What are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter?

What are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter?

 When you peel off an orange, you will notice the fresh citrus smell. Or, imagine walking in a pine forest and enjoying a woody scent. Maybe you have noticed the odor of lavender. But did you know that all of these have one thing in common? What is it? Terpenes. You’ve heard it right. Terpenes, natural compounds that are found in various plants. They are the main reason behind the unique fragrance and flavour of many fruits, herbs, flowers, and trees. Although people usually hear about terpenes when they hear about cannabis, they are associated with many plants.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what terpenes are, why plants produce them, where they can be found, and why cannabis has become the most popular source of these compounds. Let’s start.

 

Table of content

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are responsible for providing a unique smell or aroma to different plants. You can consider terpenes a natural perfume. Each plant has its own individual terpenes, which is why a lemon smells different than a mint, and rosemary smells different than lavender. These are often made in tiny glands within the plant, and when they are released into the air, they give off a distinctive smell. Scientists say that there are different terpenes all over nature. Terpenes are found in many plants. Each terpene has a different smell. Let’s examine the following examples more closely:

Now you know the basics that terpenes are present in almost every plant. We experience them daily, without even knowing it.

Why Do Plants Produce Terpenes?

Now, you might have a question in mind about why every plant produces terpenes. Well, firstly, you need to understand that plants don’t generate terpenes just to produce a nice smell. These are natural compounds that help plants survive. The primary job of terpenes is to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. This fragrance of flowers helps guide pollinators to the plant to make reproduction easy. Terpenes can help protect plants. Some strong-smelling terpenes also discourage animals and insects from eating flowers and leaves. Others may help plants respond to environmental changes such as harmful microorganisms or heat. In simple words, terpenes act as a natural defence and communication system of plants.

Terpenes Are Found in More Than Just Cannabis

Many of you may be aware of terpenes just because of cannabis. However, this is not true. They are present in thousands of plants, including many foods that we eat. Here are some examples:

In short, next time you pass through a flowering garden, you will experience terpenes.

So Why Is Everyone Talking About Cannabis Terpenes?

Now you may be asking, if terpenes are found in thousands of plants, why is cannabis getting all the attention for having terpenes? There is an easy solution. Scientists know cannabis as one of the most terpene-rich plants; Cannabis contains various natural compounds, including a variety of terpenes and cannabinoids. It is this unique combination that makes cannabis so interesting to many researchers. The different aromas of cannabis are the result of varying combinations of terpenes. Some varieties have a fruity smell, others citrus, earthy, pine, spicy and floral smells. This is the primary reason different cannabis cultivars have different scent profiles.  

Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Here, we have created a list of terpenes found in cannabis:

Myrcene: Myrcene is considered the most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It possesses an earthy and herbal fragrance. Apart from cannabis, it is also present in thyme, mangoes, and hops.

Limonene: It smells like citrus and most people relate it to fresh lemons or oranges. It is found in citrus fruits, and also in some strains of cannabis.

Pinene: True to its name, it smells like fresh pine forests. Other than cannabis, it is found in pine needles, basil, rosemary and parsley.

Linalool. Lavender contains linalool. It has a sweet floral smell and can be found in lavender as well as some strains of cannabis.

Caryophyllene: It has a spicy aroma which is quite similar to cloves and black pepper. According to researchers, it is more extensive than many others.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids: What's the Difference?

Many people use the words “cannabinoids” and “terpenes” interchangeably. But they are not the same. Cannabinoids are usually made by cannabis and terpenes are what give a plant its smell and flavor. The two most famous cannabinoids are CBD and THC.  Both have different purposes and are found in the cannabis plant.

What Is the Entourage Effect?

Have you ever heard about the term “entourage effect” while reading about cannabis? If not, let us tell you what it is. This phrase indicates that cannabinoids and terpenes may work with each other in ways that are different from isolated compounds on their own. However, there is more research to be done to confirm this possibility.

Final Thoughts

Terpenes are commonly found in thousands of plants. From orange, lavender to cannabis plants. The blog shares important information on terpenes and their importance. Moreover, if you are interested in flavoured bhang goli, cbd gummies, cannabis gummies, Vijaya Vati, Vijaya Gummies, and other cannabis leaf extract-based wellness products, you can get in touch with The Canna Cabana