Terpenes are plant hydrocarbons. Terpenes are naturally present in certain plants. The majority of terpenes constitute the fragrance principle of plants. Terpenes also often have significant medicinal or phyto-active value. The terpenes contained in cannabis plants are many and varied.
Cannabis plants can produce terpenes. Trichomes secrete a wide variety of terpenes.
Limonene, for example, is present in citrus fruits and gives off a strong orange scent. Limonene is recognized for its gastric properties.
Pinene is the terpene that gives pine its distinctive scent. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it has bronchodilator and antibiotic properties.
Also found in laurel and thyme, myrcene is used to treat diarrhea and hypertension.
Linalool is an anxiolytic calming agent found in lavender, mint and basil.
Humulene is present in hops, cloves, sage and basil. Its aromas are woody and earthy with spicy notes.
Flavonoids are responsible for plant color and have recognized antioxidant properties.
This list is not exhaustive. Combined with the cannabinoids THC, CBD, CBN and others (which themselves have recognized properties), an entourage effect is produced. Terpenes, CBD or THC are combined to create a combined effect.
Cannabis has many components that are beneficial to health and the human body. Thanks to supercritical technology, and in particular supercritical CO2 extraction, it is possible to separate and harvest each cannabis component separately.
