5 Terpenoids That Make Up The Flavor In Your Flower

Not all cannabis is created equal. This is especially true when it comes to flavor and smell. Some are quite pungent (Super Skunk and Space Queen might come to mind), while others are simply delightful. We’ll just stick to the pleasant ones, so here you go. . .

1. Limonene
Limonene is the perhaps the most desirable terpenoid (or “terp”) found in cannabis. This natural product is found in a wide range of tropical fruits, particularly those in the citrus family including oranges, lemons, and even limes. The citrus scent is the aroma that fills the air when you grind a great smelling bud or if you were to zest a piece of citrus. Limonene is one of the top three terps in a cannabis bud and it is the most prevalent. Since it is an easy terp to inhale, limonene enters the bloodstream faster than the rest of the terps. This means it hits the pleasure senses. Its overall job allows THC to do its magic, that is, reach the brain faster and activate its healing properties. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Aroma: Citrus
• Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
• Medicinal Uses: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, dissolves gallstones, mood-enhancer; may treat gastrointestinal issues, heartburn, depression
• Also Found In: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint
• High Limonene Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk

1. pinene
Pinene is found in many of the great conifers (pines, spruces, and firs), and it gives your bud that forest-like, piney flavor. Pinene is also found in the essential oils that plants produce including rosemary, sage, and eucalyptus. It constitutes the major component of turpentine, contributing to its order and properties as a solvent. Pinene also easily enters into your bloodstream, otherwise known as blood-brain barriers, to promote alertness and memory retention among its other positive effects. Because of the eucalyptus component, Pinene makes for a great bronchodilator. It enters into the lungs easily, allowing for deeper breathing of the vapor or smoke and greater absorption of the cannabinoids into your bloodstream.

• Aroma: Pine
• Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects
• Medicinal Uses: Asthma, antiseptic
• Also Found In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
• High Pinene Cannabis Strains: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Super Silver Haze

3. Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most prevalent terps. It gives the strain its unique aroma and flavor. This terp is widespread in other types of plants such as lemongrass, bay leaf, wild thyme, parsley, mangos, and even hops. Myrcene is also used in the perfume industry and in preparations of flavor and scent chemicals like menthol. This terp gives a clove, earthy scent to your bud with little nuances of tropical mangoes.

• Aroma: Musky, cloves, earthy, herbal with notes of citrus and tropical fruit
• Effects: Sedating “couchlock” effect, relaxing
• Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic; good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, depression
• Also Found In: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
• High Myrcene Cannabis Strains: Pure Kush, El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1, White Widow

4. Linalool
Linalool has a floral scent similar to spring Lilies, but with spicy overtones. It can be found in lavender plants, which are very therapeutic. Linalool is unique because humans can smell the aroma at very low levels, even as low as one part per million in the air. When it comes to the bud, a little can go a long way—especially when you combine it with a trace amount of terpinolene and limonene. Its effects become amplified and sweeter, like candy.

• Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy
• Effects: Anxiety relief and sedation
• Medicinal Uses: Anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-acne
• Also Found In: Lavender
• High Linalool Cannabis Strains: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential

5. Terpinolene
Terpinolene has a medium-strength, herbal aroma that is best described as fresh, woody, and piney with hints of lime. This creates a sweet lemon lime flavor with a slight hint of floral essence. Terpinolene is also used as a flavor agent in products such as soaps, detergents, lotions, and even perfumes.

• Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
• Effects: No detectable physical effects
• Medicinal Uses: Gastro protective, anti-inflammatory; good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disorders, and other gastrointestinal issues
• Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cotton
• High Terpinolene Cannabis Strains: Durban Poison from South Africa

Now you have a better understanding of how, and why, your buds have that delightful scent—and taste.

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