Terpenes 101
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that are responsible for the way that plants and vegetables smell. Terpenes are commonly thought of as just being associated with cannabis, but that is only because cannabis has a lot of terpenes, contributing to the unique smell. Their smell can be a mood booster. Since terpenes are simply an aromatic compound, they do not get you high. The entourage effect says that the terpenes can boost your high, but this is mostly anecdotal, with minimal research backing it up.
Terpenes Vs. Terpenoids
Terpenes and terpenoids often get confused. Terpenes are simple hydrocarbons, and terpenoids are a modified family of terpenes with different functional groups. To clarify, all terpenoids are terpenes, but not all terpenoids are terpenes.
Terpenes include:
- Curcumin
- Tea Tree Oil
- Linalool
- Terpineol
- Pinene
- Caryophyllene
- Terpinolene
- Geraniol
- Ocimene
- Limonene
- Humulene
- Myrcene
Terpenoids include:
- Carvacrol
- Citronellal
- Geraniol
- Linalool
- Linalyl acetate
- Piperitone
- Menthol
- Thymol
Terpene Benifits
Terpenes have a benefit unrelated to cannabis, known as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is based on using aromatic things like essential oils, which can aid your psychological well-being. Some terpenes have other benefits, including antioxidants, anti-cancers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, pain relief, and more.