Terpenes 101: What is Geraniol? Benefits & Uses

There are a lot of terpenes, all of which have unique properties, benefits, and side effects. While terpenes are found in most plants, they are specifically influential in cannabis. There are over 400 unique types of terpenes found across all cannabis strains, and knowing how they affect your experience as a cannabis consumer can go a long way in helping you hose the strains best for you. Today, we will look at Geraniol, a terpene frequently found in Colorado-based strains. Let's dive into terpenes and Geraniol side effects.

What Are Terpenes?

Also referred to as terpenoids, terpenes are aromatic oils found in almost every plant, from flowers and vegetables to cannabis and herbs. A total of over 50,000 unique terpenes have been discovered in plants all around the world. While we appreciate their flavorful, medicinally beneficial characteristics, they naturally occur as a defense mechanism - their strong odors repel unwanted predators and attract insects that help pollinate and reproduce.

In cannabis, these oils are secreted from glands in the trichomes and are responsible for the plant's flavor and aroma. They also interact with the hundreds of other compounds found in cannabis, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, to create various positive effects when consumed. Many of these effects have beneficial medicinal properties, including the capacity to reduce chronic pain and inflammation, adjust moods, and induce sleep (just to name a few).

Geraniol Terpene Overview

Geraniol's name is derived from the geranium plant, a very citrusy plant used in insect repellent. It can also be found in rose oil, lemongrass, grapefruits, carrots, blueberries, and blackberries. The terpene is often synthesized or extracted for perfume, cologne, lotions, detergents, and other household products. Geraniol candles are also one of the more common products created from the terpene.

Across the board, Geraniol is not a common terpene in cannabis; there are only a handful of popular strains with a high concentration of this terpene. What sets it apart from other terpenes is its floral rose profile that offers a sweet, delicate, delicious flavor. It is also known to help reduce chronic pain and has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.

Geraniol Side Effects

While there is still a lot to learn about terpenes and their effects when consumed, a handful of studies have been conducted that suggest a lot of potential good can come from Geraniol. A 2015 review was among one of the first to suggest the terpene's increased anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other properties include anti-fungal and antibacterial, and Geraniol may also reduce the size of tumors and inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells altogether. While the studies conducted so far have only targeted animals, some findings suggest Geraniol could help manage diabetes, hyperglycemia, and atherosclerosis.

Strains High in Geraniol

As we mentioned above, Geraniol isn't one of the most common terpenes to be found in cannabis strains, but there are a handful of prevalent strains that you're likely familiar with. Here are a few of the more well-known.

Harlequin

Unlike the other strains you'll find on this list, Harlequin has a very low THC percentage of 5% and boasts a more substantial CBD presence of 9%. With uplifting and energizing effects that help with creativity and energy levels, the subtle high provided by Harlequin can be an incredible daytime boost. Created by crossing Colombian Gold, Thai, and Swiss landrace strains and a Nepali Indica, this strain is commonly used to combat depression, anxiety, and pain. It's also delicious, with earthy aromas and wonderfully sweet mango flavors.

Agent Orange

As its name suggests, this strain is best known for its sweet, citrusy, orange flavor and aroma. Because it provides such an uplifting and energetic high, this strain is also thought to be very useful in combating insomnia, depression, and stress. It has roughly 17% THC and was initially bred by MzJill Genetics as a cross between Orange Velvet and Jack the Ripper.

Strawberry Diesel

A cross between NYC Diesel and Strawberry Cough, this Sativa-leaning hybrid is known for its energizing, clear-headed high that's great for daytime use (especially if you're looking for something to boost creativity). It boasts 19% THC and tastes like the name suggests: sweet and strawberry aromas with a heavy-hitting diesel yet fruity flavor. Strawberry Diesel is mainly associated with helping alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It's important to note that this is a very strong strain and should be used cautiously if you're a beginner - it hits fast and heavy.

Black Cherry Soda

This hybrid strain is named after its uniquely dark purple coloration and fruity soda flavors. It has fairly mysterious origins, but some believe it is crossed with strains like Cherry AK47, Airborne G13, and Blackberry strains. Regardless of where it came from, it is the known parent to other iconic strains like Black Dahlia and Ace of Spades. It has a heavy-hitting average THC percentage of 21% and is known for producing a relaxed, creative high that's great for late-night and mid-day smoke sessions because it also produces small amounts of energy and calm. Some of this strain's more prominent medical benefits include reducing stress, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.