What’s a terpene and why do they matter when buying CBD products?

Terpenes are best known as the “smell good” parts of the plants and essential oils we know and love. Most people can recall the scent of a fresh cut pine tree at Christmas time, that’d be the terpene called Pinene. 

What about a newly mopped lemon fresh smelling floor? That citrus clean scent can be attributed to the terpene called Limonene. 

Most people are more familiar with terpenes than they realize, but may still not be aware of how they can be used to customize their CBD cannabis experiences. 

In this post we will discuss the 5 most common terpenes found in Kultivate Wellness CBD products. We will cover the popular uses for each terpene, what cultivars (aka strains) are high in each, and even highlight some of the bestselling products at Kultivate Wellness containing each unique profile. 

Myrcene 

First up is the popular terpene called Myrcene. Myrcenes’ aroma may be best described as earthy, citrus, fruity, clove-like, and sometimes even peppery. Commonly found in other plants such as lemongrass, thyme, hops, and sweet basil, Myrcene may be useful with insomnia, pain, muscle spasms, and it's a highly effective anti-inflammatory. 

Myrcene is known to increase the psychoactive (“high”) effect of THC. This means if you consume a THC product high in myrcene it may make for an even more intense cerebral ‘buzz’. Of course, that doesn’t apply to our hemp derived CBD products, but it’s something to keep in mind as we near the beginning of legal adult recreational marijuana sales in the commonwealth.

Cultivars commonly found in: Green Crack, Granddaddy Purple, Amnesia, Trainwreck, AK47, Jack Herer

Limonene

The energizing citrus scent of this terpene can be used to combat gastric reflux, heartburn, elevate mood, and reduce stress. It’s most often sought for it’s pain relieving properties and is a popular pick for daytime medications. Limonene occurs naturally in lemons, limes, and oranges.

Cultivars commonly found in: Hindu Kush, Lemon G, Strawberry Banana

Linalool 

Many people are well acquainted with the classic and unmistakable “marijuana smell” that comes with many cannabis products. But, many still don’t know it’s the terpene Linalool sending off those sweet scents. 

Linalool—the terpene most associated with that unforgettable cannabis aroma—is also found in lavender and many other plants including cinnamon and coriander. It’s been used forever as a home remedy for sleep disorders, used in treating psychosis, depression, anxiety, and inducing calm relaxation. 

Cultivars commonly found in: Kosher Kush, Romulan, Sour Kush

Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene

Often referred to as just plain “pinene”, and possibly the most recognizable as a “Christmas tree smell”, this popular terpene has many known medicinal benefits. 

Often used for asthma and other respiratory conditions, pinene has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used as a bronchodilator. It may also help calm and stabilize moods, acting as a great anti-anxiety terpene.

However, it’s greatest quality it brings to the table has to be Pinene’s ability to balance the “negative effects” of THC. It can reduce the anxiety, rapid heart rate, and even short term memory impairment that often comes with THC products.

Pinene is also commonly found in pine needles, rosemary, basil and sage. 

Common cultivars found in: Purple Kush, Bay Dream, AK-47, Jack Herer, strawberry cough, and dutch treat

Caryophyllene 

Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to react with a cannabinoid receptor, making a huge ongoing debate about where it should be classified. Regardless of what scientific category it may fall in, the benefits of this one are wild! Here this.... Caryophyllene has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, anti fungal too. It occurs naturally in black pepper, rosemary, oregano, and cloves, and some other plants too.

Cannabis with high levels of caryophyllene tend to be pungent and musky like. Some may also describe an 'earthy' aroma.

Common cultivars found in: Bubba Kush, Sour Diesal, Chemdog, Death Star, gelato, Fire OG

At Kultivate Wellness, We know terpenes

Kultivate Wellness stores are open 11am to 7pm daily. We have a terpene knowledgeable staff that’s happy to guide customers through the process of choosing CBD products for each unique situation. Using an easy to scan QR code on every product label, customers can quickly view the lab analysis, cannabinoid and terpene profile for all products we sell. When you’re curious about buying quality CBD product you can trust, shop with the company that’s been serving the local cannabis community for over 20 years. We know cannabis.