The Secrets About Terpenes and Their Benefits
In our article about terpenes, their importance, and what they are, we mentioned that cannabis flowers contain over 100 terpenes.
Cannabis terpenes are listed below, along with which strains contain the most of them.
Myrcene
There are notes of fruity, red grape aromas along with earthy, musky, and clove to Myrcene, the most abundant terpene in the world.
A strain containing 0.5% of this terpene is generally sedative and an Indica. When treating cancer, Myrcene is recommended because it relieves pain.
Strains Rich in Myrcene:
- Blue Dream
- Bubba Kush
- Mango Kush
- Purple Urkle
- Harlequin
Here’s an excellent tip: Mango contains Myrcene, which strengthens the effects of THC and increases the absorption of THC when eaten before smoking Cannabis.
Limonene
Although Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in Cannabis, it is not present in every strain.
All citrus fruits contain large amounts of Limonene, which is why strains that have this terpene have a citrusy smell reminiscent of lemons.
Limonene reduces stress and improves mood for therapeutic purposes. One study even found that it reduced the size of tumors due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor properties.
Limonene Rich Strains:
- Berry White
- Durban Poison
- Lemon Diesel
- OG Kush
- Sour Diesel
Linalool
Linalool is responsible for the spicy and floral notes in marijuana. Lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander all contain Linalool. Notably, cannabis strains with Linalool have the same sedative properties as those aromatic herbs.
This wonderful terpene has helped all kinds of ailments, including arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia, and even cancer.
Linalool Rich Strains:
- Amnesia Haze
- Special Kush
- LA Confidential
- OG Shark
Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, found in oregano, basil, and rosemary, acts as a topical inflammatory treatment because it binds to cannabinoid receptors.
The analgesic and anxiety-relieving properties of caryophyllene have been linked to alcoholism rehabilitation in some studies.
This terpene is said to reduce the voluntary intake of alcohol. It has even been recommended as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Caryophyllene Rich Strains:
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Bubba Kush
- Sour Diesel
Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene
These two terpenes are in large amounts on pine trees, which is one of the reasons they smell like pine trees. These terpenes are also in rosemary, orange peels, basil, parsley, and Cannabis.
Pinene terpenes help improve airflow and respiratory functions and reduce THC-induced memory loss. People with Asthma can benefit from cannabis strains rich in beta-pinene and alpha-pinene.
Additionally, pinene can also be beneficial for patients who have arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.
Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene Rich Strains:
- Shark Shock
- Vanilla kush
- Critical Cheese
- Cherry Limeade
- Blue Haze
- White Fire OG (Wifi OG)
Alpha-bisabolol
Alpha-bisabolol, a terpene found in chamomile flowers and candeia trees, contributes to the floral aroma of these plants. Originally used primarily in cosmetics, this terpene has attracted researchers’ attention lately due to its medical benefits, especially in Cannabis.
The anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and analgesic properties of alpha-bisabolol make it an effective treatment for wounds and bacterial infections.
Alpha-bisabolol Rich Strains:
- Harle-Tsu
- Pink Kush
- Headband
- ACDC
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is the primary terpene of eucalyptus trees. It has a distinctive minty smell that usually makes up 0.06% of a strain’s total terpene content.
As a terpene, eucalyptol is used in cosmetics as well as medicine. In addition to relieving pain, eucalyptol also inhibits bacteria and fungal growth.
Even though research is still in its early stages, this terpene seems to have some good properties for Alzheimer’s.
Eucalyptol Rich Strains:
- Dutch Treat
- Ace of Spades
- London Pound Cake
- Bubba Kush
- GMO Cookies
Trans-nerolidol
Trans-nerolidol smells like roses, citrus, and apples and occurs naturally in flowers like jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree oil.
In addition to its antiparasitic properties, trans-nerolidol is antifungal, anticancer, and antimicrobial.
Trans-nerolidol Rich Strains:
- Sweet Skunk
- Tangilope
- Royal Jack Automatic
- Sweet Skunk
- Skywalker OG
Humulene
Besides Cannabis, humulene is also in cloves, sage, and black pepper and has an earthy, woody and spicy aroma.
Among its many medicinal properties, humulene is an anti-proliferative, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It also suppresses appetite, making it a potential weight loss supplement.
Aside from reducing inflammation and relieving pain, this cannabis terpene also fights bacteria.
Humulene Rich Strains:
- White Rhino
- Pink Kush
- Bubba Kush
- Super Lemon Haze
Delta 3 Carene
Plants like rosemary, basil, bell peppers, cedar, and pine produce this terpene, which has a sweet scent reminiscent of cypress trees.
Aside from assisting in the process of healing broken bones, Carene is also beneficial for treating osteoporosis, arthritis, and even fibromyalgia.
Moreover, this terpene helps memory retention and stimulates our memory. In the quest to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, this could be a breakthrough.
Delta 3 Carene Rich Strains:
- AK-47
- Arjan’s Ultra Haze
- Super Silver Haze
- Jack Herer
Camphene
Often confused with Myrcene, Camphene smells like musky earth, damp woodlands, and fir needles.
Camphene offers great potential because it is a powerful antioxidant when combined with vitamin C. It is widely used in conventional medicine for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Among its greatest potentials is its ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby reducing cardiovascular diseases.
Camphene Rich Strains:
- Ghost OG
- Banana Kush
- Mendocino Purps
Borneol
Among the herbs that contain borneol is rosemary, mint, and camphor, which prevents tick, flea, and mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile. Based on a study, borneol appears to be effective in killing breast cancer cells.
Borneol Rich Strains:
- Amnesia Haze
- Golden Haze
- K13 Haze.
Terpineol
A common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavors, terpineol has a pleasant odor that reminds one of lilacs, apple blossoms, and a little citrus.
It usually causes the couch lock effect due to its severe relaxing effects. Antioxidant and antibiotic properties are also associated with terpineol.
Terpineol Rich Strains:
- OG Kush
- Haze Berry
- Skywalker OG
- Humboldt Dream
Valencene
The citrusy aromas and flavors of Valencia oranges, which contain large amounts of this terpene, make it an effective insect repellent.
Valencene Rich Strains:
- Clementine
- Gushers
- Jack Frost
- Agent Orange
Geraniol
Lemons and tobacco also contain geraniol, which has a smell that resembles rose grass, peaches, and plums. Geraniol is usually found in aromatic bath products and body lotions.
This terpene has been shown to possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Geraniol Rich Strains:
- Afghani
- Strawberry Diesel
- Kimbo Kush
- Dutch Hawaiian
- Black Cherry Soda
Conclusion:
It is important to keep in mind that just as cannabinoids have a profound effect on the body and mind of a strain, terpenes do the same.
Selecting a strain that relieves pain, eases depression, or reduces inflammation requires selecting strains that have the highest concentration of each terpene.
If you have trouble finding some of the strains mentioned above, join Grow and Share, a free cannabis-sharing platform. At Grow and Share, you can meet like-minded cannabis enthusiasts who grow and purchase their strains, which allows you to diversify your supply and increase your chances of finding the strain you’re looking for.