Introduction to Terpenes — Ocimene, Linalool & Bisabolol

What gives one strain of cannabis a different fragrance or taste than the other? The biggest factors are essential oils known as terpenes, which show up in every strain of cannabis as well as countless other naturally occurring plants, herbs, and fruits.

There are more than 100 terpenes known to scientists, and more are being discovered all the time. Each terpene has its own fragrance profile, as well as surprising benefits that more research is showing are more powerful than we ever could have guessed.

In this article, we’ll be exploring three terpenes commonly found in cannabis— ocimene, linalool, and bisabolol.

Ocimene Benefits & Effects

Ocimene is a delightfully scented terpene that combines notes of mint, sweetness, citrus, and an earthy fragrance for a combination that’s fresh and lovely. It’s no wonder this terpene, which is also found in mint, parsley, orchids, and other fragrant plants, is so popular as an ingredient in perfumes and colognes.

It’s rare that ocimene is the dominant terpene in a cannabis strain, preferring to take a supporting role to more common and abundant terpenes. But that’s not to say that ocimene isn’t important, or that it doesn’t have some pretty impressive benefits.

Studies suggest that ocimene can act as an anti-inflammatory, and there’s even research that leads scientists to believe ocimene could ultimately be a powerful assistant in treating the symptoms of diabetes.

Products with Ocimene

Linalool Benefits & Effects

Linalool is most famously present in lavender, and is a large part of what gives lavender its distinctive, relaxing aroma. But linalool is also found in many cannabis strains, and a lot of research is being focused on just how powerful it can be.

For many years, terpenes were thought to simply provide fragrance and flavor to cannabis. But more and more studies are finding that their benefits go much deeper, even providing therapeutic and physiological benefits on the same level of cannabinoids like THC or CBD.

Linalool seems to have benefits that include anti-microbial properties, stress-reduction effects, improvement of epileptic symptoms, and even muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving benefits. It seems to work by limiting the pain signals sent to the brain. Go, science!

Products with Linalool

Bisabolol Benefits & Effects

Outside of cannabis, bisabolol is a terpene best known for its presence in chamomile. Like other terpenes, it was long thought that bisabolol was nothing more than a scent-enhancer. But it’s been the subject of recent research suggesting it can do a whole lot more.

Bisabolol has shown promising early success in a range of applications, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-irritant, and antimicrobial. It seems to be ‘anti’ a lot of things, but at The Farmacy we’re definitely pro-bisabolol

Products with Bisabolol

Thanks for learning along with us!