What are terpenes?

Terpenes are a large group of organic compounds that are found naturally in insects, fruits, vegetables, and almost all plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the plant's flavour and aroma characteristics. These compounds are produced in trichomes, the glands in plants that also produce cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. More than 20,000 different terpenes have been identified, of which around 200 have been detected in the cannabis plant.

Although the basic chemical structure of all terpenes is similar, their taste, aroma, and medicinal properties vary considerably. The natural flavors we associate with food mostly come from terpenes, which determine the taste of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and are responsible for the aroma of flowers and trees. Terpenes thus play a key role in creating the flavors and smells we experience every day.

In addition to providing a pleasant aroma to hemp, terpenes act as a protective barrier against insects, eliminating the need for pesticides in commercial hemp cultivation. They also amplify the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in full-spectrum extracts, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” This concept refers to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, where both compounds enhance each other.

Terpenes are also essential in many other plants, providing natural protection against bacteria, fungi, insects, and other environmental factors. Additionally, some terpenes attract pollinators, such as bees. In stressful situations, some plants release terpenes to defend themselves or to communicate with their environment. Insects, for their part, use terpenes to interact with each other and attract others to food sources.