Farnesen: What is this hemp terpene known for?

Terpenes are natural substances in plants characterized by specific aroma and potential healing effects. Some terpenes are more well-known than others. Among the terpenes that are relatively new on the terpene scene is farnesene. What is the terpene profile of farnesene? What are its healing effects? And in which cannabis varieties can we find it? Answers to these and other questions can be found in this article.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are the largest group of naturally occurring substances. They are contained in almost every plant with a fragrance and serve primarily as a repellent against pests and insects. Cannabis contains more than 150 terpenes. Terpenes not only provide specific aroma but also collaborate with other compounds found exclusively in cannabis, such as cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and together contribute to the healing effects of cannabis.

Cannabis Terpene Farnesene
Cannabis Terpene Farnesene

The terpene farnesene, also known as alpha- or beta-farnesene, belongs to sesquiterpenes, meaning it contains 3 isoprenoids and 15 carbon atoms. Unlike myrcene, pinene, and limonene, farnesene is a relatively rare terpene found only in very small quantities in cannabis. This terpene can also be found in plants and fruits such as:

  • apples,
  • oranges
  • turmeric,
  • ginger,
  • hops,
  • grapefruit,
  • cedar wood,
  • sandalwood,
  • myrrh,
  • chamomile.
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