The Power Of Terpenes
Discover How Terpenes Influence Effects, Flavors and Benefits
Cannabis is more than just cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants that influence flavor, aroma, and potential effects. Each strain has a unique terpene profile that contributes to its overall experience.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural compounds responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors in cannabis. They work alongside cannabinoids in a process called the entourage effect, influencing how a strain makes you feel.
đź“ŤWhere Are They Found?
Terpenes are found in various plants, including citrus fruits, lavender, pine trees, and cannabis.
âť“Why Do They Matter?
Beyond just aroma, terpenes may have therapeutic effects, such as stress relief, pain management, and mood enhancement.
Naturally Occuring
Terpenes are naturally occurring and usually found in the leaves, flowers, stems, and sap of plants.
Essential Oils
A simple way to think of Terpenes is as the essential oils of the plant world.
Smell
When you smell a pine tree, a lemon, or even a rose, what you’re actually sensing are terpenes!
Distinctive Aromas
Terpenes not only give different strains their distinctive aromas, but they also play a role in how each strain affects you.
Feel Relaxed
Some terpenes might make you feel more relaxed while others could make you feel more alert.
Unique
So, terpenes are a big part of what makes each strain of cannabis unique and how it interacts with your body!
The Main Terpenes & Their Effects
Each terpene has unique characteristics that impact how a cannabis strain smells, tastes, and affects your body.
Myrcene
Known for its earthy and musky aroma, myrcene promotes relaxation and may have sedative effects.
Smell – Fruity
Effects – Relaxing & sedating
Details
Also found in – Mangoes, lemongrass, & hops
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Sleep aid
- Cartilage protection
- Muscle relaxation
- Anti-inflammatory
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene that uplifts mood, relieves stress, and may have anti-anxiety benefits.
Smell – Citrus
Effects – Stress relief & mood boosting
Details
Also found in – Rinds of all citrus fruit
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety
- Chemotherapeutic
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-inflammatory
Ocimene
A sweet, citrusy terpene known for its antifungal, antibacterial properties and uplifting, energizing effects.
Smell – Herbal
Effects – Appetite stimulant
Details
Also found in – Mint, oregano, & mangoes
Medical Uses:
- Ant-tumor
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-viral
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
Linalool
A floral, lavender-scented terpene known for its calming effects and potential as a sleep aid.
Smell – Floral
Effects – Calming & sedating
Details
Also found in – Lavender, citrus, & birch tress
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Sleep aid
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
Pinene
Found in pine trees, pinene enhances alertness, memory retention, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Smell – Woddy
Effects – Memory & attention
Details
Also found in – Pine needles, sage, & basil
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain desensitizer
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
Caryophyllene
A spicy, peppery terpene that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relief benefits.
Smell – Spicy
Effects – Mood boosting
Details
Also found in – Cinnamon, cloves, & black pepper
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Muscle spasms
- Liver protection
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
Humulene
Found in hops, humulene has a woody, herbal aroma and may help suppress appetite and reduce inflammation.
Smell – Earthy
Effects – Appetite supressant
Details
Also found in – Hops, cloves, & ginger
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain relief
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Anti-inflammatory
Terpinolene
A fruity and floral terpene that provides uplifting effects and may have antifungal and antioxidant properties.
Smell – Sweet
Effects – Sedating
Details
Also found in – Nutmeg, apple, & cumin
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain desensitizer
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-inflammatory
Myrcene​
Myrcene
Known for its earthy and musky aroma, myrcene promotes relaxation and may have sedative effects.
Smell – Fruity
Effects – Relaxing & sedating
Details
Also found in – Mangoes, lemongrass, & hops
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Sleep aid
- Cartilage protection
- Muscle relaxation
- Anti-inflammatory
Limonene​
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene that uplifts mood, relieves stress, and may have anti-anxiety benefits.
Smell – Citrus
Effects – Stress relief & mood boosting
Details
Also found in – Rinds of all citrus fruit
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety
- Chemotherapeutic
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-inflammatory
Ocimene
Ocimene
A sweet, citrusy terpene known for its antifungal, antibacterial properties and uplifting, energizing effects.
Smell – Herbal
Effects – Appetite stimulant
Details
Also found in – Mint, oregano, & mangoes
Medical Uses:
- Ant-tumor
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-viral
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
Linalool
Linalool
A floral, lavender-scented terpene known for its calming effects and potential as a sleep aid.
Smell – Floral
Effects – Calming & sedating
Details
Also found in – Lavender, citrus, & birch tress
Medical Uses:
- Pain relief
- Sleep aid
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
Pinene
Pinene
Found in pine trees, pinene enhances alertness, memory retention, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Smell – Woddy
Effects – Memory & attention
Details
Also found in – Pine needles, sage, & basil
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain desensitizer
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene
A spicy, peppery terpene that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relief benefits.
Smell – Spicy
Effects – Mood boosting
Details
Also found in – Cinnamon, cloves, & black pepper
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Muscle spasms
- Liver protection
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
Humulene
Humulene
Found in hops, humulene has a woody, herbal aroma and may help suppress appetite and reduce inflammation.
Smell – Earthy
Effects – Appetite supressant
Details
Also found in – Hops, cloves, & ginger
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain relief
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Anti-inflammatory
Terpinolene
Terpinolene
A fruity and floral terpene that provides uplifting effects and may have antifungal and antioxidant properties.
Smell – Sweet
Effects – Sedating
Details
Also found in – Nutmeg, apple, & cumin
Medical Uses:
- Anti-bacterial
- Pain desensitizer
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-inflammatory
The Terpene Wheel
Introducing the magical terpene wheel! Your quick and easy guide to the 8 main terpenes and how they can match your needs.
Save it, share it, and let the aromas guide your experience!
How Terpenes Interact With Cannabinoids
Terpenes enhance and modify the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This synergistic relationship is known as the entourage effect, which means the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may provide more therapeutic benefits than cannabinoids alone.
For example:
- Myrcene + THC → May enhance relaxation and sedation
- Limonene + CBD → May help with anxiety and mood elevation
- Caryophyllene + THC → Potentially enhances pain relief
Get To Know The Sub Terpenes
Beyond the primary terpenes, cannabis also contains powerful sub-terpenes, each contributing unique aromas, therapeutic effects, and potential wellness benefits.
Geraniol
Its smell and taste are considered floral with the effects of sedating & calming. It is also found in geranium, lemon, & rose oil.
Medical Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-fungal
- Neuroprotectant
Carene
Its smell and taste are considered spicy with the effects of sedating & calming. It is also found in bell peppers, cedar, & rosemary.
Medical Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Memory retention
- Bone repair
- Brain stimulant
Borneol
Its smell and taste are considered minty with the effects of stress relief & calming. It is also found in camphor, rosemary, & wood.
Medical Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
- Pain relief
- Insecticide
- Anti-insomnia
Valancene
Its smell and taste are considered fruity with the effects of calming. It is also found in oranges, grapefruits, & tangerines.
Medical Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin repair
- Anti-fungal
- Insecticide
- Anti-allergy