What are Terpenoids & Terpene Profiles?

How Many Terpenes Are There?

So far, researchers have found over 200 terpenes in cannabis. Some of the most common have citrusy, floral, piney, fruity, woody, minty, or spicy aromas. For instance, the terpene ‘pinene’ is the reason pine trees have the aroma they do. And limonene, a popular terpene in oranges and limes, give them their citrusy smells. The terpenes we find in our everyday foods and herbs, and in the flowers and plants in our homes, share the same terpenes in cannabis. Pretty neat stuff.

Also, each cannabis strain has its own terpene profile, which tells you the percentage of each terpene in the strain. Reading the terpene profile can help you decide if the strain appeals to your senses or not. Besides providing fragrant smells, cannabis terpenes have the potential to produce various therapeutic benefits in the mind and body.

For instance, some people claim that cannabis terpenes provide stress-relief and relaxation, while other terpenes may promote focus and clarity. Interesting to say the least.

What Is the Difference Between Terpenes & Terpenoids?

Both terpenes and terpenoids are derived from plants. They’re the reason why cannabis strains have powerful and divine smells. So far they sound pretty identical, right? But, there’s a slight difference between terpenes vs terpenoids. It comes down to their molecular structure.

Terpenes are made up of carbon and hydrogen molecules. Whereas, terpenoids are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules. Essentially, terpenoids are the oxygenated form of terpenes. Still with us? Alright good, let’s take a look at some of the most common and well-known cannabis terpenes and terpenoids.

Common Terpenes & Terpenoids in Cannabis

This list of common cannabis terpenes and terpenoids not only give you the names of popular terpenes, but what aromas they possess, their potential effects, and where else in nature you can find them.

• Myrcene (MUR-seen): This is the most common cannabis terpene. It has an aroma of cloves and cardamom, with some fruity notes. You can find Myrcene in sought-after strains like Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purple. Some people claim it has calming and sedating properties.

• Caryophyllene (carry-OFF-uh-leen): Besides cannabis strains, you can find caryophyllene in cinnamon leaves and black pepper. So, it’s not surprising to learn that it has a peppery and spicy smell. Also, researchers discovered that caryophyllene is the only terpene that interacts with the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is hugely important because caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 helps activate and improve the functioning of our ECS, the system that maintains homeostasis, or internal balance.

• Humulene (HYOO-myu-leen): Humulene is found in hops, ginger, ginseng, and coriander. Its aroma is usually described as woody and earthy with spicy notes, similar to what you experience when consuming a hot cup of ginger tea. Studies have shown that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, and is could be more potent when mixed with Caryophyllene.

• Terpinolene (ter-PIN-uh-leen): Terpinolene is commonly found in rosemary, pine, tea tree, and cumin. Its diverse profile of aromas fills your nose with piney and smoky fragrances, taking you back to a fond childhood memory of your family camping trip in a pine tree forest. Like Myrcene, Terpinolene may have sedative properties.

• Ocimene (OH-sih-meen): Besides cannabis strains, this terpene exists in herbs like basil, mint, and parsley. It’s also a common terpene in mangoes. That’s why Ocimene’s aroma is sweet and herbaceous. Finally, it’s known for its antiviral properties and its appearance in the beloved Sour Diesel cannabis strain.

• Nerolidol (Narrow-LEE-dahl): This well-liked terpene has relaxing and sedative effects. Also, Nerolidol gives off earthy and woody aromas, with subtle hints of fruity and floral notes.

Other popular cannabis terpenes include: 

• Limonene (LIM-o-neen): Has a citrusy aroma that you’ll find in orange rinds
• Linalool (LINN-uh-lool): Has a floral aroma and is the primary terpene in lavender
• Bisabolol (BEEZ-a-bo-lo): Has a delightful floral smell that’s similar to the smell of chamomile flowers
• Pinene (PIE-neen): Has a piney scent that you’ll find in pine needles
• Guaiol (g-why-ee-ol): Similar to Pinene, this terpene has a strong piney fragrance with some hints of rose and woody notes
• Camphene (CAM-feen): Has an earthy and musky scent, like that of nutmeg
• Eucalyptol (YOU-ka-lip-tahl): Has a minty smell, the same one you’ll find in eucalyptus trees
• Carene (ka-REEN): Has sweet notes like that of rosemary
• Geraniol (GER-A-knee-all): Has a fruity and flora smell, and is found in peaches and rose oil

How Long Do Terpenes Last?

Cannabis terpenes are volatile compounds, which means they should be treated with care to maintain their lovely aromas (read more about cannabis storage here). For example, terpenes begin to evaporate at around 70 degrees, so storing your cannabis buds properly can give them a longer life.

When stored properly, the terpenes in cannabis strains can retain their aromatic and reported therapeutic effects for six to 12 months. If you buy well-cured cannabis that was organically grown and cultivated, the terpene shelf life increases.

Using a glass jar with an airtight lid, rather than a plastic jar, is the best way to store your cannabis buds. Glass is a much more stable and durable material compared to plastic. Specifically, plastic is porous which allows terpenes to more easily escape. This won’t happen as fast with a glass container. Finally, it’s important to keep your glass container away from moisture, direct sunlight, and artificial light.

For your convenience, our Simply Bare flower arrives at your home in a tightly sealed, opaque and recyclable glass jar. This jar locks in and preserves the freshness and flavour of our BC bud.