As we have written in previous articles, the marijuana plant has more than 200 terpenes. Of all the essential oils, the most common (main terpenes) are limonene, pinene, caryophyllene and myrcene. Then, we have other terpenes considered “minor cannabis terpenes”. These terpenes, although not found in high concentrations, have medical and aromatic properties that give each cannabis strain a characteristic profile. Camphene is one of these minor terpenes that is being researched for its medical properties.

What is Camphene?

Camphene is a monoterpene soluble in water with a boiling point of 318.2°F/159°C. It’s considered a minor terpene in the cannabis plant and found in low concentrations in many essential oils like ginger, cypress, rosemary or nutmeg.

As other terpenes, camphene is used in perfumes to give a woody scent. In addition, it is also widely used as a flavor additive for food.

As other terpenes, camphene has potential medical properties. For example, it’s used as a treatment for psoriasis, and it’s being researched for its potential anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

What are the Benefits of Camphene?

As mentioned above, camphene has been primarily used as an additive in perfumes and in the food industry as a flavoring.

In addition to its potential antibacterial and antifungal properties, camphene is being studied for its possible properties in improving heart health. Moreover, camphene has might reduce inflammation and also reduce pain. Furthermore, camphene, like linalool, has been used as a mosquito repellent.

Some cannabis strains have camphene as a minor terpene. For example, Kush cannabis strains such as Banana Kush or OG Kush contain this terpene.

As other terpenes, camphene is being also researched for its potential antioxidant properties. A study by Grassman, 2005, states that “monoterpenes such as limonene and perillyl alcohol may be promising substances in cancer therapy”. In addition, several studies have researched the antioxidant activity of monoterpenes and diterpenes or essential oils in vitro.

Perhaps the greatest ability that camphene has its capabilities to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

Which Cannabis Strains have Camphene as a Secondary Terpene?

Many Kush strains such as Banana Kush or OG Kush have camphene as a secondary terpene. In addition, other cannabis strains contain this terpene. Let’s take a look at some cannabis strains with camphene:

Banana Kush

This hybrid cannabis strain is rich in limonene and it also has myrcene and caryophyllene as main terpenes. In addition to these terpenes, Banana Kush also has camphene as a secondary terpene.

This hybrid cannabis strain is rich in THC (18%) with 1% of CBG. Banana Kush has both euphoric and calming properties.

OG Kush

Perhaps one of the most famous cannabis strains. OG Kush is one of the most we-known Kush strains. OG Kush is also rich in THC (18%) with 1% of CBG. Its main terpenes are myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene. It also has camphene as a secondary terpene.

Mendocino Purps

Also known as Mendo Purps, this cannabis strains have moderate THC levels (13%) and it has mainly calming effects. Its main terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene, but it also contains camphene as a minor terpene.

Strawberry Banana

This cannabis strain is rich in THC with levels up to 21% of THC. Also known as Strawnana, this cannabis strain is rich in limonene, caryophyllene and myrcene. In addition, you will also notice a woody aroma thanks to its camphene content.

Ghost OG

Another strain rich in THC (18%), Ghost OG is a hybrid strain with calming effects and rich in myrcene. In addition to myrcene, it also has high levels of caryophyllene and limonene. Ghost OG has also camphene as a secondary terpene.

ACDC

This is an effective cannabis strain to treat inflammation. ACDC is a CBD rich (14%) cannabis strain. It’s very popular for medical uses and it is especially useful to treat chronic pain and to relieve pain. Many cannabis users consider this strain very useful in combatting nerve pain. Furthermore, ACDC is very rich in myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene. Moreover, ACDC has camphene as a minor terpene.