Cedrene is a sesquiterpene found in cannabis and cedar wood. With a fresh, woody, and sweet scent, cedrene adds an appealing dimension to the scent profile of cannabis. Cedrene is categorized as secondary terpene as it tends to be expressed in low concentrations in most cannabis cultivars, but still contributes to a cultivar’s overall aroma and performance. Cultivars with more discernable cedrene notes include Jet Fuel and Skyrunner.
“I find that cultivars with high cedrene levels have a distinctively sweet, woody scent.”
“Cedrene acts as a natural insect repellent.”
What is cedrene?
Cedrene is a secondary terpene found in low levels in cannabis and is also present in essential oils derived from cedar, juniper, and cypress wood. Cedrene is a sesquiterpene, meaning it has a chemical structure that is less volatile than other terpenes, and it emits a strong odor. Cedrene boasts a fresh scent profile and has been associated with a number of therapeutic benefits.
How is cedrene used?
With an appealing fresh, woody fragrance, cedrene is commonly used in the perfume and oil industry for products such as soaps, colognes, candles, deodorants, room sprays, insect repellants, and cleaning agents.
Cedrene also boasts astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties and has been used for a wide range of medicinal applications throughout history. Diverse cultures throughout the world and through history have valued cedarwood oil for its curative applications, and it continues to be used to disinfect wounds, heal acne, ease congestion, and repel insects.
What are the benefits of cedrene?
Studies on the role of cedrene in cannabis are currently sparse. Most research that has unpacked cedrene’s therapeutic properties has focused on cedrene derived from cedarwood oil and often explores the terpene’s benefits in synergy with other terpenes or plant compounds.
Existing research on cedarwood oil does point to a number of therapeutic benefits, of which cedrene may play a critical part. The medicinal properties associated with cedarwood oil include: anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal activity, analgesic activity, antimicrobial activity, astringent properties, antibacterial activity, and neuroprotective activity.Cedrene has also been associated with anticancer activity. There is evidence that the cedrene present in fenugreek may contribute to killing human tumor cells. Another study has shown that cedrene in combination with cedrol can help to kill liver, lung, and oral cancer cells.