Whether you knew what they were or not, terpenes are probably one of the first things you notice about a plant or product when you first encounter it. There are thousands of naturally-occurring terpenes found in the plants right outside your front door.

Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons located within the trichomes of the plant. They’re divided into monoterpenes (10 carbon atoms) and sesquiterpenes (15 carbon atoms). Considered to be the active components of essential oils, terpenes are the naturally produced aromatic compounds of a plant influencing their unique scents, flavors and effects. Many plants produce terpenes as a way to attract pollinators, deter pests or interact with their environment.

Terpenes play a huge part in our smoking experience by influencing the aromas, flavors and the interactions with the endocannabinoid system.

While nearly all plants contain terpenes, the most recognizable are found within citrus plants, aromatic herbs and cannabis. Some of the most commonly found terpenes and their benefits are:

• Limonene: Sour citrus and lemon aromas found in lemon, lime, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-fungal-anti- bacterial, improves mood, relieves nausea

• Myrcene: Musky, earthy, sweet also found in hops, lemongrass, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, pain relief, sedative, muscle relaxant

• a-Pinene: Piney, sour, herbal aromas also found in pine, parsley, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, boosts energy, improves focus

• Linalool: Floral aromas also found in lavender, birchwood, cinnamon, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti- septic, pain relief, sedative, muscle relaxant

• b-Caryophyllene: Peppery, spicy aromas also found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, etc. is the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid. Medical benefits: Anti-depressant, anti- anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, pain relief, muscle spasms, sedative

• Humulene: Woody, smoky, herbal aromas also found in hops, tobacco, sage, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, pain relief, appetite suppressant, anti-fungal

• Terpinolene: Floral, citrus aromas also found in nutmeg, apple, lilac, etc. Medical benefits: Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, sedative

• Nerolidol: (Floral, herbal) Medical benefits: Anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, pain relief, antibiotic, sedative