Cannabis Terpenes: What is Camphene?

Did you know that there are hundreds of terpenes that can be found in cannabis and that each strain has different types and amounts? Terpenes are an essential part of cannabis, so it's good to know what the major terpenes are and what separates them from others. Let's dive into the terpene Camphene, what it is, how it forms, its benefits, and which strains have the most of it. 

What are Terpenes?

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Terpenes (aka terpenoids) are naturally occurring oils secreted from the trichomes of cannabis flower. They cause cannabis' potent aroma and flavor, although they are not exclusive to cannabis. Roughly 145-150 terpenes are known to exist within cannabis plants, but over 50,000 different terpenes exist across countless plant species. Almost every plant has trichomes, a defense system with strong odors to repel potential predators and attract insects that help pollination. 

However, what is unique to cannabis terpenes is that they interact with cannabinoids to provide various medicinal benefits and are part of the entourage effect. Like cannabinoids, the therapeutic effects of terpenes have been used for a long time for their medicinal benefits. Modern science has helped us better understand the positive effects of terpenes, and that list includes benefiting brain function, stress, nausea, inflammation, pain relief, insomnia, and more. The most prominent terpenes within cannabis include myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, humulene, pinene, and linalool. 

What is Camphene?

Camphene is a terpene found in cannabis and other plants such as camphor trees, cypress oil, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, spruce, and conifers. Like other terpenes, Camphene forms a colorless crystal that offers unique fragrances and flavors - Camphene's predominant odor is damp and herbal pine (very similar to camphor). It is a monoterpene with a bicyclic skeleton formed as an organic carbocyclic compound and, along with being prominent in many essential oils, has been used to create synthetic camphor. 

What is the Camphene Terpene Used For?

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Camphene is the most common prolific terpene in camphor oil, sometimes even referred to (not entirely correctly) as camphene oil. Camphor oil was used for centuries in some regions of Asia as a flammable oil for torches, lanterns, and fireworks. Evidence suggests it was used in ancient Egypt and Babylon as a fumigant during the Black Death and other plagues. In modern times, camphor is most widely a cosmetic fragrance, food flavoring, and an ingredient in many citronella oils for mosquito repellent. 

What are the Benefits of Camphene Terpenes?

Like cannabinoids, terpenes have unique medicinal properties that vary from each other. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Camphene (and certain other terpenes) as an antifungal in situations including athlete's foot and dermatological diseases such as dermatitis. It is also considered to have effectiveness as an antibacterial against several types of bacteria. As an antibacterial agent, Camphene is thought to be most beneficial when topically applied, especially in a cannabis product that contains other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. Camphene is also believed to potentially act as an antioxidant, help relieve respiratory stress during bronchitis, act as a cough suppressant, and be a lipid-lowering and inflammation-reducing agent. Camphene in cannabis, specifically, may aid in pain relief and management.

Strains High in Camphene

There are quite a few popular strains high in Camphene that you might be able to find at your local dispensary. Here are some of our favorite camphene strains:

OG Kush

This Indica strain is thought to originate from Northern California and is one of the most iconic strains on the market. Most OG Kush strains are a combination of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush and have an average of roughly 20% THC with very minimal CBD. It provides a full-body high and euphoria and has diesel, pine, and citrus notes.

Ghost OG

Winner of multiple Cup awards, this Indica strain originated from the Afghanistan-Pakistan mountains (and it is rumored that the Triangle Kush strain is the parent strain). It offers a balanced cerebral and body high, has an average THC level of 19% and minimal CBD, and has a strong citrus smell and flavor.

Strawberry Banana

Also known as "Strawnana," DNA Genetics developed this Indica strain in Amsterdam as a cross between Banana Kush and Bubble Gum. It has a sweet flavor akin to its name and has a very high average THC content of 21%. It's a strain great for creativity and brings a mild euphoria with an enjoyable balance between energetic and calming.

Do you have any favorite strains high in Camphene that are not on our list? If not, what are your favorite flavors in cannabis? Do you know the terpenes responsible for your favorite cannabis flavors and aromas? Let us know in the comments below!