Terpenes 101
Terpenes offer incredible therapeutic benefits to humans. And lucky for us, cannabis contains a lot of them… what a bud!
What are terpenes?
Terpenes, or terps, are responsible for the bright, citrusy notes of lemon. The sweet, floral aroma of roses. And the pungent, diesel sting of cannabis. They’re what give plants their smell. And they play a role in the color, flavor, and effects of cannabis.
Scroll through our terpene library for details on the top terps found in cannabis.
Your go-to list of terpenes
Borneol
Found In: mint, rosemary, citronella, lavender
Flavor/Aroma: earthy, camphor, woody
Cannabis Strains: Golden Haze, Banana Kush, Ghost Train Haze
Characteristics/Effects: Natural insect repellent. Studies suggest sedative, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bisabolol
Found In: chamomile, Brazilian candela tree
Flavor/Aroma: fresh, floral, sweet, herbal
Cannabis Strains: Mandarin Dream, OG Kush, ACDC, Headband
Characteristics/Effects: Used in the cosmetic industry for years. Studies suggest it may act as an antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Camphene
Found In: camphor, citronella, sage, ginger
Flavor/Aroma: earthy, woody, musk, camphor
Cannabis Strains: Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, Banana Kush
Characteristics/Effects: Often used as a fragrance in skincare. Rodent studies suggest it can reduce triglyceride and plasma cholesterol levels as well as pain and inflammation.
Carene
Found In: allspice, basil, cedar, pine, turpentine
Flavor/Aroma: sweet, citrus, musk
Cannabis Strains: Super Silver Haze, Lemon Haze, Skunk #1
Characteristics/Effects: Believed to promote memory retention and alertness. Studies suggest it may boost bone health and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Caryophyllene
Found In: basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, hops
Flavor/Aroma: spicy, pepper, musk
Cannabis Strains: Purple Punch, Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel
Characteristics/Effects: Unique terpene that behaves like a cannabinoid by stimulating the CB2 receptor in the Endocannabinoid System. Rodent studies suggest it has pain-relieving properties.
Caryophyllene
Found In: basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, hops
Flavor/Aroma: spicy, pepper, musk
Cannabis Strains: Purple Punch, Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel
Characteristics/Effects: Unique terpene that behaves like a cannabinoid by stimulating the CB2 receptor in the Endocannabinoid System. Rodent studies suggest it has pain-relieving properties.
Cineole
Found In: eucalyptus, bay leaves, sage, tea tree
Flavor/Aroma: camphor, spicy, mint
Cannabis Strains: Thin Mint GSC, Mint Chocolate Chip, Bubba Kush, Super Silver Haze
Characteristics/Effects: Also called Eucalyptol. Studies suggest anti-anxiety, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, including the potential to help with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Farnesene
Found In: green apples, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, potato, gardenia
Flavor/Aroma: sweet, fruity, berry, spicy
Cannabis Strains: Cherry Punch, White Rhino, Dutch Treat Haze
Characteristics/Effects: Reported effects include sedation and relaxation. Studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.
Geraniol
Found In: rose, lemongrass, citronella
Flavor/Aroma: sweet, floral, citrus, fruity
Cannabis Strains: Strawberry Diesel, Tahoe OG, Afghani, Amnesia Haze
Characteristics/Effects: Used in the food and cosmetic industries. Studies suggest it may impart calming effects and may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Guaiol
Found In: guaiacum plant, weeping paperbark, cypress pine
Flavor/Aroma: piney, woody, floral
Cannabis Strains: ACDC, Plushberry, Fruit Loops, Chocolope
Characteristics/Effects: Natural insect repellent. Studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It was used to treat syphilis and regulate menstruation in the 16th century.
Humulene
Found In: hops, sage, ginseng, coriander
Flavor/Aroma: herbal, spicy, earthy, woody
Cannabis Strains: White Widow, Bubba Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Skywalker OG
Characteristics/Effects: Used in ancient Chinese medicine as an energy booster, natural antibiotic, and appetite suppressant. Studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
Limonene
Found In: citrus fruit rinds, juniper, chamomile
Flavor/Aroma: citrus, turpentine
Cannabis Strains: Banana OG, Berry White, Do-Si-Dos
Characteristics/Effects: Can help the body better absorb other terpenes. Studies suggest it may offer mood-boosting, antifungal, and antitumor effects.
Linalool
Found In: lavender, rose, birch bark
Flavor/Aroma: fresh, floral, sweet, citrus
Cannabis Strains: Scooby Snacks, OG Shark, Zkittlez, Lavender
Characteristics/Effects: Often used in aromatherapy as a mood booster. Rodent studies suggest anti-anxiety properties. Other studies suggest pain-relieving effects.
Myrcene
Found In: thyme, lemongrass, hops, mango, guava
Flavor/Aroma: fruity, earthy, musk, clove
Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Blue Dream, 9 Pound Hammer, Grape Ape
Characteristics/Effects: Most common terpene in commercial cannabis. Rodent studies suggest it has sedative and muscle relaxant effects. Other studies suggest antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Nerolidol
Found In: jasmine, lemongrass, ginger, tea tree, lavender, neroli
Flavor/Aroma: woody, earthy, floral, citrus
Cannabis Strains: Sweet Skunk, Sour Kush, Royal Cookies, GG4
Characteristics/Effects: Rodent studies suggest anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Other research suggests antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
Ocimene
Found In: mint, parsley, basil, tarragon, lavender, orchids
Flavor/Aroma: herbal, woody, sweet, citrus
Cannabis Strains: Golden Goat, Strawberry Cough, Chernobyl, Space Queen
Characteristics/Effects: Studies suggest the potential for anticonvulsant, antifungal, and antitumor activity. Anecdotal evidence suggests decongestant and expectorant effects when inhaled.
Phytol
Found In: green tea, green vegetables, lime
Flavor/Aroma: earthy, floral
Cannabis Strains: Cheese, Sour Diesel
Characteristics/Effects: Less aromatic than most terps. It’s produced from the degradation of chlorophyll. Potentially relaxing and sedative, with research suggesting anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.
Pinene
Found In: pine, orange rind, rosemary, dill, parsley
Flavor/Aroma: piney, earthy, woody
Cannabis Strains: Blue Dream, Cannatonic, Cotton Candy Kush, Grape Ape
Characteristics/Effects: Most common terpene in the natural world. Studies suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties. May support focus and memory retention.
Terpineol
Found In: lilac, eucalyptus, pine, lime blossom
Flavor/Aroma: sweet, fruity, citrus
Cannabis Strains: Jack Herer, White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush
Characteristics/Effects: Studies suggest antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-seizure properties. Rodent studies show pain-relieving effects.
Terpinolene
Found In: celery, nutmeg, oregano, cilantro, sage, ginger
Flavor/Aroma: fresh, floral, herbal, piney, citrusy
Cannabis Strains: Dutch Treat, Jack Herer, Golden Pineapple, Orange Cookies
Characteristics/Effects: Studies suggest antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Other research suggests it acts as a sedative on its own but a stimulant in the presence of THC.
Valencene
Found In: grapefruit, tangerine, nectarine, mango, Valencia oranges
Flavor/Aroma: sweet, citrus, herbal, woody
Cannabis Strains: Agent Orange, Tangie, Clementine, Jillybean
Characteristics/Effects: Natural insect repellent. Studies suggest it may relieve allergies and act as an anti-inflammatory agent and skin protectant.
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