
By: Laine Hammer & Cyrus Sepahbodi
Have you ever wondered how your favorite cannabis strains get their wonderful, diverse aromas and flavors? Your favorite indica, sativa, or hybrid strain smells so good because of organic compounds called terpenes! We’re going to break down what terpenes are, some of the pleasant aromas you can find in various strains, and why natural terpene profiles help you experience all the benefits of the cannabis plant.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural oils found typically in botanicals that put out a distinct scent or aroma. Cannabis terpenes are the oils that give your favorite cannabis strains their distinctive flavor. Many people choose their strains because of the distinct citrus, berry, mint, or pine flavors and smells. The terpenes are secreted in the flower’s sticky resin glands, called the trichomes. Terpenes can also appear in numerous herbs, fruits, or plants. Terpenes are vitally important in the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Each terpene, like each strain, has subtle differences in effects. Want some more inside knowledge about terpenes? Check out our article on why terpenes matter!

Terpenes vs. Terpenoids
Many cannasseurs and individuals in the cannabis industry use the words terpene and terpenoid interchangeably, but there are subtle key differences between them. The real difference between terpenes and terpenoids is that terpenes are hydrocarbons whereas terpenoids have have undergone oxidation. Think of it in terms of cannabis flower. In raw form the cannabis plant has terpenes that are present in the trichomes. But when a cultivator dries and cures the flower, some of the terpenes undergo a chemical change and become terpenoids. There is a similarity in terms of the minor cannabinoids THCa to THC and CBDa to CBD.
Where Are Terpenes Found on the Cannabis Plant?
Terpenes are formed on the most important part of the cannabis plant: the trichomes! There are myriad terpenes found in the trichomes, and they all lend themselves to making each cannabis strain unique. Trichomes have resin glands that not only make terpenes, but cannabinoids as well. CBD, THC, CBDA, THCA – basically everything we want from cannabis – is found in the trichomes.

How Are Terpenes Different from Cannabinoids?
As stated earlier, terpenes are the aromatic oils found inside of cannabis trichomes. They provide distinct scents and flavors to the plant and can also be found in other plants as well. Phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids, are the natural chemical compounds produced by cannabis flowers that provide natural protection to the plant. The key difference is the effects that cannabinoids have versus how terpenes provide scent and flavor. There are over 120+ cannabinoids unique to cannabis and they’re also found in everyday plants too! Some studies have shown that terpenes do have some direct physiological effects on the body, especially when it comes to linalool and limonene (more on that below). When you combine the effects of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD with the natural terpenes found in the plant, you are likely to have increased effects. Also, the aromas of terpenes can help with physical stressors such as normal inflammation, physical discomfort, as well as minor aches and pains.
How Terpenes Interact with Our Bodies
Part of what makes cannabis great is the aromas and flavors you get between strains. Preserving the natural terpenes of the plant is not only vital to efficacy, but is important because each strain is unique. Papa & Barkley maintains the terpene profile of the plants we use during our solventless processes. This allows for a more natural and comprehensive, full spectrum, approach to cannabis wellness. When you use our products, you supplement the Endocannabinoid System with a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients.

Most Common Terpenes
These 12 terpenes are what give cannabis strains their pleasant floral, woody, peppery, citrusy, berry, minty, and sometimes hoppy aromas!
Here are the most common terpenes:
MYRCENE
Myrcene is the terpene that is most found in mango, lemongrass, thyme, and hops. Myrcene helps provide muscle tension relief, anti-inflammation and produces a soothing effect.PHYTOL
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly cut grass? Phytol is a terpene that naturally occurs in green tea and is known for its antioxidant properties.HUMULENE
Humulene is an earthy, spicy scent, and is widely known for giving beers that distinct, hoppy taste! Humulene has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and help to reduce physical discomfort.CAMPHENE
Camphene is one of the less pleasant terpenes. With its musky, damp earth odor, it is very pungent and is sometimes mistaken for fellow terpene myrcene. While the odor isn’t as enjoyable as other terpenes, Camphene still has natural benefits, such as antibacterial properties, which is great for treating fungal infections and skin conditions.BISABOLOL
Bisabolol is a calming terpene produced by the chamomile flower. It’s known for having a light, floral aroma (much like our favorite tea!), and boasts anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.EUCALYPTOL
Eucalyptol is a well-known terpene that can help with reducing normal inflammation. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and can aid in memory enhancement and a boost of energy!TERPINOLENE
You can find woody aroma of terpinolene in rosemary, sage, tea tree oil, and your favorite lilac-scented body lotion! Terpinolene helps to enhance mood and can provide a calming effect in the mind and bodyCARYOPHYLLENE
Caryophyllene is commonly found in black pepper, cloves, and cotton. Some people even note hints of wood and cinnamon! Caryophyllene is great for your digestive system and has anti-inflammatory properties.PINENE
Not surprisingly, pinene is commonly found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill. Pinene is can be helpful for memory retention, staying alert, has antiseptic properties, and counteracts some of the effects of THC.LINALOOL
Linalool is a soothing aroma commonly found in lavender and is widely known for stress relief and relaxation. Linalool can also help to balance out the mind and body during more stressful times.VALENCENE
While it may not be as well-known as other terpenes, Valencene is highly beneficial! With its Valencia orange aroma, it repels mosquitos, flea, and ticks, even better than your average bug repellant!LIMONENE
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in cannabis. It gives off a citrusy aroma commonly found in fruit rinds as well as peppermint. Limonene can be used to help gastrointestinal problems, heartburn, and even help with mood enhancement.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) & Entourage Effect
Each of our bodies has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that controls physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. Our ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors. The CB1 receptors are concentrated throughout the central nervous system and brain. The CB2 receptors are present in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and peripheral nervous systems. The natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients found in cannabis plants can communicate with the signal receptors of the ECS to help reduce minor aches, acute discomfort, and normal inflammation.

When you consume cannabis, the natural cannabinoids and terpenes within the plant supplement your ECS and provide positive effects. Terpenes can play a vital role in providing balance to the ECS within our bodies, and when you maintain the terpene profile of the plant, you are getting better effects. e entourage effect is the idea that molecules that occur together in nature interact in useful ways. This also applies to cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are molecular compounds found in plants and insects in the form of natural oils and exhibit distinct aromas. Terpenes and cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) work together to maximize benefits in the body. Many studies reveal that while CBD or THC can be beneficial on their own, they often create better outcomes in combination.
Natural Terpene Profile: Whole Plant Full Spectrum™
Our Whole Plant Full Spectrum™ process is clean and chemical-free and maintains the whole plant’s natural terpene profile. This allows for you to experience all the benefits of the plant, including the natural aromas from each strain’s individual terpenes. Papa & Barkley believes that the natural terpene profiles found in the plant add increased efficacy to our products. We believe in the power of the whole plant and allowing the plant to do all the work.
Natural Cannabis Wellness
Resources & Citations
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