How terpenes affect the smell and appearance of cannabis

The cannabis plant is not only known for its cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but also for its terpenes, which play a central role in the plant’s characteristic scent and appearance. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, and they give each plant its unique aroma. In cannabis, terpenes also have an impact on the visual appearance of the plant. In this article, we will explore how terpenes affect scent and appearance, as well as their importance for plant quality and use in legal products like skincare.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic molecules found in plants that give them their characteristic scent. In nature, terpenes are often used by plants to attract pollinators or to protect themselves from pests. The cannabis plant produces a wide range of terpenes, each of which can vary in both intensity and composition, making each cannabis plant unique.

Terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, and pinene are commonly found in cannabis and are known for their distinct scents, ranging from fruity and earthy notes to more sharp, fresh aromas. Each terpene has its own "scent landscape," creating a wide variation in aroma among different cannabis plants.

How do terpenes affect the smell of cannabis?

The primary influence of terpenes on cannabis is its unique and varied scent profiles. The scent can be one of the first things you notice about the plant, and this scent can range from sweet and floral to spicy or woody, depending on which terpenes are present and their concentrations.

• Limonene : This terpene has a citrusy aroma and is also found in citrus fruits like lemon and orange.
• Myrcene : With an earthy and musky scent, myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis.
• Pinene : As the name suggests, pinene has a fresh scent reminiscent of pine trees, and is also found naturally in many conifers.

These scent profiles can influence how the plant is experienced, and they add a natural aroma to legal products like cosmetics and skincare, where terpenes are often used for their fragrant properties.

The influence of terpenes on the appearance of the cannabis plant

Terpenes not only affect the scent, but also play a role in the appearance of the plant. Some terpenes have colors and shades that contribute to the appearance of the plant's flowers and leaves. For example, myrcene can give the plant a deeper, earthy color, while limonene can highlight the lighter shades of the plant's green leaves.

Color and texture vary depending on which terpenes the plant contains, giving cannabis plants a unique visual expression that can vary from one plant to another. For producers and consumers in the skincare industry, these differences mean they can choose products based on both scent and aesthetics.

Use of terpenes in skin care and cosmetics

In the skincare and cosmetics industry, terpenes from cannabis and other plants are used as natural fragrance components. Terpenes are often added to creams, oils and other products to create a natural aroma and make the products more appealing. Since these terpenes come from plant sources, they provide an authentic fragrance profile that can give the consumer a sense of the complexity of nature.

The future of terpenes in cannabis and other plants

There is growing interest in terpenes and how they can be used across industries – from cosmetics to food and flavourings. Since terpenes are found in a wide range of plants, the possibilities are many, and research is ongoing into how terpenes can be used to develop natural and environmentally friendly products. For the cannabis plant, this interest means that its role in the industry may expand in the future, with a focus on sustainable solutions and natural alternatives.