An In-Depth Look at the Five Most Common Terpenes
and how they can enrich your vaping experience
Terpenes are scattered throughout our daily lives and can be attributed to some of the scents we have come to know and love. From the zesty aroma of a freshly cut lemon; the sharp scent of a pine forest after a light autumn rain; the calming smooth essence of a lavender field. All these fragrances are just some common examples of terpenes at play.
But what are terpenes and how can they enhance your vaping experience? Below we’ll define what terpenes are, the five most common terpenes, and how they can enrich your cannabis vaping experience.
What is a Terpene?
MedicineNet defines terpenes as, "substances that stimulate your body's olfactory glands and excite your sense of smell, allowing your mind to make inferences about what your body finds pleasing naturally. Terpenes are frequently recognized to stimulate various aspects of sensory awareness, and they may influence how you feel after inhaling or ingesting them. These powerful chemicals are present in all plants, including those you eat for physical and mental nutrition. This includes entire meals, such as fruits and vegetables, and the natural medicines or essential oils you use. Terpenes produced from cannabis are unique because many individuals are now employing them to help develop more personalized results.”
This means that terpenes are responsible for influencing the tantalizing aroma associated with your favorite flower, your favorite fruit, and your favorite Cloud 8 strain. Terpenes can also influence how your favorite strain tastes, from flowery and sweet to earthy and spicy.
5 Most Common Terpenes
While there are over 20,000 types of known terpenes, there are only approximately 150 that have been currently identified to be present in the cannabis sativa flower. Below we will discuss the five most common terpenes present in cannabis and how they can help elevate your vaping experience.
1. Myrcene
Known as the Mother of all terpenes, myrcene can be found abundantly throughout nature. Mangos, lemongrass, and thyme are just a few plants that contain the terpene myrcene. In cannabis sativa, myrcene is often found at higher levels than other terpenes.
2. Pinene
Much like myrcene, pinene can be found abundantly in nature. It can be found in trees, dill, basil, and rosemary, but also in some nuts, orange peels, parsley, and limes. It is a common additive in many household cleaning products and disinfectants.
Pinene’s taste has a zesty kick to it that can be found in rosemary, oregano, or even gin. Pinene is often present in higher amounts in Sativa dominant strains, but due to its abundance throughout the cannabis sativa plant, pinene can be found in Indica and Hybrid strains as well. Some popular Cloud 8 flavors that have higher amounts of Pinene include Blue Dream, Banana Kush, and Jack Herer.
For more information on Cloud 8's premier Jack Herer blend, click here.
3. Limonene
Saying the name itself gives light to what this terpene offers in the realms of taste. A citrusy, tart, and poignant zesty flavor is often associated with limonene, and can be commonly found in various fruits such as, lemons (you guessed it), oranges, limes, and grapefruit. Limonene is often used as an additive in fruit juices, baked goods, and some carbonated drinks.
Strains higher in limonene are often associated with a better sense of well-being, grooviness, and a state of bliss. Cloud 8 strains that have a higher amount of limonene include Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, and Lemon Cheesecake.
4. Caryophyllene
If you’re looking for a terpene with some kick, caryophyllene has what you need. Caryophyllene can be found in various herbs and spices including oregano, basil, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
Caryophyllene can be found in Sativas and Indicas; however, it is most often found in abundance in Hybrid strains. It is also heavily used in topicals for its aroma. Cloud 8 strains with a higher caryophyllene level include Girl Scout Cookies, Demo Dawg, and Hippie Crasher.
5. Linalool
If you’re looking to chill for the night, linalool is your terpene. Linalool can be found in various herbs and spices, but linalool is also commonly associated with lavender and mint. It is frequently used in perfumes, soaps, essential oils, and cosmetics.
Linalool is rarely a leading terpene in most cannabis sativa strains, but a higher linalool level is commonly associated with an Indica leaning strain. Cloud 8 strains that contain higher levels of linalool include Ice Cream Cake and Zombie OG.
Whether you’re looking for a chill, citrusy toke or a spicy, motived vaping session, terpenes help influence the taste and aroma of your favorite Cloud 8 strains. These five terpenes are the ones most abundantly found in Cloud 8 strains and, depending on your pallet, may help determine which you might look for in your next vaping session.
