The distinctive flavors and smells are one of the most striking
qualities of marijuana, and it varies between strains. The flavors and
smells are produced by terpenes, which are small molecules with
repeating units of the organic compound isoprene. Terpenes are
manufactured inside specialized hairs, called trichomes, located on the
surface of the leaves and stems of the plant, and they account for 5-10
percent of the total essential oils produced by trichomes; in fact,
terpenes are found in all plants to varying degrees.
More than 100 different terpenes have been identified in marijuana, and
these terpene profiles can vary from strain to strain. Terpene profiling
— the process of determining the types and quantities of terpenes
present in a plant — is thought to be one of the most accurate ways to
distinguish between marijuana strains. Various factors influence the
ratio of terpenes present in marijuana, including strain, environment,
cultivation and degree of plant degradation.
The Role of Terpenes
Terpenes are functionally diverse, and many are integral to marijuana’s
growth and survival. They attract pollinators, repel harmful insects,
deter herbivores, protect against bacteria and fungi, and act as
precursors for more complex molecules, such as cannabinoids. Many
terpenes interact with other types of terpenes, and some assist or
inhibit the formation of different compounds within the marijuana plant.
Primary Terpenes
Terpenes can be classified as primary or secondary, depending on their
role: Primary terpenes are essential for plant growth and development,
while secondary terpenes are involved in plant defenses. Following are
some of the primary terpenes found in marijuana:
- Pinene gives marijuana its earthy, pine-like flavor and spicy,
herbal notes. This terpene crosses the blood-brain barrier and
promotes memory retention and alertness by inhibiting the breakdown
of acetylcholinesterase, which is a chemical found in the brain. It
also acts as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory. - Caryophyllene has a peppery flavor and a spicy, earthy aroma
with citrus notes. It is the only terpene known to act on the
endocannabinoid
system,
which regulates a variety of physiological processes, including
pain
sensation
and
inflammation.
Activation of the CB2 receptors by caryophyllene is instrumental in
enhancing marijuana’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. - Humulene gives marijuana its robust, woody flavor and spicy,
herbal notes. This terpene possesses anti-inflammatory
properties
and acts as an appetite
suppressant. - Linalool has a floral flavor reminiscent of lavender, with the
addition of spicy overtones. It exhibits powerful analgesic and
anti-seizure
properties and is partly responsible for the sedative effects of
certain marijuana strains. It also has strong antibacterial,
anti-cancer and antifungal effects. - Myrcene is the most common terpene found in marijuana, and it is
also present in bay, thyme, hops and lemongrass. This musky terpene
is a potent analgesic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, and its
concentration determines whether a strain has an energizing or
sedative effect. Strains containing more than 0.5 percent of myrcene
have a
sedative
effect, while strains containing less than 0.5 percent myrcene
produce an
energizing effect. - Terpinolene has a woody flavor and is responsible for many of
the floral notes characteristic of Jack Herer varieties
of marijuana. It has been shown to exhibit
antioxidant,
anti-cancer
and
sedative properties. - Limonene is most often found in sativa strains of marijuana and
has a citrus flavor reminiscent of oranges. It has antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and it is known to
activate enzymes that stimulate the liver and increase bile flow,
which in turn aids digestion. Studies show that limonene can also
help treat
anxiety
and
depression.
Secondary Terpenes
Following are some of the secondary terpenes found in marijuana:
- Sabinene has a woody flavor with spicy, peppery notes. It has
been shown to aid digestion, relieve
arthritis
and soothe skin conditions. - Phellandrene is known for its peppermint flavor, with slight
citrus notes. It possesses
antidepressant. - Borneol has a minty aroma and is found in high concentrations in
herbs such as rosemary and mint. It has both anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effects. - Isoborneol has a sweet and musty flavor; also found in mugwort,
isoborneol exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
properties, and it inhibits the herpes simplex type 1 virus, which
causes cold sores. - Phytol results from the breakdown of a green pigment
called chlorophyll. It has a floral, balsamic flavor and
demonstrates sedative and
anti-anxiety
effects through inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that degrades
GABA, which is a chemical found in the brain.
The Entourage Effect
The medicinal effects of terpenes are due in part to their interactions
with cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC). Research
conducted by Ethan Russo, MD and published in the British Journal of
Pharmacology in August 2011, reveals that terpenes mediate the
physiological and psychoactive effects of cannabinoids: a phenomenon
termed the entourage
effect.
This may help to explain why the effects of synthetic cannabinoids —
chemicals made to mimic the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids
— differ from those of smoking or ingesting the whole marijuana plant
and why different strains of the marijuana plant differ in their
effects.
The primary and secondary terpenes in marijuana exhibit a variety of
aromas, flavors and medicinal benefits. Understanding the differences
between the different types of terpenes make choosing a suitable strain
of marijuana easier.
