As cannabidiol (CBD) has become more popular and widely utilized for its skin conditioning benefits, there’s another plant compound that is garnering significant attention: terpenes. So, what exactly are terpenes?
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a diverse range of organic compounds produced in the resin glands of a variety of plants such as conifers, cannabis (including hemp), lavender, citrus, and even certain insects., They are a key component of essential oils, which could be one of the reasons they garner so much attention.
The infographic below demonstrates a variety of hemp terpenes, along with their scents, sensations, and chemical structures. The chemical structure of each varies between linear form, like myrcene, and that of a ring shape, such as limonene, depending on the number of cyclic rings in each terpene’s chemical makeup.
Hemp Terpenes
There are around 200 terpenes found in the hemp plant, but only a handful are abundant enough to emit odors. These same terpenes can also be found in other plants, which are listed below. Some of the noteworthy hemp terpenes include:
- Linalool. The same terpene found in lavender has a sweet, floral scent.
- Limonene. Limonene can also be found in lemon rind, orange rind, and juniper.
- Myrcene. Also found in lemongrass and hops and contributes to the scent of beer.
- Alpha and beta-pinene. Both are also found in pine needles and have an earthy, woody aroma.
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