Terpene Education

Terpene Education is at the forefront of everything we do.

We believe that cannabis terpenes are highly important to the overall experience. To help you discover your preferred terpenes, we created our color-coded terpene bouquet. The terpene bouquet represents a product's terpene profile by using the colors that we’ve assigned for each terpene.


As you try different products, we hope this tool will help you identify the terpenes that suit your preferences and help you quickly spot them on our menu.

Check out our list below for information on the color, associated botanicals, and interesting facts about each terpene.

Common Questions

  • ◉ Terpenes - the essential oils that determine the scent of many flowers, herbs and fruits - give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor.

    ◉ Cannabis can exhibit over 150 different terpenes. Like THC and CBD, these naturally-occurring compounds are found in the trichomes of female cannabis plants.

    ◉ Several factors such as genetics, growing conditions, harvesting, drying, curing, and packaging can all influence terpene levels of the product you eventually purchase.

    ◉ Although most cannabis terpenes are present in only trace amounts, the mix of minor terpenes and dominant terpenes give each cannabis strain their diverse signature scent profiles.

    ◉ Many terpenes are volatile compounds, meaning over time they’ll dissipate. This will happen in normal conditions, and more quickly in suboptimal conditions.

  • ◉ We are still learning about terpenes and their interactions with cannabinoids. Indeed, the majority of current research is based on animal models.

    ◉ In addition to their purpose for scents and flavoring, humans have long harnessed terpenes from botanicals to formulate essential oils for practices such as aromatherapy.

    ◉ Terpenes have also been identified as a new frontier in cannabis medicine, alongside cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.[1]

    ◉ Some of the effects terpenes have on humans are evocative of their function in cannabis and other plants—like helping to fight off unwelcome microbes and pathogens.

    ◉ Emerging evidence suggests that plant compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically. This is known as the entourage effect. For example, some research has shown terpenes appear to play a part in influencing the effects of cannabinoids in the body. [2]

    ◉ More recent research has found that terpenes boost cannabinoid activity (but high concentrations of terpenes were needed to see this enhancement)

  • ◉ Cannabis is often labeled as "sativa," "indica," or "hybrid" and meant to suggest different effects on the mind and body (for example, a sativa would be uplifting, while an indica would be calming)

    ◉ However, recent research has debunked this notion, revealing that the sativa/indica classification is largely misleading and lacks scientific basis. [1]

    ◉ Prior studies have uncovered significant discrepancies between advertised sativa/indica labels and the actual genetic makeup of the products, concluding that there is little consistency among strains sold under the same name, rendering the sativa/indica labeling unreliable and misleading. [1][2]

    ◉ To better serve our customers, we are moving away from this outdated system and towards cannabis terpenes, which we believe to be a more reliable and better choice factor and will help customers make more informed decisions.

Sources:

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01200
https://thecannabisscientist.com/testing-processing/high-and-too-dry
https://sn.astm.org/?q=features/two-cannabis-standards-you-should-know-about-.html

Dominant Terpenes

Terpenes List

Text 'Beta Caryophyllene' surrounded by brown circle

Botanicals: cloves, basil, cinnamon, black pepper, oregano

Facts: β-Caryophyllene can have a spiced or rubbery aroma. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it may help settle the body and help us feel relaxed.

Yellow circle with the word "Limonene" in the center on a black background.

Botanicals: lemons, orange peel, citrus

Facts: Limonene will have a citrusy yet bitter odor and flavor. Limonene can act as a mood-booster and energizer. Although recent studies show limonene can help relieve stress, some have reported that too much limonene can lead to heightened anxiety.

Dark green circle with the word 'Pinene' in the center on a light background.

Botanicals: Pine, conifers, sage, ironwort

Facts: Pinene can open the airways, ultimately bringing more oxygen to our blood and brain which may create more stimulation. It may also help deter memory loss typically associated with THC

Green circle with the word "Myrcene" in the center, on a black background.

Botanicals: Thyme, hops, lemon grass, mango, cardamom

Facts: Myrcene typically has a citrusy and ‘sharp’ aroma. Myrcene has pain relieving and sedative properties.

Purple circle with the word "Linalool" in the center

Botanicals: Lavender, jasmine, cinnamon, citrus

Facts: Linalool is known to help relieve anxiety. Linalool has been used in traditional medicine practices across the globe as a sedative and muscle relaxer.

Circle with the word 'Terpinolene' inside.

Botanicals: Pine cones, pine sap

Facts: Terpinolene is usually found in 'Durban' or 'Haze" strains and is said to have a stimulating effect. One study showed terpinolene had a sedative efffect on mice, so your experience could potentially vary

Minor Terpenes

Terpenes List

Pink circle with the word "Bisabolol" inside on a black background.

Botanicals: Guava, chamomile

Facts: One of the “most-used herbal constituents” in the world

Has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant properties

Purple circle with the word "Borneol" inside on a black background.

Botanicals: Beautyberries

Facts: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a “messenger drug” - facilitating the effects of other drugs

Shown to have certain neuroprotective effects

Brown circle with the word 'Camphene' inside.

Botanicals: Conifers, nutmeg, ginger

Facts: With a woody and earthy aroma, it is commonly used in the fragrance industry

In an ointment with menthol and other essential oils, camphene reduced experimentally induced bronchospasm in animals, suggesting application in humans

Blue circle with the word 'Camphor' inside

Botanicals: Camphor tree berries and bark

Facts: A common ingredient in some topical and vaporized medications intended to treat musculoskeletal pain or symptoms of common flu-like illnesses

Found in some old formulations of mothballs

Botanicals: Turpentine oil, cedar, rosemary

Facts: Various therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and sedative effects

Green circle with the word 'Cedrene' in the center.

Botanicals: Cedar, juniper, cypress

Facts: Cedarwood oil - in which cedar is a main constituent - has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal activity, analgesic activity, antimicrobial activity, astringent properties, antibacterial activity, and neuroprotective activity

Green circle with the word 'Cedrol' inside, centered on a black background.

Botanicals: Cedar, juniper, cypress

Facts: Cedrol is a natural crystalline sesquiterpene alcohol found in the essential oil of conifers especially cedar wood

Has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer properties

Illustration of a circle with the text 'p-Cymene' inside.

Botanicals: Cumin, thyme, marjoram

Facts: Research suggests that cymene can combat inflammation and be an effective analgesic in a 2012 mouse study. Cymene, via thyme essential oil, was also shown to have antimicrobial properties in this 2014 study.

Yellow circle with the word 'Eucalyptol' in the center on a black background.

Botanicals: Eucalyptus, chrysanthemums

Facts: Commonly used in the management of syndromes like asthma, airway mucus hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In one study, had a measurable impact on the cognitive and behavioral status of elderly persons who were cognitively impaired

Green circular frame with the word 'Farnesene' in the center on a black background.

Botanicals: Green apples, olive oil, hops, gardenia

Facts: Found in many complex essential oils with carminative (gas reduction) properties

Purple circle with the word 'Fenchol' inside, on a black background.

Botanicals: Grapes, basil, daisies

Facts: One study looked into fenchol’s efficacy as an antibacterial against more than 60 strains of bacteria and found that, while it was not as effective as penicillin, it did inhibit bacterial growth.

Green circle with the text 'Fenchone' in the center.

Botanicals: Absinthe (wormwood), fennel

Facts: Has exhibited antimotility properties

Geranoil text surrounded by a red circle on a black background.
Green circle with the word "Guaiol" in the center on a dark background.

Botanicals: Roses, geraniums

Facts: One of the most common molecules in the flavor and fragrance industries 

Known to exhibit insecticidal and repellent properties and used as a natural pest control agent exhibiting low toxicity

Red circle with the word "Geranyl" inside, on a black background.

Botanicals: Guaiacum trees, cypress trees

Facts: Studies in 2010 showed guaiol has anti-inflammatory properties in vitro (in a test tube) and in vivo (in a living organism)

Guaiacum trees have been used in natural medicine for some time. By the late 1700s, guaiacum gum extracted from the wood was being used in the treatment of syphilis and to regulate menstruation.

Humelene text inside a beige circle on a white background.

Botanicals: Ginseng, hops, sage

Facts: Humulene has been used for centuries in holistic Eastern medicinal practices, with pain relieving as well as gastroprotective properties. Humulene is also said to be anorectic / appetite suppressing.

Circular text graphic with "Isoborneol" in the center

Botanicals: Valerian, nutmeg, rosemary

Facts: commonly used to add a woody or spicy fragrance or taste to food, drinks, and perfumes

Blue circle with the word 'Isopulegol' in the center

Botanicals: Geraniums, citronella

Facts: Studies indicate that geranyl boasts a number of therapeutic properties, such as antimicrobial action.

Has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diverse complaints including digestive problems and swelling.

Botanicals: Spearmint, peppermint, lemon grass

Facts: Widely used for its flavoring and anesthetic properties

Botanicals: Chlorophyll, soybeans, green teas

Facts: Known for its grassy aroma and is often used as a precursor in the manufacturing of synthetic vitamins E and K1, and as a food additive

Botanicals: Frankincense, ginger, eucalyptus

Facts: Produces a minty, woody, and mildly citrus aromatic profile

A staple in holistic Eastern medicine for a long time, used for its antifungal and antibacterial properties

Botanicals: Snapdragons, kumquats, basil, bergamot

Facts: In the perfume industry, ocimene is commonly used for its sweet, floral, and herbaceous aromatic profile.

In a 2013 study, essential oil with ocimene was shown to have anti-oxidative properties and the ability to inhibit key enzymes connected to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Botanicals: “Lady of the Night” Orchids, roses, neroli

Facts: Used in traditional Persian medicine as an antiseizure and anticonvulsant natural agent.

Botanicals: Frankincense, ginger, eucalyptus

Facts: Produces a minty, woody, and mildly citrus aromatic profile

A staple in holistic Eastern medicine for a long time, used for its antifungal and antibacterial properties

Botanicals: Asiatic pennywort, tea tree, bergamot

Facts: The primary chemical constituent of tea tree oil

Botanicals: Lilac

Facts: Frequently used to create pleasant aromatic profiles in products like soap, lotion, and perfume, and it contributes to the distinctive, pine smoke-based aroma of lapsang souchong tea

Terpineol is most frequently found in strains also containing high levels of pinene

Botanicals: Grapefruit, oranges

Facts: Said to produce euphoric, uplifting feelings 

Also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and is noted to be a powerful insecticide for repelling ticks and mosquitos

VISIT US

Visit Our Shop By Appointment

Whether you’re an experienced consumer or looking for your first experience, we’re looking forward to helping you.


Blue Violets’ mission is to become one of New Jersey’s finest cannabis dispensaries through our focus on exceptional product quality, unique consumer education, and positive community impact.