What Are Cannabis Terpenes and What Do They Do?

There’s something about the aroma of cannabis that soothes the mind and body. 

Terpenes are what you smell, and knowing what they are will deepen your appreciation of cannabis whether you’re a medical patient or recreational consumer.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.

Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.

Each individual terpene is associated with unique effects. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity. 

The effect profile of any given terpene may change in the presence of other compounds in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. More research is needed to understand each terpene’s effect when used in harmony with others.

With their unlimited combinations of synergistic effects, terpenes will certainly open up new scientific and medical terrains for cannabis research.