Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds found in plants, including cannabis, and some animals. They are produced by many plants as essential oils and are responsible for the characteristic flavors and aromas associated with different strains of cannabis.
Terpenes are synthesized in specialized cells, often located in glandular trichomes on the surface of the plant. There are over 20,000 different terpenes identified in nature, and more than 200 have been found in cannabis plants. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
Terpenes are not only responsible for the flavors and aromas of plants, but they also have a variety of potential medicinal benefits. For example, myrcene has sedative effects, limonene may have anti-inflammatory properties, and caryophyllene may have analgesic effects.
Terpenes can be extracted from plants and used in a variety of ways, including in essential oils, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. They are also often added to cannabis products to enhance their flavor and aroma and potentially increase their therapeutic benefits.