Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes are a large class of volatile organic compounds found in cannabis and many plants, characterized by a molecular structure of 15 carbon atoms (three isoprene units). In cannabis, sesquiterpenes are produced in trichomes alongside other secondary metabolites and contribute to the chemical diversity of different cultivars. Common sesquiterpenes in cannabis include β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and β-myrcene, each with distinct aromatic profiles ranging from spicy and woody to herbal and earthy. Breeders and researchers study sesquiterpene composition as part of chemotyping programs to understand cultivar variation and preservation of genetic traits across generations. Sesquiterpenes are heavier and less volatile than monoterpenes, meaning they often emerge later in the plant's flowering cycle and may be better preserved under cool storage conditions.

Cannabis breeders working to stabilize particular aroma and flavor profiles often select parent plants based on sesquiterpene expression patterns. Understanding sesquiterpene ratios helps breeders maintain consistency within F1, F2, and stabilized cultivar lines across multiple generations.