What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants and nature.
They're responsible for the distinct fragrances and flavors that give life its character.

Below are some of the most common terpenes found in nature and cannabis:

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis and contains an earthy and musky aroma similar to cloves. Some strains evoke the fruity and citrusy aspect to myrcene. 

High-myrcene strains are usually indicas with sedative effects, making it a popular sleep aid and pain-reliever. Myrcene is also helpful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain.

Limonene

Limonene is a citrusy terpene found in cannabis, lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. Many popular cannabis strains contain this favored terpene because of its uplifting properties.

Limonene has many potential health benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial compound. It also carries mental health benefits and is thought to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Linalool

Linalool has spicy and floral notes responsible for that recognizable marijuana smell. Lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander all contain fair-to-high amounts of this terpene. Linalool has powerful relaxing properties and offers a variety of health benefits.

Linalool has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic properties. Patients suffering from arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia and cancer have found linalool to be beneficial to them.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene has spicy and peppery notes reminiscent of black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and spices like oregano, basil, and rosemary. This terpene is unique in that it can act as a cannabinoid by binding directly to the body’s CB2 receptors.


Caryophyllene is known to affect areas that regulate inflammation and pain, making it an effective ingredient in anti-inflammatory products. Some studies have shown it is helpful for arthritis and Crohn’s disease and may also help treat alcoholism and the depression symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

Alpha-Bisabolol 

Alpha-bisabolol has a gentle floral smell and can be found in many plants, including cannabis, chamomile flowers, and Candeia trees. It is very popular in the cosmetics industry, but recent studies on cannabis terpenes suggest alpha-bisabolol has several medicinal benefits.

In topicals, Alpha-bisabolol has been found to aid in the absorption rate of other compounds. Alpha-bisabolol has been effective in treating bacterial infections and wounds, and is a great antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties.

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is the main terpene of the eucalyptus tree. This terpene is refreshing and minty, known to have a cooling effect on the body.

Eucalyptol is present in many high-THC strains. Due to its potency, it is usually only found in small amounts.
Eucalyptol has been shown to relieve pain and slow the growth of bacteria and fungus. Its cooling effects can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. Eucalyptol has recently demonstrated the ability to enhance memory and cognitive energy, Alzheimer’s patients some hope for recovery.

Nerolidol

Nerolidol is a secondary terpene found mainly in flowers. It can be found in many plants like jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. The smell of nerolidol is a mixture of rose, citrus and apples with a hint of wood.

Nerolidol is known for its antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. It is very widespread in nature, and nerolidol is a vital terpene with many potential uses in various industries, including fragrance, cosmetics and medicine.

Humulene

Humulene is a primarily terpene found in hops. It’s also found in ginseng, sage, cloves, black pepper and cannabis. Humulene is earthy and woody with a hint of spice. Like most terpenes, humulene carries potential medical and therapeutic properties.

Some research into humulene has shown it to be anti-proliferative, helping to prevent cancer cells from growing. It has also been used as an effective tool in suppressing appetite, making it a potential weight loss aid. Humulene also reduces inflammation, fights bacterial infections and relieves pain.

Delta 3 Carene

Delta 3 carene is present in plants like basil, rosemary, bell peppers, cedar, and pine. Delta 3 carene is sweet and earthy, with an aroma and a flavor of pine and cedarwood with subtle hints of citrus and spice. Delta 3 carene leaves a cooling and refreshing sensation in the mouth.

Some research suggests it may aid promoting bone growth and improving cognitive function. Delta 3 carene is giving hope to patients who have osteoporosis, arthritis, and even fibromyalgia.

Camphene

Camphene has a sweet and earthy aroma, with subtle hints of musk and pine. Camphene has a slightly herbal and floral flavor notes that are subtle. Camphene is often synthesized from pinene, which may explain their similar flavor profile and health benefits.


Camphene is a powerful antioxidant when combined with Vitamin C. It’s also used in conventional topical medicines to help treat skin issues like psoriasis and eczema, Camphene’s greatest potential is its ability to help lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reducing a consumer’s risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Borneol

Borneol is a very refreshing, minty, herbal terpene. It is common in herbs like mint, rosemary and camphor. Most cannabis strains contain anywhere from 0.01% to .5% borneol. However, some strains can hold up to 1%.


Thanks to its partly citrusy nature, borneol is a great natural insect repellent, helping to prevent diseases often passed by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Borneol is also used in Chinese traditional medicine and acupuncture, but its most impressive potential is killing breast cancer cells.

Terpineol

Terpineol has a delightful and refreshing flavor and aroma. It is sweet and floral, with hints of lilac, apple blossom, and pine. Similar to mint and anise, terpineol flavors are sweet, piney and leave a smooth sensation in the mouth.


Terpineol is relaxing and calming when combined with other cannabis terps and is known for providing the couch-lock effect. Terpineol includes neuroprotective and anti-depressant properties which may help users reduce anxiety and depression.

Valencene

Valencene is a bright and stimulating terpene. It is sweet and citrusy with notes of oranges and grapefruits, and is an instant mood enhancer. It has a zesty, lightly tangy, pleasant flavor, and is rich in citrus. Valencene is also a highly effective bug repellant!

This terpene has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, as well as the potential of helping to treat cancer. The effects have been shown to help those with skin-related conditions such as dermatitis and melanoma.

Geraniol

Geraniol is a rare terpene in cannabis and is mainly found in strains with high levels of CBD. It exists in roses, geraniums, oranges, peaches, lemons, and tobacco. Geraniol is sweet and floral, with notes of rose, peach and lavender. It is often used in bath products and body lotions for aroma, and has also demonstrated significant medical properties.


Geraniol has shown a lot of potential as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant, helping to improve memory and cognitive function by promoting new brain cell growth, making it a potential therapeutic for Parkinson’s Disease.