Back in 2016, we talked a bit about terpenes, those natural oils that give different strains their signature smells, tastes, and effects. Since last time, terpene labeling has become more commonplace within the cannabis industry, providing a greater overall picture of a strain beyond its THC and CBD content or if it’s an indica, sativa, or hybrid. Cannabis has over 100 different kinds of terpenes, all produced by the same glands that create the cannabinoids themselves. But cannabis isn’t the only plant that makes terpenes — and even some insects are known to secrete them as well.
If you’ve ever used an essential oil from lavender, eucalyptus, rose, or even garlic, you’re using a product derived from that plant’s terpenes. The strong pine scent that sits in your nostrils after walking past a conifer oozing resin is another example; turpentine, a solvent made from distilled resin, gets its name from terpenes. They’re used in medicine, perfumes, and various industrial applications. They seem to be everywhere, and cannabis is no exception.
While plants including cannabis produce terpenes to either attract pollinators or repel pests, each strain has its own blend. With more emphasis on these terpene profiles, cannabis growers now have a better understanding of how to cultivate their plants and selectively breed them to highlight specific scents and flavors or minimize undesirable effects.
Here are a few terpene profiles from Leafly of some popular strains so you can take a look for yourself:
Pineapple Express
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: THC (14-19%)
Terpenes:
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Limonene (citrus; commonly believed to provide anxiety and stress relief)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
Jack Herer
Species: Sativa
Cannabinoids: THC (15-19%)
Terpenes:
- Terpinolene (fruity; herbal, floral terpene also found in apples, lilacs, and nutmeg)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
Blue Dream
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: THC (16-20%)
Terpenes:
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
- Pinene (pine; found in rosemary and many other herbs)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
Sour Diesel
Species: Sativa
Cannabinoids: THC (16-20%)
Terpenes:
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Limonene (citrus; commonly believed to provide anxiety and stress relief)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
Girl Scout Cookies
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: THC (16-21%)
Terpenes:
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Limonene (citrus; commonly believed to provide anxiety and stress relief)
- Humulene (hoppy; herbal terpene that may provide anti-inflammatory benefits)
Granddaddy Purple
Species: Indica
Cannabinoids: THC (15-19%)
Terpenes:
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Pinene (pine; found in rosemary and many other herbs)
Wedding Cake
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: THC (17-24%)
Terpenes:
- Limonene (citrus; commonly believed to provide anxiety and stress relief)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
Trainwreck
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: THC (14-19%)
Terpenes:
- Terpinolene (fruity; herbal, floral terpene also found in apples, lilacs, and nutmeg)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
Durban Poison
Species: Sativa
Cannabinoids: THC (14-19%)
Terpenes:
- Terpinolene (fruity; herbal, floral terpene also found in apples, lilacs, and nutmeg)
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
- Ocimene (minty; sweet, floral terpene commonly used in perfumes)
ACDC
Species: Hybrid
Cannabinoids: CBD (11-15%)
Terpenes:
- Myrcene (herbal; most common terpene found in cannabis and has an earthy scent)
- Pinene (pine; found in rosemary and many other herbs)
- Caryophyllene (peppery; a spicy terpene that may have anti-inflammatory benefits)
Would you like to know more about terpenes or curious about profiles of other strains? Stop by and talk with one of our knowledgeable Budtenders today!
