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When people think about cannabis, they often focus on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, another important compound that contributes to the plant’s unique properties is terpenes. These organic compounds play a significant role in the aroma, flavor, and even the effects of cannabis. But what exactly are terpenes, and how do they affect the body? Let’s break it down.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, not just cannabis. They give plants their distinct smell, whether it’s the fresh scent of pine trees, the zestiness of oranges, or the soothing fragrance of lavender.

• Natural Occurrence: Terpenes are naturally produced by plants to protect themselves from predators or attract pollinators.
• In Cannabis: In cannabis, terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to enhance the overall experience, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Terpenes are responsible for the wide variety of aromas found in different cannabis strains. For example, some strains smell earthy or piney, while others are fruity or floral.

Types of Terpenes in Cannabis

There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis, but here are a few of the most common:

1. Myrcene
   • Found in: Mango, basil, hops
   • Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal
   • Effects: Sedative, relaxing, and can enhance the effects of THC
2. Limonene
   • Found in: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges
   • Aroma: Citrus, fresh
   • Effects: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, anti-anxiety
3. Linalool
   • Found in: Lavender
   • Aroma: Floral, spicy
   • Effects: Relaxing, sedative, anti-anxiety
4. Pinene
   • Found in: Pine trees, rosemary
   • Aroma: Pine, fresh, earthy
   • Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory
5. Caryophyllene
   • Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
   • Aroma: Spicy, peppery
   • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief

How Terpenes Affect the Body

Terpenes don’t just contribute to a plant’s smell—they also affect how cannabis interacts with the body. Here are a few ways they influence your experience:

• Enhancing or Calming Effects: Some terpenes, like myrcene, have calming effects that may help with relaxation and sleep. Others, like limonene, provide a more energizing or mood-enhancing experience.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Many terpenes have therapeutic properties that can aid in relieving stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
• Entourage Effect: Terpenes work in synergy with cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), enhancing the overall effects of cannabis. For example, a strain with a high amount of both myrcene and THC can create a more sedative effect than one with THC alone.

Potential Medical Uses

Because of their various properties, terpenes are being studied for their potential medical benefits. Here are a few potential uses:

• Anti-anxiety and Stress Relief: Limonene and linalool are known for their calming effects and are used in aromatherapy for relaxation.
• Pain Relief: Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain.
• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Many terpenes also possess antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage.

Final Thoughts

Terpenes are much more than just the aroma of cannabis. These natural compounds play a significant role in the overall effects and benefits of the plant. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, energy, or relief from pain, understanding the different types of terpenes can help you choose the right cannabis strain for your needs. The next time you try cannabis, pay attention to the scents—it might give you a clue about how it will affect you!

Want to learn more about cannabis concentrates and extracts, and the differences between the two? You’ve come to the right place.

While you may hear the terms “extract” and “concentrate” used interchangeably, cannabis extracts are actually a specific type of cannabis concentrate. ​​Or, to put it another way, extracts are always concentrates, but concentrates aren’t always extracts.

What are cannabis concentrates?

Concentrates are potent forms of cannabis available in a variety of solid and liquid formats. They are made by separating active ingredients such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from plant material, such as buds, leaves and stems.

How are concentrates made?

Concentrates can be made with or without solvents. Both methods effectively extract the active ingredients from the rest of the plant.

Solventless concentrates employ physical methods, such as sifting, freezing and pressing, as well as heat and water extraction to separate active ingredients from plant materials.

Solventless concentrates include: 

• Kief (also known as sift) 
• Hash 
• Rosin 

Concentrates made with solvents are​ ​exposed to evaporating solvents that strip the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from the plant for a concentrated and potent format.​ Some combine solvents with physical production methods such as heating, stirring or whipping.

Concentrates made with solvents​ (also known as extracts)​​ ​include: 

• Shatter and wax
• Resin 
• Distillate 
• Isolate 
• Badder/batter 

What are extracts?

Cannabis extracts are a subcategory of cannabis concentrates made by separating (extracting) the active ingredients inside cannabis using solvents, such as butane, carbon dioxide, alcohol and ethanol​. After that, they may also​​​ ​be​​​ combined with a carrier oil to prepare the extracts for ingestion.

Extracts include products like:

• Oils 
• Capsules  
• Oral sprays 
• Softgels 
• Sublingual strips

How do concentrates and extracts differ?

Extracts are a subcategory of concentrates. All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. Extracts are created with the use of solvents, such as butane or ethanol; however, concentrates can be created with or without the use of solvents.  ​​Concentrates processed with solvents include shatter, wax, resin, distillate, isolate and badder (also known as butter). Extracts are cannabis concentrates that are mixed with other ingredients (including a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil) to create oral sprays, softgels and bottled oils that are dosed with a dropper. They can also be infused into products such as sublingual strips and hard capsules.​​​

When making solventless ​​concentrates​​, producers use physical methods such as applying heat and pressure and sifting to ​​separate​​ the active ​​ingredients​​ from plant matter. Solventless concentrates include kief, hash and rosin.​​​