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What’s the difference between terpenes and cannabinoids?

vector drawing of nose with line connected to cannabis leaf and also connected to structures of cannabinoids

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher

Table of contents

  1. What are cannabinoids?
  2. The most common cannabis cannabinoids
  3. Do cannabinoids pose any risks?
  4. What are terpenes?
  5. The most common cannabis terpenes
  6. The takeaway: Both cannabinoids and terpenes bring value to medical cannabis
  7. Resources

Cannabinoids and terpenes are compounds in cannabis. While both can provide health benefits, they interact with your body in different ways.

Cannabinoids produce benefits by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, while terpenes do not. Terpenes give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma, while cannabinoids are flavorless and odorless.

Despite their differences, these compounds work together to offer relief from a wide range of symptoms and health conditions.

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What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are flavorless, odorless, and colorless compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a body-wide system that uses cannabinoids to balance functions like inflammation, stress, sleep, and pain tolerance.

There are two kinds of cannabinoids:

  • Endocannabinoids, which are produced by the body
  • Phytocannabinoids, which exist in cannabis and a few other plant species

Major cannabinoids are cannabinoids that are more prominent in cannabis than others. They include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  Their benefits include:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Pain-relieving effects
  • Anti-nausea effects
  • Anti-anxiety effects
  • Neuroprotective (brain-protecting) benefits

Other cannabinoids in cannabis also have benefits, and researchers are continuing to learn about how they can improve our health.

How do cannabinoids work?

Cannabinoids affect cannabinoid receptors that belong to the endocannabinoid system. There are two kinds of cannabinoid receptors:

  • CB1 receptors, found mainly in the brain and central nervous system
  • CB2 receptors, found mainly in the peripheral nervous system, immune system, and digestive system

Each cannabinoid prefers certain cannabinoid receptors. When a cannabinoid attaches to a receptor, a chemical reaction takes place that can produce effects ranging from stress relief to decreased inflammation.

Some cannabinoid receptors in the brain are responsible for the intoxicating effects we feel when we consume THC.

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The most common cannabis cannabinoids

There are more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, and scientists are still discovering previously unknown cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

There are four “major” cannabinoids that exist in higher concentrations in cannabis than others.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, and it’s credited for the plant’s psychoactive effects, which can be both euphoric and relaxing.

In addition to producing a “high,” THC offers medical benefits, including:

The amount of THC in a strain of cannabis ranges from about 1 to 30%.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is another cannabinoid known for its many health benefits. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, which may appeal to you if you’re seeking the plant’s benefits without the high.

CBD’s potential benefits include:

CBD products are usually made from the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis that produces high levels of CBD and low levels of THC.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is nicknamed the “mother cannabinoid.” It’s the precursor to THC, CBD, and all other cannabinoids in cannabis.

CBG is the only cannabinoid in cannabis during the plant’s early growing stage. When the plant matures, CBG splits itself into over 100 cannabinoids.

Some benefits of CBG include:

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is a metabolite of THC. It may be mildly psychoactive, but it’s unlikely to feel intoxicated unless you consume an incredibly high dose.

CBN’s possible benefits include:

Minor cannabinoids

Many minor cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, such as:

Do cannabinoids pose any risks?

Cannabinoids aren’t known to cause any major harm. Still, they may cause some side effects, especially if you take a large dose or have a low tolerance.

Potential side effects of cannabinoids include:

Cannabis users who purchase outside of a dispensary may be at risk of other side effects due to poor safety standards.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are found in all plant species, including cannabis. There are approximately 30,000 terpenes in nature, and at least 150 in cannabis.

Terpenes play a major role in the flavor and aroma of different cannabis strains. These properties allow plants to attract pollinators and protect themselves against pests and diseases.

Terpenes also have health benefits, like cannabinoids.

How do terpenes work?

While cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, terpenes interact with different receptors in the body that affect our health. Terpenes may:

  • Relieve pain
  • Calm anxiety
  • Lower inflammation
  • Ease depression

Terpenes’ benefits may be more powerful when taken in combination with cannabinoids due to a synergistic phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Unlike some cannabinoids, terpenes are not intoxicating. However, some have sedative properties that can cause drowsiness or euphoria.

Each cannabis strain has a unique composition of terpenes, which is why two strains can smell, taste, and feel different from one another.

The most common cannabis terpenes

Some cannabis terpenes are more prominent in cannabis than others.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) has a peppery and woodsy scent. It’s unique in that it behaves as both a terpene and cannabinoid, binding to CB2 receptors to offer different benefits, such as:

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is known for its cooling effects and minty scent. It’s also found in rosemary, wormwood, bay leaves, and its namesake, eucalyptus.

Eucalyptol is commonly used to open up the airways and reduce congestion. It may also improve focus through its stimulating properties.

Limonene

Limonene is a citrus-scented terpene found in the peels of lemons and oranges. It contributes to the energizing effects of certain cannabis strains, and can boost concentration, alertness, and memory.

Limonene may help with:

Linalool

Linalool is common in both cannabis and lavender. It may relieve anxiety and depression, and ease pain.

Myrcene

Myrcene is found in many plants, including various fruits and herbs. It’s believed to play a large role in the sedative effects of certain strains. It may also:

Pinene

Pinene is known for its pine-like aroma. Aside from cannabis, it’s found in pine trees, rosemary, and basil.

There are two main types of pinene: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, with alpha-pinene being the more common of the two.

Pinene is an anti-inflammatory, and may reduce UV damage to the skin and DNA when applied topically.

In one study, people who had experienced strokes were injected with pinene, and showed lower levels of brain damage.

The takeaway: Both cannabinoids and terpenes bring value to medical cannabis

While cannabinoids and terpenes have their differences, they work together in cannabis to enhance one another’s benefits.

To explore these benefits, consider getting a medical cannabis card to access a wide variety of cannabis products. Leafwell’s telehealth services make the process of obtaining a medical cannabis card quick and easy.

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Learn answers to FAQs about terpenes and cannabinoids.

Which terpene is also a cannabinoid?

How do terpenes and cannabinoids work together?

Terpenes and cannabinoids can enhance one another’s benefits when taken together through the entourage effect.

What do terpenes do for your high?

Terpenes aren't intoxicating. But, they can make your high more relaxing or more energizing depending on their unique properties.

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