If you’ve ever taken a look at the label of your weed jar you might’ve noticed some information listed about terpenes. You may even be familiar with some of the more popular ones like limonene, linalool, myrcene, and so on. But, what do these things mean? What even are terpenes? Well, terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants. These aromatic compounds affect the smell (and tangentially the taste) of your bud.
Terpenes aren’t exclusive to cannabis either. Every terpene on this list can also be found in other plants whether that be flowers, trees, or fruits. Aside from their benefits when smoked in cannabis, terpenes are used in all kinds of commercial products like soaps, bug repellents, perfumes, and more. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most prominent terpenes found in various strains of cannabis and what each of them is like.
Bisabolol
Main Notes: Floral
Popular Strains: Harle-Tsu | ACDC | Headband
Bisabolol is a terpene commonly found in chamomile in addition to cannabis. The fragrance it gives off is weak but pleasantly sweet and floral. Bisabolol is also used in many cosmetics because of its perceived ability to restore skin and help with irritation. In cannabis, Bisabolol provides an additional soothing factor to your smoking experience. Strains you can find with this terpene are Harle-Tsu and ACDC.
Borneol
Main Notes: Mint & Balsam
Popular Strains: Amnesia Haze | Golden Haze | K13 Haze
Borneol is a terpene that naturally occurs in ginger, rosemary, and thyme in addition to cannabis. Fun fact: The scent of Borneol repels insects and parasites, so strains with this terpene could be a good choice to take camping! Borneol is actually often used in natural insect repellants as well as perfume and cologne. When it comes to your cannabis experience, Borneol provides a minty-fresh smoke and is found in strains like OG Kush and Haze.
Camphene
Main Notes: Musk & Earth
Popular Strains: Ghost OG | Strawberry Banana | Mendicino Purps
Camphene is a terpene that is commonly found in conifers, nutmeg, and bergamot oil as well as certain strains of cannabis. Strains with Camphene tend to soothe muscles and provide relaxing effects when smoked. Strains you can pick up with notable amounts of Camphene are Ghost OG and Mendocino Purps.
Caryophyllene
Main Notes: Spice
Popular Strains: Girl Scout Cookies | Bubba Kush | Gorilla Glue
One of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, Caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. As such, you can expect strains with this terpene to give a peppery bite. Caryophyllene is actually a very unique terpene as it’s the only one with the ability to bind and directly activate a cannabinoid receptor, particularly CB2 receptors. As a result, Caryophyllene may help soothe inflammation. Strains you can pick up with higher-than-average concentrations of Caryophyllene are Girl Scout Cookies and Bubba Kush.
Cedrol (Cedrene)
Main Notes: Musk & Woods
Popular Strains: Banana Split | Jet Fuel | Sky Runner
Cedrol and Cedrene are terpenes most commonly found in trees like cedar as well as cannabis. Like Borneol, Cedrol and Cedrene are often used in insect repellants. They can also be found in perfumes, soaps, and cleaning products thanks to their fresh woodsy scent and clarifying properties. If you’re looking for a strain with these terpenes, consider picking up some Banana Split or Jet Fuel.
Citronellol
Main Notes: Rose & Citrus
Popular Strains: Amnesia Haze | Great White Shark | Island Sweet Skunk
If you’ve ever used a citronella candle to repel mosquitos, then you’re familiar with Citronellol. Citronellol is a terpene most commonly found in roses, geraniums, and lemongrass in addition to cannabis. Due to its pleasant citrusy, floral fragrance, Citronellol is most often used in candles and soaps but may also be found in baked goods and other food products. If you want a great smelling strain with Citronellol, consider picking up Island Sweet Skunk or Amnesia Haze.
Delta 3 Carene
Main Notes: Pine & Rosemary
Popular Strains: AK-47 | Jack Herer | Super Lemon Haze
Delta 3 Carene is a pungently pine-forward terpene found in plants other than cannabis like rosemary, pine, and cedar trees. Strains with Delta 3 Carene, like Jack Herer and Super Lemon Haze, tend to provide mental clarity and physical relief. It also has a tendency to draw out liquids, making it great for use in the cosmetic industry, but may lead to dry mouth when smoked in cannabis.
Eucalyptol
Main Notes: Mint
Popular Strains: Headband | Super Silver Haze | Ace of Spades
Eucalyptol, as you may have guessed by the name, is found in eucalyptus and tends to give cannabis strains a minty kick. Eucalyptol is also an ingredient in many brands of mouthwash and cough suppressants because of its fresh minty profile. While Eucalyptol is not an extremely common terpene, it can be found in strains like Headband and Super Silver Haze.
Farnesene
Main Notes: Green Apple
Popular Strains: Cherry Punch | Dutch Haze | White Rhino
While it’s rarely found in large quantities in cannabis, Farnesene can be found in apples, oranges, and turmeric. Strains with Farnesene are quite a treat because, in addition to their rarity, they’re ultimately delicious and tend to exude notes of green apple. Farnesene has even been reported to bring a calm relaxation to the mind and body. If you’re looking for one of the few strains with this terpene, keep your eyes out for some Dutch Haze Treat or White Rhino.
Geraniol
Main Notes: Peach & Rose
Popular Strains: Harlequin | Purple Punch | Strawberry Diesel
Geraniol is a terpene that can be found in rose, lemongrass, and citronella oil as well as cannabis. Fun Fact: Geraniol is produced by the scent glands of honeybees to mark nectar-bearing flowers and locate the entrances to their hives. Strains with Geraniol, like Harlequin and Purple Punch, tend to soothe the body as well as the mind.
Humulene
Main Notes: Earth
Popular Strains: Candyland | Original Glue | White Widow
Humulene is one of the more common terpenes found in cannabis, but it is also found in plants like sage, ginseng, and hops. Strains with large concentrations of Humulene tend to be spicy and herbaceous with an overall earthy smell. Cannabis plants benefit greatly from this terpenes presence as it helps deter pests and prevent fungal infections on the plant. If you want to give some strains with Humulene a whirl, pick up some Candyland or Original Glue.
Limonene
Main Notes: Bitter Citrus
Popular Strains: Berry White | Jack the Ripper | Wedding Cake
Limonene is one of the most recognizable cannabis terpenes but is also found in things like the peels of citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges. Due to its citrusy fragrance, Limonene is popularly found in cleaning products and some cosmetics. In cannabis, Limonene is believed to provide a sense of calm and relief when smoked. If you’re looking for some Limonene-dominant strains, try picking up some Berry White or Wedding Cake.
Linalool
Main Notes: Lavender & Citrus
Popular Strains: Do-Si-Dos | OG Shark | Zkittlez
Another one of the most recognized cannabis terpenes is Linalool, which can be found in things like lavender, cinnamon, and rosewood. Linalool is believed to promote relaxation and calming effects when found in cannabis. It isn’t often that you’ll find Linalool abundantly present in cannabis, but you can find it in strains like Do-Si-Dos and Zkittlez.
Myrcene
Main Notes: Cloves & Citrus
Popular Strains: Grape Ape | Granddaddy Purple | OG Kush
The most common terpene found in cannabis is Myrcene. In fact, Myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile in modern commercial cannabis strains on average. Beyond cannabis, Myrcene can also be found in mangoes, hops, and lemongrass. This terpene is believed to promote calming effects and have an overall soothing effect. Strains that you can pick up that contain high levels of Myrcene are Grape Ape and Granddaddy Purple.
Nerolidol
Main Notes: Floral & Citrus
Popular Strains: Sweet Skunk | Jack Herer | Skywalker OG
Nerolidol, while found in cannabis, is also found in plants like ginger, jasmine, and tea tree. It is used in all kinds of things like detergents, and cleansers, and is even used as a flavoring agent. Strains with notable amounts of Nerolidol tend to help you feel at ease and may even make you feel a bit sedated. If you’re looking for some strains with Nerolidol, check out Sweet Skunk or Skywalker OG when you stop by Cinder.
Ocimene
Main Notes: Mint & Woods
Popular Strains: Golden Goat | Dutch Treat | Space Queen
Ocimene is a flavorful terpene that can be found in mint and parsley in addition to cannabis. Ocimene has a beautiful, sweet, earthy, citrusy aroma that is frequently used in perfume. Strains with Ocimene tend to be more uplifting, but very few strains contain it as a dominant terpene. However, if you want to pick up a strain with some Ocimene, consider getting some Golden Goat or Dutch Treat.
Pinene
Main Notes: Pine
Popular Strains: Big Smooth | Blue Dream | Cannatonic
Pinene, as you might guess by the name, is found in pine and other conifers as well as cannabis. It is actually the most common terpene found in the natural world. Some people find it beneficial to combat body aches and uneasy feelings. If you want a strain with a high Pinene content, you should pick up some Big Smooth or Blue Dream. Big Smooth is actually a rare example of a Pinene-dominant strain.
Phytol
Main Notes: Balsam
Popular Strains: Sour Diesel | OG Cheese | OG Kush
Phytol is a terpene found in cannabis that can also be found in green tea, basil, and mint. It is believed to have stress-relieving properties as well as physically soothing effects. If you’re looking for cannabis strains that contain Phytol, you’ll want to pick up some Sour Diesel or OG Cheese.
Sabinene
Main Notes: Pepper
Popular Strains: Mimosa | Red Haze | Northern Lights
Sabinene is one of the chemical compounds that contribute to the spiciness of black pepper and can also be found in carrot seed oil in addition to its presence in cannabis. Sabinene is one of the rarest types of cannabis terpenes due to its extremely low presence in most strains, but if you’re looking for strains with Sabinene you can pick up some Mimosa or Northern Lights when you come into Cinder.
Terpinolene
Main Notes: Smoke & Woods
Popular Strains: Ghost Train Haze | XJ-13 | Golden Goat
Terpinolene is a terpene found in cannabis that is also found in cumin, parsnip, and sage. Most people note that strains with high amounts of Terpinolene tend to lead to relaxation and an elevated mood. Despite being classified as a minor terpene, it is not uncommon to find cannabis with high concentrations of Terpinolene. Strains that have this terpene in high concentrations are Golden Goat and XJ-13.
Valencene
Main Notes: Sweet Citrus
Popular Strains: Agent Orange | Tangie | Jillybean
Valencene is another of the lesser-known cannabis terpenes and can also be found in sweet oranges. Like many other terpenes, Valencene is popularly used as an insect repellant. Strains with this terpene tend to have an amazingly sweet orange aroma. If you’re looking for strains that are high in Valencene, consider picking up some Agent Orange or Tangie when you stop by Cinder.
Conclusion
While this list may seem abundant, there are about 400 known terpenes in cannabis, so you can understand why we didn’t include every last one of them. In fact, only a handful of these 400 terpenes have had enough research done to understand their effects. So, while we didn’t list all 400 terpenes here today, these terpenes are the ones you’re going to hear about most when it comes to cannabis. You may not even hear about half of these terpenes most of the time due to their rare abundance. If you want to know what to commit to memory, the most common cannabis terpenes are Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, and Humulene. So, if you want to impress your fellow stoners, or just have some handy information about terpenes, come back and reference this article!
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This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Which is to say, cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Therefore, do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Furthermore, there may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. To sum up, keep out of the reach of children.