Hemp is quickly becoming the hottest new health supplement. And for good reason: research has shown that hemp contains medicinal compounds called cannabinoids, which could have a range of benefits for skin, hair, and overall wellbeing. But there’s another group of hemp chemical compounds that have potential benefits: terpenes. Known for their strong aromatic qualities, terpenes are what give different hemp strains their unique flavor profiles. Besides giving hemp a sweet taste and smell, many researchers believe terpenes could play an instrumental role in the future of cannabis applications—from helping reduce anxiety to treating pain, insomnia and more!

Terpenes in hemp are a group of compounds found in the hemp plant that are responsible for its unique aroma and flavor. These compounds are found in the essential oils of the plant and are known to have a wide range of therapeutic and medicinal properties. Terpenes In Hemp are found in a variety of different strains of the plant, and each strain has a unique combination of terpenes that give it its distinct aroma and flavor.

Terpenes in hemp are similar to the compounds found in other plants, such as pine trees and rosemary. They are also found in many other plants and fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Terpenes in hemp are known to have a wide range of therapeutic and medicinal properties, and are often used in aromatherapy and other natural healing practices. They are also used in the production of perfumes, soaps, and other personal care products.

The most common terpenes in hemp include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant properties. Myrcene, for example, is known for its sedative properties and is often used to help people sleep. Limonene is known for its anti-anxiety properties and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders. Caryophyllene is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Linalool is known for its anti-anxiety properties and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders.

To better understand the growing field of terpene research, let’s take a brief look at the biology of these compounds. After exploring terpenes in general, we’ll examine the qualities and potential benefits of some of the most common ones.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons, or in simpler terms, the essential oil in plants. Scientifically, terpenes are classified as hydrocarbons with the following molecular structure: (C5H8)n. Most researchers now believe plants produce these terpenes both to ward off insect invaders and to attract pollinating bugs. Besides cannabis, terpenes can be found in the oils and resins of most spices, herbs, and fruits.

Terpenes are the most abundant flavor and fragrance compounds present in hemp. As the hemp plant matures into the flowering phase, most farmers notice the distinctive smell of their strain’s terpenes seeping out of the hair-like trichomes. Since there are well over 100 different kinds of terpenes that could appear in the hemp plant, it’s impossible to describe a standard “terpene scent.” Despite this fact, there are standardized measures which scientists use to classify these compounds.

Terpenes are organic compounds found in the essential oils of plants, and most plants produce both terpenes and cannabinoids. Many people enjoy using terpenes to alter their experience with cannabis, as well as simply enjoying the aroma. Terpenes are often used in cannabis extracts for these reasons. Flavor profiles are a major part of how we taste terpenes. Each flavor will depend on the type of terpene and its individual characteristics. 

Every strain of hemp has terpenes with different effects. This can result in significant physiological changes, depending on which terpene profiles are used. For instance, some terpenes are good for energizing the body, but others could be used as a sedative. Terpenes also appear to enhance the benefits of cannabinoids via the endocannabinoid system.

The therapeutic effects of most strains of hemp-derived terpenes are increased when they are vaporized or smoked. However, some terpenes need to be heated to a certain point before they can transform into an activated form. That’s why knowing the exact boiling point for the terpenes in your variety of hemp is so important. Without this knowledge, you won’t derive the full restorative benefit of these terpenes.

• Myrcene Terpene
• Linalool Terpene
• A-Pinene Terpene
• Limonene Terpene
• Humulene Terpene
• Beta-Caryophyllene Terpene
• Bisabolol Terpene
• Caryophyllene Terpene
• Ocimene Terpene
• Guaiol Terpene
• Farnesene Terpene

Benefits Of Terpenes In Hemp

Terpenes in hemp are also known to have a wide range of medicinal properties. For example, myrcene is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and is often used to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Limonene is known to be an anti-anxiety agent, and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders. Caryophyllene is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent, and is often used to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Linalool is known to be an anti-anxiety agent, and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders.

Terpenes in hemp are also known to have a wide range of therapeutic properties. For example, myrcene is known to be a powerful sedative, and is often used to help people sleep. Limonene is known to be an anti-anxiety agent, and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders. Caryophyllene is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent, and is often used to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Linalool is known to be an anti-anxiety agent, and is often used to help people with anxiety disorders.

List Of Most Common Terpenes In Hemp Flower

Below you will find the most common terpenes in the hemp plant. The list is not exhaustive, but it covers the compounds that are most prevalent in terms of frequency and level.

Myrcene Terpene

Myrcene is a pungent terpene that can be found in over 200 plant species. It’s also one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, which gives this tropical fruit its strong citrusy, earthy and tropical scent. Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in the cannabis plant. Besides its tropical and fruity notes, many people have described this terpene as having an earthy and citrusy aroma. Known for its sedative effects and ability to enhance the psychoactive effects of THC, myrcene’s calming effect makes it perfect for those wanting a sleepy-time high.

Myrcene has been shown to have a profound impact on the physiological effects of cannabis. It’s one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, with the most prominent new research suggesting that the amount of myrcene in a hemp strain has a significant effect on its sedative effects—the higher your myrcene level, the more likely you are to feel relaxed and sleepy. Meanwhile, Myrcene’s proper vaporizing temperature is 332°F.

Linalool Terpene

The most well-known terpene for its sedating effects is linalool. In fact, this honey-smelling terpene is most often associated with the herb lavender, which has been used as a natural sleep aid for centuries. Today, linalool also occurs in high quantities in hemp strains grown for their calming effects.

In addition to helping people get a good night’s sleep, Lazy Lavender could be used as a potent mood booster. One study out of the University of Tokyo found that linalool significantly decreased stress levels in lab rats exposed to stressors. If this is true, linalool could be implemented as an anxiolytic agent.

Linalool is a terpene with a known boiling point at 388°F. This is great for smokers and those looking to purchase hemp flower that contains Linalool due to the fact that it can be vaporized in dry herb vaporizers or smoked.

A-Pinene Terpene

The A-Pinene in hemp terpenes also known as beta-Pinene is a powerful, stimulating fragrance known for its energizing and uplifting effects on the body and mind.

Pinene is a terpene that has a pine-like scent and is responsible for the typical smell of pine trees. Cannabis that release a forest-like aroma when burnt contain pinene in significant amounts. A-pinene has also been shown to have anti-aging properties, as it helps support the immune system and can prevent scarring from wounds.

Consuming hemp rich in pinene helps fight short-term memory loss. It is also used to treat respiratory issues as it helps open up the nasal passages and improves airflow to the lungs.

The boiling point for pinene hemp terpene is set at 311°F

Limonene Terpene

If you’re a fan of citrus scents, the limonene terpene may be just what your cannabis needs. Derived from lemons and limes, this terpene smells like citrus and is commonly found in foods such as ginger, rosemary and nutmeg. Known for its mood-enhancing properties, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce stress levels. It can help improve mood by reducing stress and facilitating good absorption of other beneficial terpenes in the bloodstream.  It's also been known to help with neurological issues like chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia and Alzheimer's disease. It’s recommended that you do a little bit of research on this terpene before using it in cooking, as using too much might not be good for your health.

In addition, Limonene is the first of two terpenes found in hemp, making it a great selection for anyone looking to support their body’s natural processes. Limonene is a sweet citrusy hemp terpene that has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal issues.

To activate limonene hemp terpene, users must heat their vaporizer to no higher than 348°F (175°C). This should be higher than the temperature at which most other cannabinoids are activated by air. At 350°F (177°C), limonene will break down and begin producing a much different effect which is less pleasant than the product you want.

Humulene Terpene

Humulene is a malty terpene that can be found in hops and coriander. These properties make it useful for tea or beer drinker alike. Humulene is an earthy-woody smelling terpene that is found in hops and sage. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. While most strains usually increase appetite, humulene-rich strains suppress hunger and make you feel fuller. In addition, Humulene is a powerful anti-inflammatory terpene that's used in the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Humulene is a terpene found in marijuana. It has a moderately low boiling point, similar to other terpenes on this list. At 222°F, is relatively low compared with other terpenes.

Beta-Caryophyllene Terpene

Caryophyllene (or β-caryophyllene) is a terpene that is found in many plants. It has been reported in black pepper, clove, edible figs and hops. 

Caryophyllene hemp terpenes are a spicy, terpene that was found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (CB2) when studied. Caryophyllene has analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene and one of the major components in cannabis. There has also been some research that suggests beta-caryophyllene may reduce abdominal swelling in patients with digestive diseases and it might even improve brain function. As with other terpenes, this hypothesis has not been proven and beta-Caryophyllene is not approved by the FDA for medicinal use.

Beta-caryophyllene has a relatively low boiling point at 266°F.

Bisabolol Terpene

Bisabolol, also known as chamazulene, is a natural terpene found in hemp plants. Bisabolol is a terpene that has a light, sweet floral aroma and is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant effects. Found commonly in chamomile and other herbals, it's derived from a number of plant sources including hops and parsnips.

Caryophyllene Terpene

The Caryophyllene Bisabolol terpene is a spicy terpene. Caryophyllene Bisabolol is a secondary metabolite of herbs and spices. It belongs to the group of terpenes which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (CB2). Caryophyllene has analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects.

Caryophyllene Bisabolol (CB) is a terpene that naturally occurs in many plants, such as tea tree, eucalyptus and black pepper.

Ocimene Terpene

Ocimene is a terpene, or a hydrocarbon found in many plants. Ocimene hemp terpene exhibits a sweet, herbaceous, and woodsy aroma. With antifungal properties, ocimene is used in perfumes for its pleasant odor. In nature this terpene acts as part of the plant's defense mechanism. Historically, it has been used in perfumes for its pleasant herbaceous notes, which have been described as including linalool, geraniol, and citrus.

Ocimene terpene is one of nature’s perfect antioxidants. It occurs naturally in botanicals as diverse as mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, kumquats, and of course hemp.

Guaiol Terpene

Guaiol Terpene is a versatile, citrusy terpene found in cannabis buds. Similar to its cousin, the terpene ocimene, Guaiol Terpene features a relatively low boiling point of only 198° F (92° C). This means that patients consuming it via the vaporization of cannabis flowers must employ a low temperature setting to gain the maximum benefit from this volatile terpene.

Guaiol terpene is a powerful and effective natural treatment that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Its efficacy conveyed by Guaiol Terpene is similar to that of other terpenes, with its greatest health benefits being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial in nature. This powerful terpene is adept at treating conditions as diverse as arthritis, constipation, gout, sore throat, and even syphilis.

Guaiol Terpene is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound with a history of being used as a diuretic. Guaiol Terpene is known to have analgesic (pain killing) properties. It also has a history of being used widely as a diuretic, lowering blood pressure and helping with coughing. Confirming this, studies have shown that Guaiol can be an effective treatment for pain and swelling. It is also known to treat coughing.

Farnesene Terpene

Farnesene Terpene is a common terpene found in turmeric, quince, and chamomile. It has been known to have relaxing and calming effects with a sweet, woody and herbal aroma. If you're looking for something to soothe your mood, this one is for you!

It contains a wide range of medical benefits. The medical benefits of Farnesene Terpene include pain relief, muscle relaxer and sedative effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Recent studies suggest that it may even help with tooth decay.

Conclusion

If you are a cannabis user, you need to pay more attention to the different types of terpenes. The reason is simple: Terpenes give each strain its distinctive smell, taste and effect. For example, if you want something that helps with sleep, then it’s better to stick with strains that have high levels of myrcene (a type of monoterpene).

While we’ve been able to learn a lot about the hundreds of terpenes found in hemp, we’re just beginning to understand all of the potential benefits they offer. For example, researchers are interested in how these terpenes interact with each other and with cannabinoids to produce different restorative effects.

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