If you already know what terpenoids are, you should congratulate yourself because most people have no idea what terpenoids are or why they are so beneficial. Terpenoids are found in the oils of plants, and are responsible for the aromas and tastes we associate with all of our favorite plants. Ever wonder why a pine tree smells the way it does? That’s because pine trees are full of α-Pinene, and that’s where their wonderful aroma comes from!

“Terpenoids share a precursor with phytocannabinoids, and are all flavor and fragrance components common to human diets that have been designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies.”

Now that you know what terpenoids are, let’s look at some of the synergistic terpenoids found in cannabis.

Synergistic Terpenoids

α-Pinene  C10H16

α-Pinene is one of the most important terpenoids out there because of how it reacts with other chemicals. Ever been hiking through some pine trees or evergreens and taken in a big breath of fresh air? Notice how it seemed to open up your lungs? That’s α-Pinene! Found commonly in conifer trees and orange trees, α-Pinene is known for its pungent odor.

Humulene C15H24

Known for giving beers their “hoppy” smell, humulene is a sesquiterpene that is found in hops, Vietnamese coriander and cannabis sativa cultivars. This particular terpenoid has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

D-Limonene C10H16

As you may or may not have guessed, D-limonene is terpenoid that can be found in lemons and other citrus plants. Primarily used as a health supplement, D-limonene was also historically used in food and perfumes. Today, it has become popular for use in citrus-based cleaners.

ß-Myrcene C10H16

This terpenoid is one of the most important terpenoids. Because ß-Myrcene is a monoterpene, it commonly is the base for the formation of other terpenoids. Found in mango, hops, bay leaves, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and many other plants, ß-Myrcene has been linked to many benefits and been used for thousands of years. Please do your own research to uncover all of those benefits.

ß-Caryophyllene  C15H24

This terpenoid is found in plants famous for their spicy odor including: Thai basil, black pepper and cloves.

Linalool C10H18O

One of my favorite terpenoids, Linalool is best known for the floral and wonderful odor of the lavender plant. However, linalool is also found in other plants including citrus, laurels, birch, coriander and rosewood. Please do your own research to learn about all the benefits of linalool, sometimes referred to as licareol or linalyl alcohol.