Plants produce molecules in their resin called terpenes , which are responsible for their aroma and flavour. These molecules have adaptive purposes, such as deterring predators or attracting pollinators. However, aromatherapy uses terpenes for therapeutic purposes like regulating moods, dealing with sleep problems and improving overall health.

Currently, more than 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis. Each strain has a unique composition of these molecules. This is what gives the Cheese strain its strong cheese flavour while Blueberry smells fruity and tastes like blueberry. In fact, this composition can even vary within one same subspecies depending on climate, age, maturity, type of soil, etc.

Are terpenes bad for you?

Terpenes are secreted through the same plant glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Historically, researchers and growers focused more on the latter for their psychoactive properties, but recent studies have revealed that terpenes also act synergistically with cannabinoids – in fact, terpenes adjust to the same receptors in your brain – and they alter the chemical effect produced in your body.

Many therapeutic marijuana patients have noticed that one strain helps them more than others despite having similar levels of THC or CDB. The difference lies in their composition of terpenes and their synergy with cannabinoids. That is why laboratories are increasingly interested in researching these molecules, no only for the contribution to aroma, flavour and colour, but also for their potential medical applications.

Most common terpenes

Myrcene

Aroma: Musky, earthy

Musky, earthy Effects: Relaxing and sedative

Relaxing and sedative Medical value: Antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, muscle relaxant, analgesic, antidepressant

Antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, muscle relaxant, analgesic, antidepressant Also found in: Mango, lemongrass, hops and thyme

Mango, lemongrass, hops and thyme Strains high in myrcene: El Niño, Pure Kush, Himalayan Gold, White Widow.

Pinene

Aroma: Pine

Pine Effects: Clarity, memory retention, counteracts some effects of THC

Clarity, memory retention, counteracts some effects of THC Medical value: Bronchodilator, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and a local antiseptic

Bronchodilator, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and a local antiseptic Also found in: Pine, rosemary,parsley, dill, basil, etc.

Pine, rosemary,parsley, dill, basil, etc. Strains high in pinene: Skunk, Jack Herer, Bubba Kush, Super Silver

Limonene

Aroma: Citrus

Citrus Effects: Anti-stress and improves mood

Anti-stress and improves mood Medical value: Antifungal, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic (prevents deterioration of Ras gene), used to cure depression and acts as an aphrodisiac

Antifungal, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic (prevents deterioration of Ras gene), used to cure depression and acts as an aphrodisiac Also found in: Citrus, mint, rosemary, juniper

Citrus, mint, rosemary, juniper Strains high in limonene: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze

Caryophyllene

Aroma: Spicy, woody, pepper and clove

Spicy, woody, pepper and clove Effects: Not detectable

Not detectable Medical value: Gastric protector, anti-inflammatory, good for ulcers and arthritis

Gastric protector, anti-inflammatory, good for ulcers and arthritis Also found in: Pepper, clove and cotton

Pepper, clove and cotton Strains high in caryophyllene: Hash Plant variations

Linalool

Aroma: Floral

Floral Effects: Anxiolytic and sedative

Anxiolytic and sedative Medical value: Anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, anti-acne

Anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, anti-acne Also found in: Lavender

Lavender Strains high in linalool: G13 Haze, Amnesia Haze, LA Confidential

Terpenes effect chart

However, since there are infinite combinations in cannabis genetics, the range of terpene profiles is certainly immeasurable, as you can see in this chart: