What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are simple hydrocarbons that are important to the aroma, taste, and medicinal effects of cannabis strains. They are found in the resin glands on cannabis plants, called trichomes. Trichomes are also the structure where cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are produced.

The entourage effect is a mechanism that describes the synergistic effect of using terpenes in addition to cannabinoids. When used together, terpenes can either magnify or reduce the effects felt by the use of cannabinoids. Some terpenes are known to reduce the potency of THC, thus modifying the psychoactive effects of the plant.

The notorious scent of cannabis flower results from the terpene profile. Just like snowflakes, no two strains have the same terpene profile. These fragrant terpenes, which are found in all plants, developed for evolutionary purposes. Terpenes help plants protect themselves against animal predators, support the plant’s immune function against infections, and attract pollinators.

The drying process of cannabis flower oxidizes terpenes into terpenoids. Terpenoids have functional groups and an oxidized methyl group with a modified position. Terpenoids are categorized as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterpenes, and triterpenes depending on how many carbon units they contain.