3 Cannabis Terpenes You Don't Know Yet
- Ocimene, Terpinolene, and Guaiol are relatively unknown terpenes
- However, they play a significant role in medicinal cannabis and other plants
Today, we'll continue from our previous article about medicinal terpenes found in cannabis, in which we described the effects and characteristics of limonene, pinene, myrcene, and linalool.
As you may have read earlier, the aromatic oils produced by medicinal cannabis stand alongside cannabinoids and flavonoids, with all these natural compounds working together through a synergistic, healing effect.
Aromatic oils, or terpenes, are what give different strains their specific aromatic, flavor, and therapeutic characteristics - thus currently being of great interest to cannabis breeders, recreational users, doctors, and patients.
"Medicinal cannabis contains more than 200 different types of terpenes, but only 10 are considered primary, and about 20 are secondary, occurring in sufficiently significant amounts."
Today, we'll look at three of them, specifically ocimene, terpinolene, and guaiol.
1. Ocimene
Ocimene is an isomeric hydrocarbon found in numerous plants and fruits. It can be recognized by its sweet, herbaceous forest aroma. This terpene is also used in many high-quality perfumes. In nature, it serves plants as a chemical defense. Ocimene is widely distributed and found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mango, orchids, and of course, medicinal cannabis.
Its main potential health benefits include:
- Acts as an antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antiseptic
- Reduces mucus production
- Antibacterial
Strains known for potential ocimene production include the famous OG Kush or the sour Sour Diesel.
2. Terpinolene
Terpinolene is another isometric hydrocarbon characterized by a fresh, herbal-floral scent with a unique hint of citrus aroma. It is found in various fragrant plants including nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilac. Industrially, it is primarily used as an additive in soaps, perfumes, and ointments.
Its potential therapeutic effects include:
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Antioxidant
- Sedative
- Antibacterial effects
- Effective against fungi
Terpinolene is most often found in Cannabis sativa dominant strains. One of the most famous strains containing terpinolene is the legendary Jack Herer. If you're interested in this strain, you can check our Jack Herer seeds offer.
3. Guaiol
Guaiol is not a direct aromatic oil, but a sesquiterpene alcohol found in cypress pines and guaiacum. Historically, guaiol has been used to treat cough, constipation, and arthritis. It can also be used as an effective insect repellent and insecticide.
Its main health effects include:
- Effective against microbes
- Anti-inflammatory
Strains that have tested high for Guaiol include the beautiful Blue Kush, 2001 cannabis cup winner Liberty Haze, and the now legendary White Widow.
Seeds for all mentioned strains are available in our online shop.