Terpenes: What is Ocimene? What are the Effects?

Cannabis is not a simple plant. There are over 400 active compounds in cannabis that help make it so beneficial and enjoyable. Some of those vital compounds are terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of every cannabis strain. There are a lot of different terpenes, each with its own flavor profile and benefits. Today, we're going to cover Ocimene, It's not one of the most common cannabis terpenes, but it's got a lot to offer. Let's dive into what terpenes are, how they affect cannabis and users, and what makes Ocimene unique.

What Are Terpenes?

While terpenes play a significant role in cannabis, they are also major players in almost every plant in existence. There are over 50,000 types of terpenes that have been discovered across all plants on Earth, from flowers to vegetables. In cannabis, there are about 150 known terpenes. These terpenes are primarily used as a defense mechanism against natural predators, with strong, repellent odors. At the same time, they also lure insects with the same odors to increase pollination.

When consumed, Terpenes provide a wide variety of benefits by binding with receptors throughout the body. Depending on the terpene, some side effects include improved cognition, stress, nausea, pain relief, anti-inflammation, and reduced insomnia. Like cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes have benefits on their own, but they are most effective when used alongside the other compounds within cannabis. The entourage effect is a beneficial result of hundreds of cannabinoid compounds, including terpenes, working together to produce more holistic effects.

What Is Ocimene?

Ocimene is a terpene found in several popular cannabis strains, but it is also found in many flowers and herbs that you likely use regularly. The Ocimene terpene can be found in herbs such as mint, parsley, basil, and tarragon. Mango, lavender, orchids, hops, bergamot, and kumquats are also common places the terpene ocimene comes from. Outside of cannabis products, other Ocimene uses include various common products like fabric softeners, shampoo, soap, insecticides, and surface cleaners, among many other products.

Ocimene is derived from the Greek word "Ocimum," which means basil. The primary Ocimene terpene smell is a woody, earthy aroma. Its most easily noticeable flavors include citrus and bright fruit. Consider the most popular cannabis strains that have Ocimene terpenes - Hack Herer and Mandarin Dream. Both are known for citrusy aromas and flavors. Of course, the flavor isn't the only thing we're interested in with Ocimene. We're also interested in the primary Ocimene benefits.

What Are Ocimene Terpene Effects?

There are many medicinal benefits associated with the Ocimene cannabis terpene. For those of you interested in benefiting from this terpene, here's a list of Ocimene effects.

Anti-Oxidative Properties

When used in conjunction with the terpene Pinene, Ocimene is thought to possess anti-oxidative properties that can potentially help manage type-2 diabetes and even hypertension.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Research suggests that oils containing Ocimene, specifically Oenanthe crocata, have anti-inflammatory properties and can even help treat ringworms and other inflammatory diseases.

Anti-Fungal Properties

Alongside other chemical compounds, Ocimene has been shown to potentially act as an antifungal agent against certain skin fungi (ringworm, specifically).

Anti-Viral Properties

Research has suggested that the terpenes Ocimene and Pinene, when used together in oils, produce strong, positive reactions when used against SARS-CoV, a respiratory syndrome that can be caused by coronavirus and herpes simplex virus. While further research is needed to solidify these initial findings, there's a lot of promise for Ocimene as a medicinal agent.

Common Ocimene Terpene Strains

Ocimene isn't one of the most common terpenes, so the list of known cannabis strains that include Ocimene is limited. However, there are definitely a few on this list that you've likely heard of (and probably tried).

Jack Herer

This Savita is known for its earthy, almost spicy flavor with hints of citrus. It is a very THC-forward strain, with an average percentage of 20%. It is also known for providing a very energetic high that's great for creativity and providing mental clarity.

Are any of the Ocimene terpene strains one of your favorites? Let us know what you enjoy about it so much and offer a few similar suggestions in the comments below!