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Terpenes & Cannabinoids: Are They A Thing?

The definition of terpenes is usually described as hydrocarbons that occur in plant essential oils, and they're most commonly known in conifers (most evergreen plants). In cannabis, we define terpenes as compounds that occur naturally in the trichomes of cannabis plants. Check out our Gold Cuts terpene profiles!

You can see the trichomes on cannabis plants because they are sticky, translucent glands found on the surfaces of the buds. This is where the cannabis terpenes reside. What are they used for, and what do you need to know about them?

What Are Terpenes Used For in Cannabis?

Terpenes are important for cannabis because they control the plant’s growth and development. Even though terpenes are responsible for the aroma of individual cannabis plants, they also control the flavor, color, and potential effects of the plant. 

You can already detect subtle differences in terpenes because you probably know certain strains of cannabis have different smells. But, you should also pay attention to the terpenes profile because they can affect how that specific plant makes you feel. 


Do Terpenes Get You High?

Are terpenes psychoactive? No, terpenes will not get you high. Even though some terpenes can have slight psychoactive effects, they will not get you “high” in the traditional sense. Most of the psychoactive effects of cannabis come from THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is a cannabinoid, not a terpene. Cannabinoids and terpenes are different. Therefore, terpenes affect the body by producing certain psychoactive effects, like calming and relieving pain; however, terpenes are not responsible for getting you high. 


What Are the Benefits of Terpenes?

There are a number of significant benefits that come from terpenes. Importantly, the exact benefits of terpenes will change depending on the mixture of terpenes found in a specific cannabis plant. 

Here is a list of some of the most common terpenes, and their medical benefits: 

  • Some terpenes can make you relax. If you are looking for a source of stress relief, terpenes might help you.

  • Some terpenes can provide mental health benefits. Some can even help people treat the symptoms of depression.

  • There are terpenes that have antimicrobial effects as well. This means that some terpenes could play a role in fighting infections.

  • Specific terpenes can play a role in pain relief. With numerous people suffering from chronic pain, terpenes could play a role in the treatment process.

These are just a few of the many benefits of terpenes. As more research is conducted, more benefits could be uncovered. 


What Do Terpenes Look Like?

Terpenes are individual molecules, so they are invisible to the naked eye. The molecular structure of terpenes can change depending on the exact type of terpene you are looking at. Terpenes reside in the trichomes of female cannabis plants, so that is where you can spot them; however, you will probably need a microscope to see them. You can also see terpenes profile in specific cannabis plants if the company identifies them on the package.


What Are the Most Popular Terpenes in Cannabis?

There are a variety of terpenes you may see in cannabis. They include:

  • Caryophyllene and camphor may possess antiviral properties, which means they can keep certain viruses at bay.

  • Limonene is a popular terpene because it may contain anti-cancer properties. Pinene and beta-myrcene could also play a role in fighting cancer.

  • Linalool is known to make you relax. It can also play a role in helping you fight depression.

  • Camphor, eucalyptol, and terpinolene could play a role in helping to fight certain types of infection.

  • Terpenes such as geraniol and humulene could play a role in providing pain relief.

These are just a few of the many terpenes you may find in cannabis. It is important to talk to a professional if you have questions about what specific terpenes might do. 


Claybourne Co Posts Terpene Profiles on the Packaging!

If you are interested in exploring the effects of different terpenes, you should take a look at our packaging. We are one of the few brands that disclose our terpenes. For example, if you take a look at our Wintergreen Supreme, you will see that limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene are the most common terpenes in this strain. Tropic Fury, Vanilla Dice, and Ice Cream Paint Job are among our other most popular stains. Take a look at our products now, and reach out to us with any questions!


List of Best Terpenes at Claybourne Co

Strains aren't specific to a type of terpene. We like to experiment with different types of terpenes to provide high-quality tasting cannabis. Here are some of our in-house highest terpene strains available for delivery throughout California. To view all cannabis strain terpene profiles in our products, choose a strain and scroll down to view its terpene profile. Each strain has a color-coded total terpene image that breaks down the terpenes by type.

Ice Cream Paint Job (Hybrid - Indica Dominate):

β-Caryophyllene, α-Humulene, Δ-Limonene

Total terpenes 1.3% to 1.7%. This terpene blend of caryophyllene, humulene and limonene provides antiviral, pain relief, and cancer-fighting properties.*

Wintergreen Supreme (Hybrid Indica Dominate): 

Δ-Limonene, β-Caryophyllene, Linalool 

Total terpenes 2.1% to 2.3%. This hybrid indica dominate strain includes anti-cancer, antiviral, and anti-depression properties.

The Judge (Indica):

Δ-Limonene, β-Myrcene, β-Caryophyllene

Total terpenes 2.4% to 2.6%. The Judge rules with its anti-cancer and antiviral properties.

Tropic Fury (Indica):

β-Myrcene, Δ-Limonene, β-Caryophyllene

Total terpenes 3.4% to 4.0%. The sweet and cakey taste is the result of these cancer-fighting and anti-viral terpenes.

Vanilla Dice (Indica):

β-Caryophyllene, Δ-Limonene, β-Myrcene

Total terpenes 1.3% to 1.7%. The indica-dominant hybrid also boasts anti-cancer and antiviral properties in its terpenes.


This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.