Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes are a class of volatile organic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants, characterized by a molecular structure of 15 carbon atoms (C15H24). In cannabis, common sesquiterpenes include caryophyllene, humulene, and β-myrcene, which contribute to the plant's aroma profile and are produced in the trichome glands alongside cannabinoids. These compounds are studied by cannabis chemists and breeders as part of the broader chemotype framework, though their specific roles in the plant remain an area of ongoing research. Sesquiterpene abundance and composition vary significantly across cultivars and can be influenced by growing conditions, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling. Understanding sesquiterpene profiles is relevant to breeding programs focused on developing distinct aromatic signatures and exploring the chemical diversity of cannabis genetics.

Breeders often select for sesquiterpene-dominant chemotypes to establish recognizable strain families and cultivar identities. Sesquiterpene ratios are tracked in lineage development to preserve or enhance aroma characteristics across generations.