Hemp terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic molecules of hemp. Myrcene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene… discover the 8 main terpenes and their aromatic profiles.
Hemp terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic volatile organic molecules produced by the trichomes of the hemp plant. They are responsible for the smell and flavor of each cultivar — and contribute to the documented entourage effect when combined with cannabinoids.
Hemp synthesizes more than 150 different terpenes, but a dozen are usually found in significant quantities. They also exist in many other plants — orange (limonene), pine (pinene), pepper (caryophyllene)…
The 8 main hemp terpenes
1. Myrcene
- Aroma: earthy, musky, herbaceous
- Also in: mango, hops, thyme
- Common in: many cultivars, often majority
2. Limonene
- Aroma: citrus, lemon
- Also in: citrus zest
- Common in: Lemon, Amnesia varieties
3. Alpha and beta-pinene
- Aroma: pine, resinous
- Also in: pine needles, rosemary, basil
- Common in: Jack Herer, Blue Dream
4. Beta-caryophyllene
- Aroma: peppery, spicy
- Also in: black pepper, cloves
- Specificity: the only known terpene to act directly on the CB2 cannabinoid receptor
5. Linalool
- Aroma: floral, lavender
- Also in: lavender, coriander
6. Terpinolene
- Aroma: woody, fruity, complex
- Also in: nutmeg, cumin
7. Humulene
- Aroma: hoppy, earthy
- Also in: hops, sage
8. Ocimene
- Aroma: sweet, herbaceous, slightly sweet
- Also in: mint, basil, orchid
Reading a terpene analysis
A serious laboratory analysis (CoA — Certificate of Analysis) precisely measures the terpene profile of a hemp batch, expressed as a percentage or in mg/g. This is a major quality indicator: a rich and diverse terpene profile reflects careful cultivation and proper conservation.
French artisanal hemp producers publish their analyses lot by lot — this is the transparency standard.
Influence of cultivation method
The terpene profile of a hemp lot depends on:
- The genetics of the cultivar (Amnesia ≠ OG Kush ≠ Critical)
- The terroir (soil, sun exposure, altitude)
- The cultivation method (outdoor, greenhouse, indoor)
- The drying and curing (slow temperature drop preserves terpenes)
- The storage (light, heat and oxygen degrade terpenes)
French outdoor or greenhouse hemp benefits from a richer terpene profile than mass indoor.