From the uplifting floral and citrus scents in a florists shop, to the sedating effect of the lavender on your pillow at night, to the mind clearing effect from walking amongst pine trees, these effects are all caused by terpenes.
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a wide variety of plants. There are at least 20,000 terpenes found in nature. Cannabis produces more than 200 of these which act synergistically with the cannabinoids to produce what is known as the ‘entourage effect’, which fits with the holistic concept that; ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.’ The combination and different ratios of individual terpenes are what gives a cannabis variety its unique smell.
The genetics, combined with growing environment, determine the levels and combination of terpenes produced by the plant. The same plant variety grown in 2 different soils, or climatic conditions, can produce different ratios of the terpenes that are available within its genotype. Soil quality, temperature, and UV exposure play a large role in influencing a plants terpene production.
After harvesting, a certain amount of terpenes will oxidise and evaporate in the drying process. Care and attention has to be taken during the drying process, which can’t be rushed, to avoid the volatile compounds being overly degraded.
We’ve put together a chart to help you associate some of the familiar tastes and smells you can come across in different cannabis extracts.
Alpha-Bisabolol
Camphene
Delta-3-Carene
Camphene
Caryophyllene Oxide
P-Cymene
Eucalptol
Alpha-Humulene
Isopulegol
Geraniol
Guaiol
Alpha-Pinene
Beta-Myrcene
Limonene
Linalool
Cis-Nerolidol
Trans-Nerolidol
Ocimene
Alpha-Terpinene
Gamma-Terpinene
Alpha-Terpineol
Terpinolene
Floral
Pungent
Sweet, Earthy
Spicy
Woody
Sweet, Pungent Spicy
Spicy
Woody, Spicy, Clove
Minty
Rose
Woody
Herbal
Spicy
Citrus
Floral
Floral, Fruity
Floral, Fruity
Floral
Woody Odor
Terpenic
Citrus
Fresh, Woody, Sweet
Floral, Peppery
Turpentine
Terpenic
Spicy
Woody
Sweet, Pungent
Minty
Woody, Spicy, Clove
Minty
Floral
Woody
Herbal
Spicy
Citrus
Floral
Floral, Fruity
Floral, Fruity
Floral, Green
Terpenic
Terpenic
Terpenic
Woody
Chamomile
Camphor, Ginger
Turpentine
Black Pepper, Cloves
Beta-Caryophyllene
Cumin, Thyme
Eucalyptus
Hops, Sage, Ginger
Mint, Eucalyptus
Rose Oil, Lemongrass
Cypress Pine, Conifers
Conifers, Rosemary
Wild Thyme, Hops
Citrus Fruits
Lavender
Ginger, Jasmine
Ginger, Jasmine
All Spice, Basil
Eucalyptus, Juniper
Citrus
Bitter Orange Tree
Pinegum, Mandarin