Spring flowers: Floral terpenes
Did you know that the aroma compounds (terpenes) that give flower petals their unique scent are also found in the cannabis plant?
In cannabis, terpenes are chemicals that are created and stored in the trichomes of the plant, along with cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The exact effects of different terpenes on their own, and within cannabis, are currently unknown, but floral-scented terpenes such as linalool (the terpene that gives lavender a comforting scent) are generally thought to provide a relaxing and calming aroma.
Floral aromas can be sweet, nutty, or even bitter. Here are some floral-scented terpenes found in cannabis:
- Linalool is thought to have a calming effect for some people and the sweet and floral terpene is present in lavender, laurel, mint, birch trees, and rosewood. It is often present in high concentrations in sativa plants.
- Bisabolol is considered to have a comforting effect for some people and is the delicate, floral, peppery, and nutty-smelling terpene found naturally in cannabis, chamomile, and the bark of the candeia tree.
- Geraniol is considered to have a relaxing effect for some people and is the terpene naturally produced in geraniums, tobacco, and lemons. Its floral, waxy, and fruity aromatics are like citronella.
- Geranyl Acetate is thought to have a balancing effect for some people. It is found in geranium, palmarosa, citronella, and lemongrass. It has a sweet, floral, and herbal aroma profile.
- Nerolidol is considered to have a calming effect for some people and it is the terpene that has woody and floral notes. It is found in neroli, ginger, jasmine, and lavender.
- Terpineol is thought to be a refreshing terpene that is also found in pine trees, lilac trees, cannabis, eucalyptus leaves, sap, and lime blossoms.
