Cannabis smells, and with good reason: it’s loaded with terpenes, aromatic compounds that not only determine a particular strain’s smell and taste, but also contribute to its effects. These are the most common terpenes you see today.
Myrcene (MUR-seen)
The most common terpene in modern commercial cannabis. Believed to
promote calming effects.
Also Found In: Thyme, Mango, Lemongrass, and Hops
Aroma: Cardamom, Cloves, Musky, Earthy, Herbal
Potential Effects: Sedating, Relaxing
Potential Therapeutic Value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation
Strains with Myrcene: Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple, OG Kush, and Cherry Pie
Limonene (LIM-o-neen)
Believed to provide anxiety and stress relief.
Also Found In: Fruit Rinds, Rosemary, Juniper, and Peppermint
Aroma: Citrus
Potential Effects: Elevated Mood, Stress Relief
Potential Therapeutic Value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer
Strains with Limonene: Strawberry Banana, White Fire OG, Do-Si-Dos, Wedding Cake
Caryophyllene (carry-OFF-uh-leen)
The only terpene known to also act as a cannabinoid: it can activate our endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Also Found In: Black Pepper, Cloves, and Cinnamon
Aroma: Pepper, Spicy, Woody, Cloves
Potential Effects: Stress Relief
Potential Therapeutic Value: Treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, and ulcers
Strains with Caryophyllene: GSC, Original Glue, Purple Punch
Terpinolene (ter-PIN-uh-leen)
About 1 in 10 strains is terpinolene-dominate. Believed to have uplifting effects.
Also Found In: Nutmeg, Tea Tree, Conifers, Apples, Cumin, and Lilacs
Aroma: Piney, Floral, and Herbal
Potential Effects: Upliftting
Potential Therapeutic Value: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti-Cancer
Strains with Terpinolene: XJ-13, Ghost Train Haze, Chernoobyl, and Jack Herer
Pinene (PIE-neen)
Most common terpene in the natural world. It may be useful for pain,
inflammation, or anxiety.
Also Found In: Pine Needles, Rosemary, Basil, Parsley, and Dill
Aroma: Pine
Potential Effects: Alertness, Memory Retention, Counteracts Some THC Effects
Potential Therapeutic Value: Treatment of Asthma, Pain, Inflammation, Ulcers, Anxiety, Cancer
Strains with Pinene: Big Smooth, Snoop’s Dream, Critical Mass
Humulene (HYOO-my-leen)
Herbal aroma. May provide anti-inflammatory effects
Also Found In: Hops, Corriander, Cloves, Basil
Aroma: Hops, Woody, and Earthy
Potential Therapeutic Value: Anti-Inflammatory
Strains with Humulene: Gelato, GSC, and Sherbert
Ocimene (OH-sih-meen)
A beautiful, sweet, earthy, citrusy aroma frequently used in perfumes.
Also Found In: Mint, Parsley, Pepper, Basil, Mangoes, Orchids, and Kumquats
Aroma: Sweet, Herbal, and Woody
Potential Therapeutic Value: Antiviral, Anti-fungal, Antiseptic, Decongestant, and Antibacterial
Strains with Ocimene: Clementine, Dutch Treat, Amnesia
Linalool (LINN-un-lool)
Floral aroma. Believed to promote relaxation and calming effects.
Also Found In: Lavender
Aroma: Floral
Potential Effects: Mood Enhancement, Sedation
Potential Therapeutic Value: Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Pain, Inflammation, and Neurodegenerative Disease
Strains with Linalool: Zkittlez, Do-Si-Dos, Kosher Kush