by Alex Robles
Terpenes are the aromatic organic compounds found in a variety of plants, including cannabis. They’re responsible for the distinct aromas of different strains of cannabis and contribute to the therapeutic effects of the plant.
Terpenes are produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant and are responsible for the plant’s pungent smell. There are hundreds of different ones found in cannabis, each with its own unique scent.
The therapeutic effects of cannabis are often attributed to the interaction between the various cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. This interaction is known as the “entourage effect,” in which the different compounds in the plant work together to produce a greater therapeutic effect.
It’s important to note that the research on terpenes and their potential therapeutic benefits is still in its early stages and more research is needed to fully understand their role in the cannabis plant.
We put together a list below of some well known terpenes and their known affects. We hope it helps take the mystery out of what terpenes to look for when shopping for cannabis products in the legal cannabis market.
These are the “Top Ten” common terpenes found in cannabis:
Myrcene
Myrcene, also known as β-myrcene, is a terpene found in plants like mangoes, hops, thyme, and of course, cannabis. It’s known for its musky, earthy aroma resembling cloves or red grapes and is often used in perfumes and fragrances.
Myrcene is usually recommended for treating pain and inflammation. It’s also believed to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, making it potentially useful for the treatment of anxiety and stress. It’s believed to play a role in the plant’s effects on the body, as it has been shown to have sedative and analgesic properties.
Some of the most popular cannabis strains with high myrcene percentages include O.G. Kush, White Widow, and Granddaddy Purple. These strains are known for their potent effects and are often used by individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and stress.
Don’t forget that the effects of myrcene, as well as any other terpene or cannabinoid, can vary greatly depending on the individual and the specific strain being consumed. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Note: Good terpene for sleep & relaxation
Limonene
Limonene is found in many plants, including citrus fruits, pine, and mint. In the cannabis plant, it’s found in the trichomes and gives certain strains their characteristic citrusy aroma.
Limonene is commonly used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to improve digestion and boost the immune system. It may also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of limonene include O.G. Kush, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Haze. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects and are often used to help alleviate stress and anxiety.
In terms of aroma, limonene has a strong, citrusy smell that is often described as lemon-like or orange-like. It’s a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help to lift the mood and energize the mind.
Limonene is a valuable terpene with a number of potential health benefits and a pleasant, citrusy aroma. It’s often used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to improve digestion and boost the immune system.
Note: Good terpene daytime activity
Linalool
Linalool is found in the essential oils of plants like lavender, mint, and cinnamon. In the cannabis plant, it is found in the trichomes and gives certain strains their characteristic floral aroma.
Linalool is commonly used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to improve sleep and reduce inflammation. It may also have pain-relieving and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of linalool include Lavender, Amnesia Haze, and Granddaddy Purple. These strains are known for their calming and relaxing effects and are often used to help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep.
Linalool has a sweet, floral smell that is often described as lavender-like or rose-like. It’s a soothing and calming scent that can help to relax the mind and body.
Linalool is a valuable terpene with a number of potential health benefits and a pleasant, floral aroma. It is often used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to improve sleep and reduce inflammation.
Note: Good terpene for sleep & relaxation
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is found in many different plants, including black pepper, cloves, and basil. In the cannabis plant, Caryophyllene gives certain strains their characteristic spicy aroma.
It’s commonly used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to reduce inflammation and improve digestion. It may also have pain-relieving and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene include Girl Scout Cookies, O.G. Kush, and White Widow. These strains are known for their relaxing and uplifting effects and are often used to help alleviate anxiety and improve mood.
In terms of aroma, caryophyllene has a spicy, woody smell that is often described as pepper-like or clove-like. It’s a warming and invigorating scent that can help to stimulate the senses.
Caryophyllene is a valuable terpene with a number of potential health benefits and a pleasant, spicy aroma. It’s often used to treat anxiety and stress, as well as to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Note: Good terpene for daytime activity
Pinene
Pinene is a terpene found in many plants like pine, basil, and rosemary. In the cannabis plant Pinene will give certain strains their characteristic piney aroma.
It’s commonly used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and enhance memory and focus. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Some of the most popular cannabis strains with high levels of pinene include Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and Trainwreck. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects and are often used to help alleviate stress and improve cognitive function.
Pinene has a strong, piney smell that is often described as woody or earthy. It’s refreshing and invigorating scent helps to stimulate the senses, boost the mood. Often it’s used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and enhance memory and focus.
Note: Good terpene for daytime activity
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is a terpene found in the essential oils of many plants, including eucalyptus, tea tree, and rosemary. In the cannabis plant, Eucalyptol helps give certain strains their characteristic woody, minty aroma.
Eucalyptol is commonly used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of eucalyptol include Ghost O.G., Purple Punch, and Blue Dream. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects and are often used to help alleviate stress and improve cognitive function.
Eucalyptol has a strong, woody, minty smell that is often described as eucalyptus-like or peppermint-like. It’s a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help to stimulate the senses and clear the mind. It has been used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
Note: Good terpene for daytime activity
Borneol
Borneol is found in plants like camphor, rosemary, and mugwort. In cannabis Borneol is found to give certain strains their characteristic woody, earthy aroma.
It’s commonly used to improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety and stress. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Some of the most popular cannabis strains with high levels of borneol include Lavender, Amnesia Haze, and Granddaddy Purple. These strains are known for their calming and relaxing effects and are often used to help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep.
The aroma of borneol has a woody, earthy smell that is often described as camphor-like or rosemary-like. It’s a soothing and calming scent that can help to relax the mind and body. Often it will be used to improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety and stress.
Note: Good for sleep & relaxation
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene found in many plants, including hops, coriander, and basil. In the cannabis plant, it’s found in the trichomes and gives certain strains their characteristic woody, earthy aroma.
It’s commonly used to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and alleviate pain. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of humulene include O.G. Kush, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Haze. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects and are often used to help alleviate stress and improve mood.
In terms of aroma, humulene has a woody, earthy smell that is often described as spicy or musky. It’s a comforting and grounding scent that can help to relax the mind and body and often used to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and alleviate pain.
Note: Good for sleep & relaxation
Delta-3-Carene
Delta-3-carene is a terpene found in plants like pine, cedar, and rosemary. In the cannabis plant, it gives certain strains their characteristic woody, earthy aroma.
It’s been commonly used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Some of the most popular cannabis strains with high levels of delta-3-carene include OG Kush, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Haze. These strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects and are often used to help alleviate stress and improve mood.
In terms of aroma, delta-3-carene has a strong, woody, earthy smell that is often described as pine-like or cedar-like. It is a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help to stimulate the senses and clear the mind.
Delta-3-carene has a number of potential health benefits and a pleasant, woody, earthy aroma. It’s often used to improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
Note: Good for sleep & relaxation
Terpineol
Terpineol is a terpene found in the essential oils of many plants, including pine, lilac, and lime. In the cannabis plant, it’s found to gives certain strains their characteristic floral, piney aroma.
It’s commonly used to improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety and stress. It may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The most popular cannabis strains with high levels of terpineol include Lavender, Amnesia Haze, and Granddaddy Purple. These strains are known for their calming and relaxing effects and are often used to help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep.
Terpineol has a sweet, floral, piney smell that is often described as lilac-like or lime-like. It’s a soothing and calming scent that can help to relax the mind/body and often used to improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety and stress.
Note: Good Terpene for sleep & relaxation
