There are several different strains of cannabis, each with their own unique smell as a result of chemical compounds in the plant that work together to produce its peculiar smell, as well as its medicinal effects.

The terpenes, and to a lesser extent the essential oils found in the cannabis plant are responsible for the many different scents of cannabis and are designed to keep predators away and attract pollinators.

The development of terpenes is often dependent on the climate, maturation of the plant, the types of soil and overall conditions of cultivation methods. In addition, DNA technology is now being used to create a variety of new strains of cannabis plants with the desired terpenes and essential oils as required.

Terpenes are not only found in cannabis plants, which give their distinctive smells, but are found in several other plants, fruits and flowers. In fact, terpenes are one of the key players in the fragrance industry with the creation of scents and perfumes as a result of terpene isolation and use.

This same practice is being adopted in the cannabis industry with terpene extraction taking place to isolate and explore the effects of these compounds for a variety of commercial application.

In fact, it is these types of compounds, along with flavonoids (widely distributed in the plants) that are regarded as the real future of the cannabis industry. As mentioned before, the various compounds in the cannabis plants, including terpenes, react with each other to produce a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This means that in some unknown ways the various compounds in cannabis work together to provide many of the bioactivity and healing properties of the plant.

Scientists continue to study the chemical and biological effects of the approximately 500 different compounds in the cannabis plant, which has over 100 terpenes. The most common ones and their uses are:

Pinene

This compound is responsible for the characteristic pine scent in cannabis and is also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil and parsley. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect and can help treat pain, asthma, anxiety and ulcers. Pinene also allows for greater alertness and memory retention.

Myrcene

Myrcene is found in the highest concentration of any terpene in the cannabis plant and has an aroma similar to that of cloves. It is also found in mangoes, lemongrass and thyme. This compound acts as a sedative and muscle relaxant and can be used to treat insomnia, pain and inflammation.

Limonene

This terpene is responsible for the citrus scent in cannabis and is also found in peppermint and the rinds of fruit. Limonene can elevate one’s mood and relieve stress while being antifungal and antibacterial. It also acts as a treatment for anxiety, depression and inflammation.

Linalool

Linalool produces a floral scent and is found in the lavender plant. It can aid in sedation and acts as an anaesthetic. This compound can help to treat insomnia, anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases.

Beta Caryophyllene

This is associated with a spicy scent that is commonly found in black pepper and cinnamon. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides stress relief. This terpene can help to treat anxiety, pain and ulcers.

Ocimene

This produces a sweet aroma and is also found in mint, parsley, pepper and basil. Ocimene has antiviral and antifungal properties while acting as a decongestant.

Cannabis Essential Oil

Cannabis also produces its own essential oils which are steam distilled from the flowers and upper leaves of female cannabis plants. Pure undiluted cannabis essential oil is a green liquid with many medicinal benefits. It is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, body care and candles. The essential oils have their own special fragrances which help to provide the special aromas from the various cannabis strains.

Cannabis essential oil can help to relieve anxiety and stress by causing relaxation. It can help relax the mind to induce better sleep. This essential oil also balances and protects the skin by promoting regeneration, helping to treat eczema and psoriasis.

It can also relieve pain, especially headaches and can soothe inflammation. This anti-inflammatory property can also cause dilation of bronchi in the lungs which help people suffering from asthma to breathe better.

— Precianne Miller is the marketing officer at Medicanja.