The system of how we discuss, sell, and purchase cannabis is changing and for the average consumer, it’ll take a little adjustment. Gone should be the days of shopping by sativa/hybrid/indica classifications and bloated THC percentages. Instead, evidence suggests that cannabinoid and terpene profiles are better predictors of the way our bodies will react to cannabis.
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As you educate yourself about the many compounds in the cannabis plant, you may start to notice patterns between certain attributes, namely cannabinoids and terpenes. For example, do CBD strains exhibit a wide diversity of terpenes, or do they tend to produce the same ones across different strains?
Using Leafly data, we took a look at some of the most popular CBD-dominant cannabis strains and identified the most common terpenes expressed by these varieties. Take a look.
Cannatonic
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Main terpenes: Myrcene, b-caryophyllene, limonene
Cannatonic is a staple as far as CBD-dominant strains go. Consumers seek its low-THC/high-CBD profile, which brings about little to no intoxicating effects while providing relief of pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Though also attributable to its cannabinoids, Cannatonic’s benefits are further justified by its primary terpene, myrcene. Myrcene, one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, may provide sedating effects, and may benefit those suffering insomnia, pain, and inflammation.
Dancehall
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Main terpenes: Myrcene, b-caryophyllene, limonene
Dancehall is another popular CBD-dominant strain cherished for its medicinal benefits. Its main terpene is myrcene, however Dancehall is also boosted by a modest amount of b-caryophyllene, a spicy-scented terpene that’s also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. This terpene also possesses potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making Dancehall a popular option for consumers with chronic pain.
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Harlequin
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Main terpenes: Myrcene, a-pinene, b-caryophyllene
Harlequin is a popular sativa-dominant strain known for its eager expression of CBD. A stable variety, Harlequin almost always develops a CBD:THC ratio of 5:2, making this one of the most effective strains for treatment of pain and anxiety.
With flavors ranging from earthy musk to sweet mango, it’s no surprise that its most prevalent terpene is myrcene (are you noticing a trend yet?), but Harlequin also retains a presence of a-pinene, which offers potential medical benefits including relief of asthma, pain, anxiety, and more.
Remedy
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Main terpene: Myrcene, b-caryophyllene, a-pinene
A cross between Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk, Remedy can reach CBD levels as high as 15%. Its terpene profile is near-identical to Harlequin, which explains their similar effects. Remedy holds a woody, lemon scent that hints at a terpene profile dominated by myrcene and a-pinene. Considering the abundance of these two terpenes, it’s easy to see why patients seek Remedy to treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety disorders.
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Sour Tsunami
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Main terpenes: Myrcene, terpinolene, b-caryophyllene
Famous for being one of the first strains specifically bred for CBD rather than THC, Sour Tsunami is the only strain on this list whose terpene profile doesn’t look almost identical to the others. While it is indeed myrcene-dominant, Sour Tsunami also possesses a decent amount of terpinolene, which is apparent in this strain’s musky diesel aroma with sweet undertones.
Terpinolene—which is also found in nutmeg, tea tree, and conifers—provides potential health benefits as an antioxidant and antibacterial compound.
