Cannabis Sativa or Indica
and Terpenes

Two of the most popular categories of cannabis are Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. Many people associate sativas with their uplifting mental effects and indicas with couch-lock and proper sleep. Now that there are more strains of cannabis than ever before, we know that the classic conceptions about Sativa and Indica only scratch the surface of how cannabis grows and all that it can do.
Whether you choose cannabis Indica or Sativa, terpenes play a big role in the scent, quality, and effectiveness of cannabis. For hundreds of years, cannabis growers crossbred different varieties of cannabis to achieve their ideal level of THC. When CBD was discovered, strains became even more customized and specially bred. Now, science reveals that the true key to predicting the effects of cannabis isn’t just in its cannabinoid genetics, but also in natural plant compounds called terpenes. And with so many strains, it can be hard to find the best one for you.
Extracting cannabis’ natural compounds (THC, CBD, and terpenes) can be recombined in targeted formulas to make it easier for you to find your wellness.

Although Sundae Driver may test lower in THC than most popular strains, connoisseurs know that some of the best strains "aren't" necessarily that high in THC. It's the Entourage Effect - the combined effect of terpenes and cannabinoids - that make a strain and it's high so special.

Terpenes are the pungent oils that give each strain of cannabis its scent and serve as a blueprint to how a strain will affect you. Take a look at each type of terpene below to help you find the right terpene and for your specific needs.

FARNESENE
There are two different types of farnesene, alpha farnesene (α-farnesene) and beta-farnesene (β-farnesene), both of which can be found naturally in many plants and herbs, including the rinds of fruit. In fact, the very distinct aroma of green apples is due to the presence of α-farnesene in the skin! If you’ve ever had an apple start to spoil and you’ve seen the flesh bruise and turn brown, this is due to the oxidation of α-farnesene breaking down the cells of the fruit. With that in mind, if you ever come across a cannabis strain that has a strong odor of green apples, you’ll know that farnesene is present.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Anti-Inflammatory: Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been shown to help people suffering from conditions such as arthritis. Farnesene, a component in turmeric, also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Antifungal & Antibacterial: Similar to terpenes limonene and ocimene, farnesene also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Along this same vein, several species of potatoes synthesize a pheromone produced by aphids containing β-farnesene to ward off insects.

Anxiety Relief & Antispasmodic: Farnesene has calming and sedative properties that can relieve anxiety and relax muscles to reduce spasmodic episodes. Farnesene is found in many indica strains. For example, there is a strain of narrow-leafed indica that is native to the Himalayan valleys that has been found to have a strong presence of trans–β-farnesene.

Ocimene
Present throughout a variety of species of fruits and plants such as basil, parsley, mangoes, and of course, cannabis, ocimene is a monoterpene known for its pleasantly tropical and woody bouquet. The aroma of this oil is so fragrant in fact, that it is commonly used in perfumes.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Decongestant & Expectorant: Ocimene has been found to alleviate head and chest congestion, and can loosen mucus in the lungs to help you breathe easier. If you are sick or suffering from allergies, this terpene may be able to offer some relief from your symptoms.
Antifungal: Because it is naturally produced by plants to inhibit fungal growth, it comes as no surprise that ocimene has some great antifungal properties.

Anti-inflammatory: Several studies have been conducted on the efficacy of ocimene as an anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to combat inflammation by curbing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can make some conditions worse.

LIMONENE
Next to its cousin pinene, limonene is the second most common terpene in nature. Other than cannabis, it can be found in peppermint, rosemary, and you guessed it—citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and tangerines! Much as you’d expect, limonene has a distinctly sour, zesty scent.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Mood Booster: If you’re looking for a lift, limonene can give you a hand. Commonly used in aromatherapy, the bright, fruity scent of citrus has been known to revitalize and refresh the mind and body. Because of this, limonene is great for relieving anxiety and depression. As an added benefit, limonene has been known to reduce the severity of acid reflux, a common symptom associated with high stress.
Cancer Fighting: Research has found that limonene is an anti-proliferative, meaning it hinders cancer’s ability to spread. It does so by cutting off the ability for tumors to create blood vessels, and therefore ceasing the advancement of the disease.

Antibacterial & Antifungal: Similarly to pinene, limonene is a great anti-inflammatory and can reduce symptoms associated with diseases such as fibromyalgia, MS, and more. Further still, this terpene possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help improve breathing conditions such as bronchitis and asthma, and stimulates the immune system by warding off bacterial infections.

A-BISABOLOL
Alpha-bisabolol, also known as levomenol, is a monocyclic sesquiterpene. It has a light, sweet floral scent like chamomile. Bisabolol is found in cannabis, German chamomile, Brazilian candeia tree, and myoporum. It is one of the most soothing terpenes and has been used in skin care and beauty products for centuries as a fragrance and for its reported skin-healing properties.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Anti-inflammatory: may be beneficial for hives and dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Analgesic: may help with pain.
Anti-cancer properties: breast, skin, ovarian, leukemia, and prostate cancers.
Antioxidant: protects against free-radicals and sun damage when used topically.
Antimicrobial: helps protect against acne when used topically.

Insomnia: calming, soothing, tranquilizing effects.

B-CARYOPHYLLENE
With such high concentrations of β-caryophyllene in spices and herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, hops, and rosemary, it is no wonder that this terpene is identified by its strong, spicy aroma. Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes since it can also be classified as a cannabinoid in part because of its ability to affect CB2 receptors. What this means for the medical world is that users can enjoy the benefits of β-caryophyllene without the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Improve GI Health: β-caryophyllene possesses anti-inflammatory properties which have been shown to assist in improving certain gastrointestinal conditions. These characteristics also benefit the liver by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms from scarring and fatty liver disease.
Antispasmodic: Those who suffer from muscle spasms due to stress or from conditions such as seizures may find relief from caryophyllene’s muscle-relaxing properties.

Analgesic: Since β-caryophyllene affects the endocannabinoid CB2 receptor, it is especially effective as a pain-relieving agent.

MYRCENE
Stop and think of the most recognizable, earthy, musky scent of a typical cannabis plant—you probably have β-myrcene to thank. It is the most frequently found terpene in cannabis and is also present in other plants such as hops, lemongrass, thyme, and mangoes. Since many of the effects of myrcene are sedative, it’s no wonder that so many strains containing more than .05% of this terpene are often labeled as indica-dominant.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Antidepressant & Insomnia Relief: Those suffering from depression and insomnia can benefit from the strong sedative properties of myrcene. Studies have shown the terpene to act as a sleep aid, and has been attributed to be one of the causes of “couch lock”—greatly reduced physical activity brought on by intense bodily relaxation.
Anti-inflammatory: Myrcene has been found to significantly help inflammation, especially when it is paired with CBD. These properties can benefit those who suffer from painful swelling due to conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and so much more.

Analgesic & Antispasmodic: Because of its highly sedative properties, myrcene works great as an antispasmodic to reduce the severity of convulsions. It deeply relaxes muscles to curtail spasms, and calms both the body and mind to reduce pain.

HUMULENE
If you’ve ever enjoyed a nice craft beer and inhaled the scent of the Humulus Lupulus (hops), then you’d understand where humulene derives its name and distinctively earthy and herbal aroma from. This sesquiterpene (a class of terpene) is present in other woody plants such as basil, sage, ginseng, and clove.
SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Appetite Suppression: It may come as a surprise since so many cannabis strains promote hunger, but with the presence of humulene, one can suppress their appetite and encourage healthy weight loss.
Anti-inflammatory: Humulene is an effective anti-inflammatory when used both topically or systemically. In fact, in a study published in 2007, humulene was found to be just as powerful as the steroidal anti-inflammatory dexamethasone.

Analgesic: In addition to its potent anti-inflammatory characteristics, humulene can offer natural pain relief. Frequently used in pain relief salves, humulene is great for reducing symptoms of disorders such as fibromyalgia and arthritis since it can reduce swelling as well.

LINALOOL
Commonly found in many flowers and plants such as mint, cinnamon, and rosewood, linalool is a terpene that emits a floral scent similar to lavender with gentle hints of citrus. It’s this iconic lavender scent that makes it such a contender for stress relief among its other health benefits.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Anxiety & Anti-Depressant: Much as lavender is notable for its stress-relief qualities, research has found that linalool is especially effective in tapering levels of anxiety and symptoms of depression. The sedative properties in linalool that promote stress relief also act as a powerful sleep aid which can help those suffering from insomnia get a good night’s rest.
Anticonvulsant: In the same vein of anxiety and stress relief, linalool has great pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects. By reducing the intensity of the chemical that’s responsible for muscle contraction, acetylcholine, this terpene is able to reduce muscle spasms and convulsions.

Antiseptic: Linalool is widely used in cleaning products such as detergents and shampoos—not only because of its gentle scent, but because it also has antimicrobial properties.

TERPINOLENE
Terpinolene is unique from its other terpene counterparts because unlike most terpenoids, terpinolene neither offers pain-relief or anti-inflammatory benefits. That being said, terpinolene has been shown to have several great properties of its own, and when used in tandem with other terpenes, can offer a holistic approach to healing. Its aroma is a balance of woody, piney tones with floral, citrus hints. Common plants that contain terpinolene include conifers, rosemary, lilacs, and sage.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Anxiety & Insomnia Relief: For those suffering from high levels of anxiety or insomnia, terpinolene may be a solution. Studies have shown the terpene to be a central nervous system depressant, which can cause drowsiness and bring forth sleep as well as calm the body down to relieve tenseness and stress associated with anxiety.
Antibacterial: Terpinolene has been found to exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial activity by slowing the growth of bacteria as well as fungi.

Anticancer: Quite a bit of research has revealed the anti-proliferation properties of terpinolene. It has the ability to downregulate cell proteins that can reduce the spread of cancer in the body as well as the generation of cancerous neuroblastoma cells.

NEROLIDOL
Nerolidol is an earthy and fruity scented terpene accented by the subtle notes of wood, citrus, apple, and rose. It’s produced in plants, including cannabis, in response to insect attacks, and though recognized for its antibacterial killing properties, it’s also known for its medical properties and is considered safe for humans to ingest and inhale. Nerolidol is found in many strong aromatics such as ginger, jasmine, tea tree, lavender, and lemongrass, all of which are often used in aromatherapy, found in essential oils, and are praised for their healing and calming effects.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Cancer Fighting: Research has demonstrated that nerolidol is able to disrupt the membrane of cancer cells, stop their growth, and induce cancer cell death.
Antifungal & Antimicrobial: Similar to other terpenes such as pinene and limonene, nerolidol aids in reducing inflammation. It’s antibacterial properties boost the immune system and help it fight off bacteria, fungi, parasitic diseases, head lice, spider mites, and more.

Anxiety Relief & Natural Sleep Aid: Nerolidol is used as a natural sleep aid due to the sedative effects it exhibits, and it’s anti-anxiety properties also make it an effective terpene for anxiety relief.

PINENE
There are two types of pinene, alpha-pinene (α-pinene) and beta-pinene (β-pinene). Cannabis contains α-pinene, and as the name infers, has a strong aroma of pine needles and sage. In fact, it is an incredibly common terpene present all throughout the plant kingdom and can be found in plants and herbs such as spruce and fir trees, dill, and parsley.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

If you have a strain that’s high in pinene, what kind of positive effects might it have on you?

Asthma Relief: As a bronchodilator, pinene can help to improve airflow to the lungs, and thusly reduce asthma symptoms. It has been found to have the ability to open up air passages, and in certain studies it has been shown that pinene’s antibacterial properties can neutralize the spread of harmful bacteria that can cause viruses, and has been seen to slow the spread of bronchitis.
Inflammation Reduction: Pinene has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be an effective way to lessen painful inflammation from conditions such as arthritis, MS, and cancer.
Improve Alertness & Memory Retention: Short term memory loss associated with THC can be combated by pinene. It has been shown to increase focus so you can stay more concentrated on a task and not forget what you were doing.

Cancer Fighting: Several studies have been done on α-pinene as a cancer inhibitor, and the terpene has been shown to significantly reduce the size of cancerous tumors.

TERPINEOL
Terpineol has a total of four isomers, but the most common, α-terpineol, is found in cannabis. Naturally occurring in over 150 plants, including lilacs, lime blossoms, and pine, it’s no wonder that the aroma of this terpene contains layers of floral scents resemblant of lilacs and citrus. It is frequently found in company with pinene, another terpene prevalent in cannabis.

SYMPTOM RELIEF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Anxiety & Insomnia Relief: Terpineol is known for its many therapeutic benefits, especially providing relief to those suffering from anxiety and insomnia. Studies have been conducted where terpineol was shown to sedate and reduce mobility, and as a result, ease anxiety and encourage the body to relax.
Antibacterial: Similarly to the linalool, terpineol exhibits strong antibacterial activity. It has been shown to help reduce periodontopathic bacteria which are known to cause infectious dental diseases.
Antiproliferative: Not only has terpineol been found to be an antioxidant, it has shown to have a powerful ability to eliminate and hinder the spread of tumors.