The intricate world of cannabis terpenes has gained significant attention, highlighting their critical role in imparting unique fragrances, flavors, and potential therapeutic effects. Terpenes, the essence of essential oils in plants, play a vital role in nature, from repelling pests to attracting pollinators.

In cannabis, terpenes coexist with cannabinoids in trichomes, contributing to the plant’s distinctive aroma and flavor. More than just sensory elements, terpenes may offer various aspects for wellness and contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall impact of cannabis compounds.

A Definitive List of Cannabis Terpene Profiles

A closer look at cannabis terpenes reveals a diverse array. While the presence of terpenes in high CBD strains are vast, we cannot make a direct correlation between each terpenes potential and its expression within a cultivar. Each individual’s experience may vary. Still, the list of terpenes and their profiles is staggeringly interesting. Let’s dive in!

Terpenes a closer look

Myrcene

Found abundantly in cannabis, it has an earthy flavor and is known in other plants like hops and mangoes. Myrcene might contribute to the sedative effects of certain strains.

Indica strains like White Widow and Cannaflower’s low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Bubba Kush contain ample amounts of myrcene.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is another primary cannabis terpene that brings the characteristic spiciness to black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and oregano. Preliminary research has found that beta-caryophyllene may act as an anti-inflammatory, may potentially promote healthy digestion, and may enhance wound healing. Beta-caryophyllene also has been reported to show a unique ability to bind directly to CB-2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue #4, and Cannaflower’s high-cannabidiol (CBD) OG Kush are rich in beta-caryophyllene.

Limonene

Limonene can be found in citrus plants and dill weed. As the name suggests, limonene has an aroma similar to lemon and orange rinds with subtle hints of spice.

Limonene imparts potentially uplifting effects, making strains with high levels of this terpene possible excellent for daytime productivity. Research has shown that limonene may affect several neurotransmitter pathways, which may make high-limonene strains helpful in treating depression and anxiety.

Strains like Wedding Cake, Do-Si-Do, and Cannaflower’s Lemon Drop all possess the tart citrus fruits flavor and aroma of limonene.

Terpenes for productivity at home man experiencing relief from depression

Linalool

Linalool lends its fragrance to purple flowers, such as lavender and lilac. Cannaseurs sometimes refer to linalool as the “spa terpene” because of its relaxing and calming properties. MMJ physicians often recommend high linalool strains for their potential ability to combat stress and ease body aches. Scientists have been researching linalool’s possible ability to reduce muscle spasms, relieve pain, and treat anxiety.

If you’re interested in linalool, check out cannabis strains like Lavender, Master Kush, and Cannaflower’s Abacus.

Pinene

Pinene is the most abundant terpene in nature. Conifers, rosemary, and parsley contain an abundance of pinene. The Japanese have a health practice called “forest bathing” which involves walking in nature while inhaling the refreshing scents. It’s not surprising that modern science has found that pinene may reduce inflammation, aid memory, act as an antimicrobial agent, and may help in opening the respiratory passageways.

Different strains like Kona Gold, Blue Dream, and Cannaflower’s Remedy include significant amounts of pinene.

Humulene

Plants like ginseng, sage, and hops all contain large quantities of humulene. The medical cannabis community considers high-humulene strains potentially useful for inflammation and weight control. You’ll find plenty of humulene in popular strains like Headband, Sour Diesel, and Cannaflower’s Legendary OG.

Terpinolene

The fresh scent of terpinolene is evident in cumin, nutmeg, apples, and tea trees. Scientists have found that terpinolene may help inhibit tumor growth and may possibly have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease. Terpinolene is present in elevated levels in the legendary Jack Herer strain.

alpha-Bisabolol

Alpha-bisabolol has a subtle floral scent reminiscent of camomile, a plant known to have a calming effect. Alpha-Bisabolol has shown potentially potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties and may help reduce skin inflammation. You can sample alpha-Bisabolol in strains such as ACDC, Pink Kush, and Cannaflower’s Sour Tsunami.

Eucalyptol

As the name suggests, eucalyptol gives eucalyptus trees their characteristic scent. Eucalyptol has potentially potent antibacterial, antifungal, and insect-repelling properties. Scientists also suspect that eucalyptol may help to lower blood pressure.

Geraniol

If you’re familiar with the fragrance of geraniums, you’ll easily recognize the aroma of geraniol. Plants like citronella and roses also contain high concentrations of this terpene. Geraniol may have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and neuroprotective properties. Gerinol’s potent aroma also makes an excellent mosquito repellent.

Terpineol

It’s easy to confuse terpineol with terpinolene, but they are two distinct terpenes. A common ingredient in soaps and perfumes, terpineol imparts a pleasant floral fragrance. Lilacs, sage, pine trees, limes, and eucalyptus all contain terpineol. Scientists are studying terpineol for its possible antioxidant, anti-anxiety, anti-malarial, and sedative effects.

Farnesene

Found in ginger and green apple peels, farnesene terpenes give plants a tart, fruit flavor. Research has concluded that farnesene may have neuroprotective properties and may help prevent certain types of cancer.

Borneol

Borneol is a common terpene in many traditional Chinese herbs, including valerian root, a common herb used for anxiety and insomnia. Borneol has an aroma similar to rosemary or mint and has been found to potentially impart pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ocimene

In nature, ocimene appears in basil, orchids, and mint. Perfumers often use ocimene to give their products sweet herbal aromas. Research has concluded that ocimene may have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cancer-fighting properties.

Nerolidol

Nerolidol has a woody aroma that’s popular for adding to cleaning products. The terpene has potentially potent antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful ingredient in skin products.

Guaiol

Like pinene and terpinolene, guaiol has a fresh pine fragrance. Indica strains typically contain more guaiol than sativas. Preliminary research has found that guaiol may induce cell apoptosis in lung tumors.

Valencene

Valencene received its name from Valencia oranges, which have an especially sweet citrus flavor. The terpene is also present in grapefruits and tangerines. Manufacturers often use valencene to give a citrus aroma to cleaning products. Valencene is renowned for its reported ability to repel insects, its potential to reduce inflammation, as well as for those who share that it helps in fighting skin cancer.

You can find valencene in cannabis varieties like Tangie, Agent Orange, and Cannaflower’s citrus-dominated hemp flowers.

Cannabis Terpenes citrus

delta-3 Carene

Nature has endowed cypress trees with substantial amounts of delta-3 carene. Carene has a complex fragrance that combines pine, lemon, and musk scents. Some share that Carene may help with neuropathic conditions like fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s disease and that this terpene may help heal broken bones.

Phytol

Industrial hemp plants often contain substantial amounts of phytol. You may recognize phytol in the sweet floral fragrance of jasmine flowers. Phytol degrades GABA, which may explain why customers share that they find this compound useful for pain relief, reducing stress, and promoting healthy sleep patterns.

Sabinene

Sabinene is the terpene responsible for the earthy oak aromas that wine and whiskey makers love. The terpene also imparts spicy and peppery notes. While scientists are still exploring this terpene, studies have begun to show that Sabinene potentially may help aid digestion, relieve arthritis, calm skin conditions, and prevent muscle atrophy.

Phellandrene

Found in eucalyptus, phellandrene has a mint aroma with slightly citrus overtones. Plants high in phellandrene potentially may be useful for digestive problems, depression, and neuropathic pain.

Fenchol

Fenchol can be found in fennel and is a common ingredient in perfumes. You can recognize fenchol by its woody, citrus aroma.

Menthol

Menthol is a common ingredient in pain creams. It is used in these creams as it may also help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. You can find menthol in cannabis strains like ChemDog, Gelato 45, and Thor’s Hammer.

Terpinene

Just in case you weren’t confused enough, scientists named yet another terpene with a name similar to terpinolene and terpineol. Found in lesser amounts in cannabis plants, terpinene has an earthy aroma and potentially may exhibit antitumor properties.

Isoborneol

Isoborneol has a remarkably unique, sweet, and musky scent that’s difficult to describe. Reports have begun to find that there possibly may exist a link between isoborneol and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Cymene

If you’ve ever taken a whiff of a bunch of carrots, you’ll recognize the scent of cymene. Oranges, tangerines, and oregano also contain high levels of cymene. Laboratory research has concluded that cymene has antiviral properties anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Cannabis Terpenes Expert Guide

Other Cannabis Flower-Derived Terpenes

So far, we’ve covered all of the major cannabis terpenes you’ll need to know to optimize your experience with this amazing plant. Scientists have isolated over 200 terpenes in cannabis plants, but many are only present in trace amounts. Since over 20,000 terpenes have been identified in the natural world, researchers expect to discover many more cannabis-derived terpenes in the future.

For those of you who wish to deepen your investigation into cannabis terpenes, here’s a partial list:

  • Octanol
  • Isopulegol
  • Cedrene
  • Camphene
  • Geranyl Acetate
  • Bergamotene
  • Camphor
  • Pulegon

Getting the Most Out of Cannabis Terpenes

Cannabis-derived terpenes have different boiling points. When you smoke cannabis, you burn off many of the terpenes that boil at lower temperatures. If you’re ready to start your journey into identifying cannabis terpenes, try enjoying your buds with a dry-herb vaporizer. If you start on the lowest setting and taste the buds at several temperatures, you’ll be able to start distinguishing the different terpenes.

The cannabis plant continues to reveal more attributes that bring customers and researchers to continue exploring its potential. In your exploration, you may have some questions about terpenes that you would like to share. We are always happy to hear from you.

If you haven’t begun your own experience with low-thc cannabis, a fantastic place to start is with some of our strains, or collections. Of course, you could also reach out to our friendly staff by emailing [email protected].

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