Your Ultimate Terpene Guide
by Alix Berger
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In short, terpenes are what you smell and taste in cannabis. From funky and spicy to sweet and citrusy, these distinct aromas actually clue you into what effects you’ll experience. And these can vary widely. While certain terpenes are key to relaxation, others will jumpstart your focus. Best of all, you can reap tons of health benefits. We’ll dive deep into each one. But first, let’s start with the basics and answer your biggest questions.
Where do terpenes come from?
Terpenes are less mystical than you may think. They’re simply essential oils which survive on the same glands (trichomes) as cannabinoids. And terpenes aren’t exclusive to cannabis either. They’re produced by tons of plants and, at times, by insects. Derived from adaptive purposes — warding off predators and attracting pollinators — terpene growth relies on several factors similar to plants. These include weather, fertilizers, age, and more.
Are terpenes different from cannabinoids?
You’re probably familiar with cannabinoids, i.e. THC and CBD. Much like cannabinoids, terpenes play a crucial role in the health benefits of cannabis. In fact, the unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes create something called the “entourage effect.” Essentially, this refers to how mixtures work together to generate effects. The right mix allows you to enjoy the perks of both various cannabinoids and terpenes.
How many terpenes are out there?
There are at least 20,000 known terpenes out there. The cannabis plant offers more than 100 of these.
Can I buy a terpene alone?
Cannabis derived terpenes are widely available. Yet, you cannot (and should not) be using botanical distillates or isolates.
Are terpenes and terpenoids the same thing?
The terms terpene and terpenoid are often thrown in the same context. However, they do differ. The biggest distinction is that terpenes are hydrocarbons (only contain carbon and hydrogen), terpenoids, on the other hand, have been denatured through oxidation (drying and curing or manually modified).
Is there science to back up claims about terpenes?
Absolutely. Even though science is continually studying terpenes, experts are already so confident in their power that plants are carefully tested and measured before being sold for medicinal purposes.
Myrcene
Benefits: Myrcene is the most common commercial cannabis terpene. It serves many health functions as a sleep aid, pain reliever, cancer-fighter, anti-inflammatory, source of antioxidants, and muscle relaxer. Since plenty of sativas and hybrids have just as much myrcene, it doesn’t always produce sedative effects. This validates the “entourage effect.” Meaning, that the combination of multiple terpenes is more telling than a single terpene.
Flavor Profile: Myrcene is found in mango, mushroom, lemongrass, and thyme. Beyond cannabis it’s present in hops, and responsible for the peppery, spicy, and balsam fragrance in beer.
Pairing: Because of its herbal notes, Myrcene is best used in savory dishes. It also fits right in with sweet and salty dishes. Think Thai steak salad with mango, mushroom risotto, or a ham and cheese croissant.
Myrcene strains: Papaya, Hawaiin Punch, Phantom Cookies, Durban Poison, and Blackberry Bubba Kush.
Try it now: Reach out to get your hand-crafted Mango Raspberry Tea.
Beta-Caryophyllene (my personal favorite)
Benefits: Caryophyllene is the only non-cannabinoid that binds to the cannabinoid receptors. This offers a unique medicinal effect on your endocannabinoid system. Strains with this terpene are among the best ingredients for topicals. Additionally, caryophyllene is terrific for warding off anxiety and pain. This can be very helpful for reducing alcohol cravings and easing the symptoms of withdrawal.
Flavor Profile: Caryophyllene has a distinct spicy and peppery note. So it makes sense that this tepene is found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and spices such as oregano, basil, and rosemary.
Pairings: This spicy pungent flavor works really well in savory dishes with a kick. A perfectly seared steak with lots of black pepper, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, or Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas are practically begging for Caryophyllene. It works even better in spicy desserts like pumpkin pie or our Chai Spiced Coma Cookies.
Caryophyllene dominant strains: GMO (my favorite strain), Sour Diesel, Cookies N Cream, Bubba Kush, and Chem Dog.
Try it now: Shoot us an email for decadent cinnamon toast crunch balls.
Limonene
Benefits: Limonene has a remarkable ability to improve mental health. Inhalation of its vapor spurs an uptake in both serotonin and dopamine levels at key regions of the brain associated with anxiety, depression, and OCD. Overall, it’s benefits include elevated mood, stress-relief, anti-fungal, anti-bacteria, and potentially reduced heartburn and gastric reflux.
Flavor Profile: Sharp yet pleasantly fragrant, limonene gives strains a citrusy aroma that smells and even tastes like lemons. All citrus fruits, particularly the rinds, contain an abundance of limonene. Limonene can also be found in juniper. Everyday products like cosmetics and cleaning products also include the terpene. Limonene is a dominant terpene in many cannabis strains. If a strain has the word “sour” or “lemon” in the name, it generally contains high amounts of limonene.
Pairings: Limonene thrives with crisp or sweet flavors. Dishes that complement limonene dominant strains include caesar salad, elote (mexican street corn), lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes, and apple pie.
Strains: Wedding Cake, Dos-Si-Dos, Lemon G, Sour Diesel, MAC, Strawberry Banana, and Tahoe OG.
Try it now: For a taste of limonene, order our new Oreo Funfetti Oatmeal Coma Cookies today.
Alpha-Pinene
Benefits: Pinene is the most common terpene encountered in nature and in cannabis overall. The terpene is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can actually help treat asthma by working with THC to open your lungs. Pinene counteracts the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety and short-term memory loss. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, enabling more efficient memory storage. Consuming pinene is also fantastic for enhancing focus and alertness. Overall, Pinene helps patients with arthritis, crohn’s disease, and cancer.
Flavor Profile: Pinene has a fresh earthy scent akin to a pine forest. In fact, this is where evergreens get their smell. Parsley, dill, basil, rosemary, and some varieties of citrus contain the terpene.
Pairings: Since pinene has such a bold essence, I use it in dishes that have a very herby flavor profile, much like you would use rosemary. Some of my personal favorites are french onion soup, pork, tomato sauces, and stuffing.
Strains: Strawberry Cough, Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and OG Kush.
Try it now: Our Rosemary Chimichurri sauce is the ideal match for that Jack Herer you’ve been hoarding! Contact us to make an order.
Linalool
Benefits: Tons of plants with relaxing and rejuvenating properties contain Linalool. It’s a potent sedative with an anti-epileptic effect. Likewise, it’s a calming muscle relaxer that offers relief from arthritis, depression, seizures, and insomnia. And Linalool can even increase immune system resiliency against the destructive impact of stress.
Flavor Profile: Linalool is responsible for cannabis’ well-known spicy and floral scent. It’s also found in lavender, citrus blossom, mint, rose, cinnamon, geranium and coriander.
Pairings: Linalool’s sweet fragrant flavor compliments a range of dishes. It really shines in vanilla desserts such as crème brûlée and homemade whipped cream. Herbes de Provence is a blend of french herbs containing a variety of dried herbs, lavender, and thyme (linalool). It’s delicious on chicken, fish, salads -- you name it.
Strains with Linalool (it’s uncommon in high doses): Lavender Kush, Do-Si-Dos, Zkittles, Kosher Kush, LA Confidential, and Amnesia Haze.
Try it now: If cooking with lavender is a little daunting, try our Lavender Honey Arnold Palmer to get the linalool benefits. Contact us to order yours today.
Eucalyptol (aka Cineol)
Benefits: Eucalyptol is a strong medicinal terpene that relieves pain while slowing the growth of bacteria and fungus. It can help fight cancer, while certain strains have positive effects on Alzheimer's patients.
Flavor Profile: Eucalyptol has cooling scents found in eucalyptus, mint, rosemary, tea tree, mugwort, bay leaves, sweet basil, sage, and certain strains of cannabis.
Pairings: Eucalyptol is tricky because alone it’s highly toxic to ingest. However, eucalyptol is also found in mint. Meaning, it pairs really well with a lamb and a variety of chocolates. Imagine a slow roasted leg of lamb with some mint and lemon -- pretty mouth-watering, right? Infuse it with Dutch Treat and then you’re really cooking. Chocolate and eucalyptol is another classic duo. After all, there’s a reason thin mints are everyone’s favorite Girl Scout cookie.
Strains with Eucalyptol (<.06% of the terpene profile): Dutch Treat, Girl Scout Cookies, Headband, and Super Silver Haze.
Try it now: Just in time for summer, our watermelon mint fresca is an extremely refreshing treat. Place your order today.
Interested in exploring terpenes?
After all of that, you’d probably like to try one, or two, or all six out. That’s where we come in! The Holistic Chef is happy to guide you through a personalized consultation and find what meets your specific taste.
Simply reach out by email at holisticchefnyc@gmail.com or phone, (914) 708-8270.