Hemp Derived Terpenes : A Definitive Guide
What Are Hemp Derived Terpenes?
If you are familiar with Dreamland Organics, you know how much we obsess about terpenes! We talk about them all the time. We grow in living soil, to bring out as much natural expression of these mysterious plant oils as possible.
In this article we decided to dive deep and give you all the definitive guide to the most common hemp derived terpenes found in hemp and cannabis. I think you can smell what we got cooking over here and hope you will enjoy this read as much as we did compelling the information. Now let's talk terps aka terpenes. "Ooh, ooh that smell, can ya smell that smell?"
Terpene Classification
Terpenes are natural chemicals produced by a variety of plants including hemp and cannabis. Terpenes have a wide range of characteristics, such as flavor, fragrance, and even medicinal effects.
Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons that give cannabis its unique scent and flavor. Terpenes have been found in over 20,000 different varieties throughout the world. While hemp contains approximately 200 terpenes, 60 of them are studied carefully.
Terpenes and terpenoids are a large group of chemicals that are commonly grouped together owing to their similar hydrocarbon chain.
The list of terpenes is stunning, all derived from the chemical isopentane or more simply known as isopentane, C₅H₈.
Terpenes are organic compounds found in the oils of many plants and insects, although terpenoids are chemically modified.
Terpenes are a type of aromatic chemical found in hemp and many other plants. They are the chemicals that give flavor, fragrance, and sometimes an impact on the human body. The most fascinating feature of terpenes is their capacity to react with other components in the plant and produce entourage effects, which are synergistic benefits that occur when multiple compounds interact.
Hemp contains hundreds of terpenes that work together to activate other compounds in the plant. According to studies, terpenes may modify the strength of individual cannabinoids like Cannabidiol (CBD), enhancing hemp's overall benefits.
Since our sense of smell is linked to emotion and memory centers in the brain, it is thought that there is a "cause and effect" connection between terpenes' fragrance and better overall mood.
The combination of THC, CBD and terpenes has a synergistic effect, resulting in the two distinct chemicals working together. This has prompted businesses to use terpenes in practically every conceivable hemp-related product.
The popularity of terpene-infused hemp and terpene hemp oil has exploded in the market owing to their consistent effectiveness. Terpenes are always being sought, just as with their uses.
Scientists and researchers are discovering new applications for and infusing terpenes in a variety of goods on a regular basis.
The higher the terpene percentage, the greater the total cannabinoid content and a variety of medical advantages.
Medicinal Benefits of Hemp Terpenes
Hemp terpenes are a distinct subcategory of cannabinoids that experts study. Although this data is a bit conflicting, there have been numerous studies that confirm the antioxidant and antifungal properties of terpenes, such as linalool, α-pinene, and terpinolene. These benefits include:
- Mental stimulation and creativity
- Anti-anxiety and PTSD Treatments
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Increased Energy Levels
Hemp terpenes are produced through the interaction of terpenes with endocannabinoid system receptors, producing relaxing or invigorating effects.
Hemp terpenes also have a “entourage effect,” which ensures that the terpenes interact with cannabinoids in order to maximize cannabinoid and flavonoid production.
Terpenes are created in glandular trichomes within the plant and can be improved naturally with light exposure, which is why they're so prevalent in cannabis.
Is There CBD In Hemp Terpenes?
No, hemp terpenes do not contain CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that exists independently of terpenes and, like all cannabinoids, acts similarly to other cannabinoids in the human body. Terpenes, on the other hand, influence how cannabinoids like CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a collection of receptors located throughout the brain and body that respond to cannabinoids. Terpenes are also believed to influence the effects of cannabinoids since, as a result of this, they have been linked to enhancing cannabinoid effectiveness. Each hemp cultivar and cannabis strain has its own "terpene profile," which is a unique mix of terpenes.
Hemp contains over 200 different terpenes
Talk of the hemp plant's beneficial qualities has been growing increasingly popular in recent years. Studies from around the world continue to back up the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating a wide range of skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, the immune system, rheumatoid arthritis, sleeplessness, and other health issues. The two most frequently mentioned active compounds in cannabis are THC and CBD, with the latter being an active component in industrial hemp and therefore lawful for production and sale in the European Union.
Furthermore, naturally occurring terpenes are an important component of the cannabis plant. Hemp has so far been found to include over 200 different terpenes, and around 60 of them are being studied in academic circles. The study of how terpenes affect skin diseases and other health problems is paving the way for new possibilities in treatments using hemp. The following terpenes are detailed in greater detail. They're present in the plant at a higher level, therefore they'll be discussed in further depth.
Terpenes are a potent component in and of themselves, and the various terpene combinations have made them appealing to a large number of people. There are hundreds of terpenes in cannabis plants, but a few stand out. Here are the top eight hemp terpenes.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis plants, and it's frequently defined as one of the most typical. Myrcene may account for between 30% and 65% of the essential oils obtained from a cannabis or hemp flower strain.
Myrcene has a musky, earthy scent with notes of cloves and is recognized for its muskiness and earthiness. The fragrance evokes a tranquil forest meditation, while the elements evoke similar feelings; myrcene is believed to help with relaxation and aid in sleep during times of sleeplessness.
Myrcene is also found in hops, lemongrass, parsley, and wild thyme. It's well known to many of us because it's present in so many plants. It is extracted and used in a variety of products, including fragrances and many foods.
- Scent: musky, herbal, earthy scent with hint of cloves
- Benefits: relaxing, sleep aid, known antioxidant
- Factoid: also found in mangos, lemongrass, thyme and hops
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Kimbo Kush
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is another terpene routinely found in cannabis and hemp plants. It's thought to mostly affect the endocannabinoid system's CB2 receptor.
Caryophyllene is identified by its pungent, pepper-like odor and flavor. Caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, oregano, cloves, basil, and rosemary.
- Scent: woody, spicy with a touch of pepper and cloves
- Benefits: activates the cannabinoid receptor, CB2
- Factoid: also found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Dream Fuel / Sheeba
Linalool
Linalool, along with many other cannabis terpenes, is most frequently associated with lavender. It's also present in a number of cannabis cultivars. Its scent is similar to that of lavender, which makes sense given it's a terpene derived from the same flower. Surprisingly, it has a touch of spice to it.
Linalool is supposed to decrease stress and might be one of lavender's major sources of stress relief. It's also been shown to have immune response effects, according to researchers. Finally, linalool might assist with more restful sleep when you are unable to get a good night's sleep.
- Scent: floral with a hint of spice and lavender
- Benefits: mood enhancement, anti-microbial, immune system support, stress reducer
- Factoid: found in lavender
- Recommended Hemp Strain: Lavender CBG/ Immortal
Pinene
Pinene is so named because of its fragrance, which resembles that of pine: smell this terpene and you'll immediately identify a known scent: pine. There are two forms of pinene: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. In relation to cannabis, alpha-pinene is the terpene we are talking about.
The pinene, like that found in black pepper appears to boost alertness and cognitive function. Pinene is a terpene found in cannabis as well as pine trees, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, parsley, and orange peels.
- Scent: pine
- Benefits: promotes alertness and memory retention
- Factoid: found in orange peels, conifer trees, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil and parsley
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Green Dream
Humulene
Humulene is a monoterpene that has been used in many beer varieties, including IPA. It's present in the hops during brewing and contributes to the aroma and flavor of the brew. Hops have a relatively high amount of 20% to 50%, although it is commonly found in cannabis strains.
Humulene, as expected, has a pungent, dank odor that might be described as earthy and woody. In addition to hops and cannabis, humulene is also found in coriander, cloves, and basil.
- Scent: woody and earthy with hints of hops
- Benefits: Pain relief, Inflammation
- Fun Facts: also found in hops, coriander, cloves and basil
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Belladonna
Limonene
Limonene has the distinct fragrance of citrus. It's perhaps no surprise, then, that limonene is frequently used in food flavoring compounds and cleaning products. It's also found in skincare products to enhance epidermal absorption.
Limonene is a terpene found in cannabis that is believed to relieve stress and boost spirits. It gives the user a lift by acting as a stress-reliever and mood enhancer. Aside from cannabis, limonene is found in oranges, rosemary, juniper, peppermint, and fruit rinds.
- Scent: citrus
- Benefits: mood enhancer, stress reliever
- Factoid: responsible for the scent of an orange, also found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Eden
Ocimene
Ocimene, on the other hand, is less frequent than myrcene or linalool. It's still frequently found in cannabis and hemp plants. Ocimene has a pleasant, herbal, and woody scent. Occasionally, ocimene is associated with undertones of citrus.
Ocimene is also present in a variety of other plants, including mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, and kumquats. It's particularly concentrated in numerous plants outside cannabis strains, such as mint and parsley.
- Scent: sweet, herbal, woody
- Benefits: relaxing, anxiety relief
- Factoid: found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids and kumquats
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Tropical Dream
Terpinolene
Finally, there is terpinolene, a terpene present in many cannabis varieties. It's got a woodsy, pine-like smell and undertones of herbal scents.
Terpinolene may also be found in nutmeg, tea trees, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs.
- Scent: piney, floral, herbal
- Benefits: antioxidant and relaxing effects
- Factoid: found in nutmeg, tea tree, conifer trees, apples, cumin and lilacs
- Recommended Hemp Strain : Cannoli
Why Terpenes are just as important as cannabinoids
While THC and CBD are certainly the most well-known cannabinoids, they are far from the only beneficial compounds present in cannabis or hemp plants. Cannabinoids, truth be told, are far less effective and flavorful without terpenes. That is why hemp buds that may test high for CBD, but lack terpenes, do mot have a strong effect. Terpenes are the loyal back-up to cannabinoids, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. There are hundreds of terpenes in cannabis and numerous other plants all over the world, but these eight are among the most well-known. The potential for terpenes is virtually limitless.
Conclusion
You may thank terpenes for your favorite food or flavors, or after you smell fresh-cut grass for the first time, as well as grandma's pie or even the smell of a pine forest.
At Dreamland Organics, we know the advantages of terpenes in hemp and endeavor to communicate that information with others. Our crew has over 80 years of collective cannabis expertise to offer you with an excellent sense for desired terpenes, resulting in a highly curated collection of the finest hemp products in Oregon. People always ask us which of our strains has the most terpenes and we always have the same answer, "If it's not loud, we can hear it".
Translation: All of our strains have intense terpenes, otherwise we would not be selling them. If they don't pass the "loud" (slang for stinky cannabis) test, they don't make it on our site. Period.
With that said, try either "Immortal", "Eden", or "Sheeba" for some of the loudest CBD flower ever grown,