By Luke Sumpter


You’ve heard of limonene, myrcene, and pinene, but what about farnesene? This little-known terpene often autumns to the wayside in discussions on cannabis constituents, but it contributes distinct aromas and flavours to numerous cannabis cultivars.

Cannabis contains over 400 chemicals[1] of interest, so you can see why some of these compounds receive less attention than others. The superstar terpenes that all cannabis users know and love have ascended to fame because they show up in high concentrations. Others, such as farnesene, are mostly present in small quantities. However, some varieties contain enough of this terpene for it to make a noticeable impact on flavour and aroma.

So, what exactly does farnesene smell and taste like? And does it contribute to the entourage effect? How does it work in the body? Find out the answers to these questions, and more, below.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the largest group of naturally occurring molecules; researchers have identified over 30,000 in nature so far. As volatile aromatic compounds, they are responsible for the unique scents of certain plants. They underpin the recognisable notes of oranges, pine trees, hops, rosemary, and, of course, cannabis.

Terpenes autumn into the category of secondary metabolites. They aren’t involved in plant growth or reproduction, but they play important defensive roles. These chemicals help to deter pest insects and herbivores, and shield plants against UV rays. Some terpenes also act as plant-to-plant signalling molecules[2], helping to stimulate the immune system of nearby kin.

Cannabis contains over 150 terpenes[3]. These chemicals are divided into two main groups: terpenes and terpenoids. Terpenes are strictly hydrocarbons (they’re formed of only hydrogen and carbon), whereas terpenoids feature additional functional groups. All terpenoids are terpenes, but not all terpenes are terpenoids.

Terpenes are made up of subunits called isoprene units. The number of isoprene units that compose a terpene determines which chemical category it autumns into. Single isoprene units, known as hemiterpenes, contain five carbon atoms; monoterpenes are made up of two isoprene units and contain 10 carbon atoms; diterpenes are made up of four isoprene units, and therefore contain twenty carbon atoms, and so on.

Say Hello to Farnesene

Like other terpenes found in cannabis, farnesene exists in multiple different forms. Overall, the term refers to six distinct chemical entities, including α-farnesene and β-farnesene. As isomers, these molecules contain the same number of atoms of each element; however, they are arranged differently. In this case, α-farnesene and β-farnesene differ only in the location of one double carbon bond. Both of these molecules are sesquiterpenes, meaning they contain three isoprene units and 15 carbon atoms.

Research suggests that farnesene plays a protective role against certain insects, particularly aphids. These small critters produce and use the terpene themselves as an alert signal[4] to warn each other of nearby predators. The aroma of farnesene not only sends aphids fleeing, but it attracts predatory insects that are drawn to this smell.

Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene

What Does Farnesene Smell Like?

Think apples! But not just any old apples; ripe, crunchy green ones. Farnesene occurs in high concentrations specifically within the skin of green apples, and underpins the fresh, fruity smell that permeates the air after biting a chunk out of one. Cannabis strains high in farnesene emit subtle but noticeable aromas of apple and other fruit.

Farnesene also contributes to the complex smells of other plants, including:

  • Turmeric
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Hops
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Ginger
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Cedarwood
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Sandalwood
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Grapefruit
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene

What Does Farnesene Taste Like?

As you can imagine, farnesene contributes apple-like tones to cannabis flowers that produce relatively high levels of this terpene. However, confining the taste to this fruit doesn't accurately describe the full experience. The compound offers a complex flavour profile that also highlights notes of citrus, wood, and earth.

What Temperature Should You Vape Farnesene At?

Modern vaporizers offer flexible temperature controls, with many allowing adjustments within increments of 1°C. This gives users the freedom to target the boiling points of specific phytochemicals, including cannabinoids and terpenes. The ability to customise each hit provides a more tailored experience than hitting joints or bongs (although many cannabis lovers still prefer these older methods).

When it comes to targeting farnesene, you’ll need to set your device to at least 124°C. At this temperature, you’ll also vaporize THCA, beta-caryophyllene, and CBDA.

What Cannabis Strains Contain the Most Farnesene?

If you’re looking for strains high in farnesene, light up some of the following cultivars:

  • Titan F1: This new F1 hybrid contains high levels of farnesene, alongside ocimene and myrcene. Enjoy flavours of lemongrass, fruit, and candy.
  • Milky Way F1: Experience the fruity tastes of farnesene in combination with a warm and fuzzy body high.
  • White Rhino: This progeny of White Widow and North American Indica packs enough farnesene to dish up tastes of fresh green apple.
  • Cherry Punch: This sativa-dominant variety descends from Cherry AK-47 and Purple Punch F2. Her dense purple buds provide plenty of farnesene.

Farnesene and the Entourage Effect

Most cannabis lovers have heard of the entourage effect. This theory suggests that many of the components in cannabis—not just the cannabinoids—work in concert to produce the unique effects of each cultivar. So far, no studies have assessed the synergistic effects of farnesene and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and cannabis phytochemicals.

Several terpenes and cannabinoids show some evidence[5] of an entourage effect. As more research comes forward, it could turn out that farnesene works to amplify the effects of other cannabis compounds.

What Does the Research Say About Farnesene?

So, how exactly does farnesene work in the body? Does the molecule offer any benefits to recreational or holistic cannabis users? Right now, the research remains early and inconclusive. However, cell and animal studies offer an indication of what future research could reveal. These findings include:

  • Neuroprotection: A 2021 paper[6] published in the International Journal of Neuroscience documents a study that tested farnesene in a cell model of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers looked for evidence of neuroprotection against β-amyloid toxicity—a protein associated with Alzheimer's pathophysiology.
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Antifungal: A collaborative team of researchers from the USA and India tested farnesene[7] and other terpenes against Candida albicans. This pathogenic yeast forms part of the microbiome, but can occasionally grow out of control and cause symptoms such as digestive issues and fatigue. The research team looked to see if the terpene managed to suppress biofilm growth and morphogenesis.
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene
  • Anti-inflammatory: Chronic inflammation contributes to a host of health conditions. A study[8] published in the Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants set out to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of Valeriana jatamansi essential oil, of which farnesene makes up a large fraction.
Farnesene: A Little-Known Cannabis Terpene

When You Taste Apples and Earth, Think Farnesene

You can now add farnesene to the list of terpenes you’re acquainted with. Although this terpene doesn’t currently get much attention, you can expect to hear more about it in the future. New F1 hybrid strains destined for popularity contain high quantities of this chemical, and emerging research surrounding its possible clinical applications will attract cannabis users seeking a more holistic experience.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: