungent-aroma-of-cannabis-is-unmistakable-most-people-can-smell-it-before-they-even-see-it-terpenes-the-aromatic-compounds-that-determine-the-scent-of-many-flowers-and-herbs-bestow-cannabis-with-its-distinctive-odor-and-contribute-to-its-flavor\">The unique musky, skunky, and pungent aroma of cannabis is unmistakable: Most people can smell it before they even see it. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that determine the scent of many flowers and herbs, bestow cannabis with its distinctive odor and contribute to its flavor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Cannabis contains more than 150 types of terpenes. Although most terpenes are present in only trace amounts, the more prominent ones team together to give diverse cannabis strains their signature scent profiles. The combination of terpenes in Sour Diesel tell you of its pungent, gassy character, while Cherry Pie evokes the pleasant scent of sweet and sour cherry pie fresh out of the oven.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond providing cannabis with its unique bouquet of scents, terpenes also hold diverse functions in the plant and can produce a range of therapeutic and mood-altering effects in cannabis consumers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"leafly-table-of-contents w-full relative\"><button class=\"w-full text-left text-sm bg-leafly-white py-xs px-sm font-medium\" type=\"button\" id=\"tableOfContents\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Jump to a section<\/span><span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2 id=\"h-where-do-terpenes-come-from\">Where do terpenes come from?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt=\"myrcene\" class=\"wp-image-115087 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-1.jpg,compress&amp;w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-1.jpg,compress&amp;w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-1.jpg,compress&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-1.jpg,compress&amp;w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>(Leafly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/learn\/cannabis-glossary\/trichomes\">trichomes<\/a> of female cannabis plants. Trichomes are sticky, translucent glands that cover the surface of buds, and in much smaller amounts, on leaves and stems. Critically, trichomes contain resin glands that produce terpenes.<\/p>\n<p>Terpenes play an integral role in a cannabis plant\u2019s growth and survival. Besides producing distinctive aromas, these organic compounds also enrich color and pigmentation in leaves and buds, and contribute to the flavor of cannabis. In short, terpenes help to enhance the plant\u2019s attractiveness to some creatures, while deterring others that can do harm.<\/p>\n<p>Certain terpenes like geraniol, for example, repel insects or herbivores that might be tempted to snack on cannabis. Other terpenes, like terpinolene and linalool, attract insects and other small creatures that can help spread pollen. These aromatic compounds support the <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/tpj.15453?af=R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plant\u2019s immune system<\/a> by conveying information about the surrounding environment, protecting plants from stressors and pathogens and helping to trigger immune responses.<\/p>\n<p>A sweep of variables can affect the amount of terpenes a cannabis plant produces. Factors such as whether the plant is grown outdoors or indoors, exposure to light, temperature, certain growing mediums, nutrient levels, and when harvesting is carried out can all influence terpene levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Many terpenes are volatile compounds, meaning they are easily lost during standard cannabis extraction processes. However, growing awareness of the therapeutic value of terpenes is leading to more sensitive extraction methods, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/learn\/consume\/dabs\/what-is-live-resin-cannabis-concentrate\">live resin<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Live resin is made from fresh frozen cannabis plants and maintains freezing temperatures throughout the extraction process to protect terpenes and other volatile compounds in the plant, leading to a more aromatically complex and flavorful cannabis experience.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/learn\/beginners-guide-to-cannabis\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>Leafly\u2019s beginner\u2019s guide to weed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-do-terpenes-affect-the-body\">How do terpenes affect the body?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt=\"pinene\" class=\"wp-image-115089 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-2.jpg,compress&amp;w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-2.jpg,compress&amp;w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-2.jpg,compress&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-2.jpg,compress&amp;w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>(Leafly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Awareness of the aromatic properties of terpenes is not new. Humans have long harnessed the vibrant scents associated with terpenes to formulate essential oils for practices such as aromatherapy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For example, anyone who\u2019s dabbed lavender oil\u2014which contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/linalool-cannabis-terpene-benefits\">linalool<\/a>\u2014behind their ears to help relax can attest to the mood-altering magic of terpenes. Similarly, cannabis strains such as Bubba Kush, which is rich in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/strains-products\/where-to-find-best-terpenes-for-anxiety\">stress-soothing<\/a> myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, help to reduce anxiety.<\/p>\n<p>However, the effects of terpenes appear to extend beyond feel-good benefits and stress relief. Terpenes have also been identified as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3165946\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new frontier in cannabis medicine<\/a>. Until recently, the spotlight has been focused almost exclusively on the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, but as our understanding of terpenes grows more sophisticated, it\u2019s becoming apparent that these aromatic compounds are medicinal powerhouses too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>All terpenes boast unique combinations of therapeutic properties. Unsurprisingly, some of the effects terpenes have on humans are evocative of their function in cannabis and other plants\u2014like helping to fight off unwelcome microbes and pathogens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>What is the endocannabinoid system and what is its role?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-the-medicinal-benefits-of-terpenes\">The medicinal benefits of terpenes<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt=\"caryophyllene \" class=\"wp-image-115086 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-3.jpg,compress&amp;w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-3.jpg,compress&amp;w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-3.jpg,compress&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-3.jpg,compress&amp;w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>(Leafly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Preclinical studies on animals and in vitro studies\u2014in test tubes\u2014have identified a range of<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-030-31269-5_15\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> therapeutic benefits<\/a> associated with terpenes.<\/p>\n<h3>Antiviral&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>Researchers are always on the hunt for new antiviral compounds. Many terpenes show strong abilities to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Mohamed-Boukhatem\/publication\/340082065_Effective_Antiviral_Activity_of_Essential_Oils_and_their_Characteristics_Terpenes_against_Coronaviruses_An_Update\/links\/5e9d76e392851c2f52b2d954\/Effective-Antiviral-Activity-of-Essential-Oils-and-their-Characteristics-Terpenes-against-Coronaviruses-An-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">help kill viruses<\/a>, including alpha- and beta-pinene, caryophyllene, camphor, and carvone.<\/p>\n<h3>Anticancer&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>Rising rates in many forms of cancer are driving the quest to find compounds that can help suppress it. Some terpenes, including those found in cannabis, exhibit anticancer activity, helping to <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11101-011-9212-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inhibit the activity or growth<\/a> of cancer cells.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Limonene represents a particularly notable <a href=\"https:\/\/portlandpress.com\/bioscirep\/article\/38\/6\/BSR20181253\/98155\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anticancer and antitumor agent<\/a>, along with other terpenes such as pinene, camphor, terpinene, and beta-myrcene. One of the unique benefits of terpenes is that they are unlikely to affect healthy cells or cause side effects\u2014something important for cancer treatments.<\/p>\n<h3>Antidepressant<\/h3>\n<p>Given the mood-altering properties of many terpenes, it\u2019s no surprise that these potent compounds may also offer antidepressant activity. Twenty-five percent of antidepressant drugs are formulated using <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-030-31269-5_15\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">herbal extracts that contain terpenes<\/a>. Linalool and beta-pinene are common among many plant extracts used in antidepressant medication.<\/p>\n<h3>Antimicrobial<\/h3>\n<p>A vast array of terpenes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1420-3049\/24\/14\/2631\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">display antimicrobial activity<\/a>, or the ability to halt a harmful microorganism in its tracks. Terpenes that are particularly effective in killing or stopping the progression of microorganisms include alpha-bisabolol, geraniol, menthol, eucalyptol, and terpinolene.<\/p>\n<h3>Pain relief<\/h3>\n<p>Researchers have found that some cannabis terpenes mimic cannabinoids by creating an analgesic effect, or a reduction in pain. In one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-87740-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021 study<\/a> that combined terpenes with cannabinoids, pain-relieving effects were amplified without an increase in negative side effects. This interaction could indicate the entourage effect (more below).<\/p>\n<p>Terpenes that promote pain-relieving activity include humulene, geraniol, linalool, and \u03b2-pinene. Fascinatingly, the study above also found that these terpenes activate the body\u2019s CB1 receptors, which form part of the endocannabinoid system and influence pain perception.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>The entourage effect: How cannabis compounds may be working together<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-can-terpenes-contribute-to-the-effects-of-cannabis\">How can terpenes contribute to the effects of cannabis?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt=\"limonene\" class=\"wp-image-115085 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-4.jpg,compress&amp;w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-4.jpg,compress&amp;w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-4.jpg,compress&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-4.jpg,compress&amp;w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>(Leafly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Emerging evidence suggests that all plant compounds in cannabis work together synergistically\u2014this is known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g\">the entourage effect<\/a> and can be thought of as: The whole of all compounds present in cannabis are more together than the sum of its parts. In other words, a special whole-plant synergy occurs when cannabinoids and terpenes are consumed together, as opposed to by themselves.<\/p>\n<p>For example, terpenes appear to play a part in influencing the effects of THC and CBD in the body. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6143706\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2018 review<\/a> of people with epilepsy, those who took full-spectrum CBD extract\u2014including cannabinoids and terpenes\u2014experienced improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those who took CBD isolate, only containing cannabinoids. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/what-are-full-spectrum-cannabis-extracts-how-are-they-made\">Full-spectrum<\/a> cannabis extract is whole-plant medicine, containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that are present in the plant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The researchers also found that full-spectrum CBD extract was four times more potent than the CBD isolate, meaning patients could take a significantly lower dose, and attributed this to the therapeutic synergy of cannabinoids and other compounds, such as terpenes.<\/p>\n<p>More <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-87740-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recent research<\/a> has found that terpenes boost cannabinoid activity, but high concentrations of terpenes were needed to see this enhancement.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s vital to acknowledge that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/health\/is-cannabis-entourage-effect-real\">much is still unknown<\/a> about terpenes and their interactions with other terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids present in cannabis. In addition, the majority of the research we do have is based on animal or test-tube models.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, growing clinical interest in these aromatic compounds is yielding some fascinating findings. It\u2019s likely that the coming years will see a more sophisticated understanding of terpenes develop, and how they behave both individually and synergistically.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/terpenes-in-the-entourage-effect\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>How might terpenes contribute to the \u2018entourage effect\u2019 of cannabis?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-the-top-three-terpenes-found-in-cannabis\">The top three terpenes found in cannabis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt=\"terpinolene\" class=\"wp-image-115106 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-5.jpg,compress&amp;w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-5.jpg,compress&amp;w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-5.jpg,compress&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do-5.jpg,compress&amp;w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Terpinolene is found in lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, and apples.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, there\u2019s a staggering range of terpenes present in cannabis\u2014more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0168945219301190\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">150 different types<\/a>, to be exact. While many of these occur in concentrations too low to detect, some have a more robust presence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s the lowdown on three terpenes that are the most predominant in cannabis.<\/p>\n<h3>Myrcene<\/h3>\n<p>Most cannabis cultivars are dominant in either myrcene or caryophyllene. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/myrcene-terpene\">Myrcene<\/a>, a terpene that\u2019s also predominant in hops and lemongrass, has been described as delivering scent notes that are herbaceous, spicy, earthy, and musky.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Myrcene gives cannabis a mildly sweet flavor profile\u2014it\u2019s also found in mangoes. Cannabis cultivars that contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8326332\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">high concentrations of myrcene<\/a>, considered more than 0.5%, are likely to send you looking for a couch for some deep chill time. On the other hand, cannabis cultivars low in myrcene, or less than 0.5%, can kick off a more energetic high.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In addition to contributing to the signature scent of cannabis, myrcene can also deliver anti-inflammatory effects. A <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25622554\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2015 study<\/a> in cultured cells indicates that myrcene may effectively <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/25622554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce inflammation<\/a> associated with osteoarthritis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The terpene also appeared to help prevent the breakdown of cartilage cells, slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, and decrease the production of certain inflammatory cells produced by the body. Myrcene could potentially be harnessed to help alleviate anti-inflammatory diseases and their symptoms in the future.<\/p>\n<h3>Caryophyllene<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/caryophyllene-terpene\">Caryophyllene<\/a>, also known as beta-caryophyllene or \u03b2-caryophyllene, lends a spicy, peppery bite to some cannabis strains. Caryophyllene is also found in other plants such as cloves, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper. If you catch any of these scents when you smell a certain cannabis cultivar, it\u2019s likely because caryophyllene is present.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Caryophyllene helps to induce feelings of relaxation and wash away anxiety. Recent research also indicates that caryophyllene is distinct from other terpenes found in cannabis in several ways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Caryophyllene is the only known terpene found in cannabis that can bind to the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, which is found in the body\u2019s immune system. Thanks to this unique action, caryophyllene is sometimes also classed as an atypical cannabinoid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/caryophyllene\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research<\/a> into the therapeutic actions of caryophyllene shows that it has potential in easing symptoms in diverse conditions such as colitis, diabetes, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, liver fibrosis, and Alzheimer-like diseases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Future research suggests that caryophyllene\u2019s activity at the CB2 receptor could be harnessed to help treat conditions that are accompanied by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-3417\/9\/24\/5420\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inflammatory symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Limonene<\/h3>\n<p>Clean, fresh, uplifting citrus-y scents\u2014limonene\u2019s name is a giveaway for the aromas associated with this terpene. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/what-is-limonene-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabis-terpe\">Limonene<\/a> is found in the rinds of citrus fruits and ginger, and the terpene is also predominant in many cannabis cultivars that have a fruity, fresh bouquet, like Papaya Punch or Black Cherry Soda.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Similar to many other terpenes found in cannabis, limonene can help to ease stress. Its uplifting notes, however, also help to boost focus and elevate mood.<\/p>\n<p>Limonene appears to alter the way certain immune cells in the body behave, which may protect the body from a range of disorders. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1081\/IPH-120020476?journalCode=iipi20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one study<\/a>, limonene helped to increase the production of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow, which are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Researchers have also recently floated the idea that the unique therapeutic profile of limonene could be useful in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2405844020325469\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">treatments for Covid-19<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"author-box\" class=\"p-lg my-xxl bg-white rounded border border-light-grey elevation-low\">\n<div class=\"mb-lg\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Stone's Bio Image\" class=\"lazyload inline-block mr-md rounded-full border border-light-grey\"> <\/p>\n<p>Emma Stone<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"text-sm\">Emma Stone is a journalist based in New Zealand specializing in cannabis, health, and well-being. She has a Ph.D. in sociology and has worked as a researcher and lecturer, but loves being a writer most of all. She would happily spend her days writing, reading, wandering outdoors, eating and swimming.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"text-sm font-bold underline text-green\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/author\/emma-stone\">View Emma Stone&#8217;s articles<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"leafly-sailthru-signup p-lg my-xl bg-white rounded elevation-low border border-light-grey\">\n<p class=\"text-xs pt-lg\">By submitting this form, you will be subscribed to news and promotional emails from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\">Leafly<\/a> and you agree to Leafly&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/tos\">Terms of Service<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email messages anytime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat -->  <!--\nPerformance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https:\/\/www.boldgrid.com\/w3-total-cache\/ Served from: _ @ 2021-11-10 15:46:48 by W3 Total Cache\n--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do? &#8211; Leafly Leafly Leafly \u00ae Loading\u2026 Where are you from? noyes Remember me for 30 days. I confirm that this is not a shared device. Darn! You&#8217;re not old enough to use Leafly. Redirecting you to By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The unique musky, skunky, and pungent aroma of cannabis is unmistakable: Most people can smell it before they even see it. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that determine the scent of many flowers and herbs, bestow cannabis with its distinctive odor and contribute&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2314,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marijuana_information"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2313"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2313\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}