What's a terpene?
You know those super sparkly things that make cannabis look frosty or white? Those are called trichomes. Trichomes are like capsules; they hold all the plant's medicine, including cannabinoids and terpenes, inside.
Terpenes are what make up the overall flavor, smell, and effect of the strain you're consuming. If you can learn to identify terpenes, you can learn to understand what kind of high experience a strain will provide before actually using it.
At Robust, we chase terps — not just THC.
Why? A 99.9% THC distillate may sound great, but the absence of terpenes means your cannabis will have no flavor and no Entourage Effect — leading to a less intense and less enjoyable high.
What’s the Entourage Effect, you ask?
The Entourage Effect refers to the concept that all the compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, create stronger effects when used together. Cannassieurs report that of two strains with equal or similar THC, the strain with a higher terpene percentage creates a stronger and better high.
Robust is the first organically grown company to cultivate dynamic and high-testing terp profiles that were all hunted and propagated from seed. We’re on a mission to cultivate the most clean and dank flower and rosin in Missouri — and revolutionize cannabis as we know it.
DISCLAIMER: This graphic was created by Mikayla Michaelson and Kristen Williams based on their own experiences and anecdotal evidence collected from the general public through outreach. The contents of this graphic and blog post have not been evaluated by the FDA nor approved by any other government or official body and are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or disorder of any kind. We are not doctors. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of specific medical marijuana products.
A Closer Look at Cannabis Terpenes
Myrcene
Earthy touches of cloves provide calming and relaxing effects.
Also found in: parsley, wild thyme, hops, lemongrass, mango
Medical Attributes: antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anxiety relief, diuretic, muscle relaxant, sedating
Ocimene
Sweet herbal touches provide energizing and uplifting effects.
Also found in: parsley, mint, mango, orchids, oregano, tarragon
Medical Attributes: anticonvulsant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, decongestant, mood elevating
Limonene
Pungent and fruity touches of citrus provide energizing and uplifting effects.
Also found in: citrus fruit rinds, juniper, rosemary, peppermint
Medical Attributes: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiety relief, appetite suppressant, digestion, immune support, mood elevating
Guaiol
Wood and pine touches provide tranquil and calming effects.
Also found in: cypress pine trees, guaiacum plant
Medical Attributes: antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, menstrual support
Terpinolene
A mixture of piney and floral touches provide relaxing, sedative, and euphoric effects.
Also found in: lilac, nutmeg, tea tree, all spice, juniper
Medical Attributes: analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, mood elevating
Linalool
Floral and lavender touches provide calming and relaxing effects.
Also found in: lavender, rosewood, jasmine, birch trees, soap
Medical Attributes: anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anxiety relief, immune support, mood elevating, muscle tension, sedating
Nerolidol
Fresh wood and floral touches provide calming and relaxing effects.
Also found in: ginger, lemongrass, jasmine, roses, citronella, tea tree
Medical Attributes: antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, sedating
Caryophyllene
Spicy touches of pepper provide calming and relaxing effects.
Also found in: black pepper, basil, oregano, cloves, cinnamon
Medical Attributes: anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiety relief, mood elevation, muscle tension, nausea relief
Pinene
Deep pine touches of wood provide calming and relaxing effects.
Also found in: pine needles, rosemary, eucalyptus, dill
Medical Attributes: antibiotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anxiety relief, bronchodilator, memory support