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Terpenes Guide

With so many cannabis options to consider, there’s barely room in the brain for keeping tabs on terpenes. That’s why we’ve assembled this comprehensive guide to terpenes for you. Gain a quick understanding of which strains carry the terpene, its potential effects, expected aroma and taste, and other natural sources of the terpene.

Myrcene

Details

Earthy and musky, terpene is prevalent in most all cannabis strains. Myrcene is known to enhance the THC uptake in the body. Found in mango, hops, thyme, and citrus fruits. Strains that contain 0.5% of the strain are typically indica, and full of sedative effects. Myrcene is useful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, pain relief, sedative, muscle relaxant

sCENT / tASTE

Musky, herbal, earthy

fOUND iN

Guava Jelly, Northern Lights, Triangle Kush, Black Mamba, Fire OG, Sour OG Cheese, Tangle, Grape Ape, Black Banana, Orangeade, Black Fire, Durban Dream, AC/DC, Prophet

aLSO iN

Hops, lemongrass, basil, mango, thyme, ylang-ylang

Limonene

Details

Second most abundant terpene, though not all cannabis plants have it. Common in sativas, limonene has the unique ability to quicken the absorption of other terpenes into the body. Associated with elevated mood, and anti-stress. Also in citrus rinds, juniper, and mint.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, antifungal, anti-bacterial, improves mood, relieves nausea

sCENT / tASTE

Citrus

fOUND iN

Modified Grapes, Papaya OG, Forum Cut Cookies, Pootie Tang, Purple Punch, Clementine, Orangeade, Slurricane, Peking Duck

aLSO iN

Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, rosemary

Pinene

Details

Most common naturally occurring terpene. Main contributor to cannabis’ piney aroma. Found in conifer trees, rosemary, basil, parsley, and orange peels. Pinene helps improve the airflow and respira-tory functions, and helps reduce the memory loss related to excessive THC consumption.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, boosts energy, improves focus

sCENT / tASTE

Pine, dill, woody

fOUND iN

Jack Herer, Banana Hammock, OG Kush, Mob Boss, Modified Grapes, Clementine, EC Sour Diesel, Purple Afghan

aLSO iN

Conifer tree, pine needle, parsley, basil

Linalool

Details

Floral scents, reminiscent of sharp and sweet wildflowers. Also in lavender, laurel, birch, and rosewood. Calming and sedative properties help with anxiety. Helps patients with arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia, and cancer.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, pain relief, sedative, muscle relaxant

sCENT / tASTE

Floral

fOUND iN

Pineapple Express, Headband, OG Kush, Guru, Banana Hammock, Canna-Tsu, Velvet Glove, Fire OG, Maul Wowie, London Pound Mints, Strawberry Cough, Orange Eruption

aLSO iN

Lavender, Birchwood, Cinnamon, Mint, Rosewood, Sweet Basil

Caryophyllene

Details

The only terpene proven to interact with the endocannabinoid system. Peppery, woody and spicy, also found in basil, oregano, pepper and cinnamon. Beta-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors, which makes it an ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. Shows promise in treating alcohol withdrawal.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti inflammatory, anti-convulsant, pain relief, muscle spasms, sedative

sCENT / tASTE

Peppery, spicy, earthy, woody, cloves

fOUND iN

Chemhund, Guru, Fairy Godmother, White Chem, Pootie Tang, GG#4, Cherry Punch, Velvet Glove, Sour Jack, Orangeade, Strawberry Cough, Triangle Kush, Rudeboi OG, Ice Cream Cake

aLSO iN

Black pepper, cinnamon, hops, clove, oregano, rosemary

Humulene

Details

Earthy scent. First terpene found in hops, also found in clove, sage, black pepper and coriander. Can be an appetite suppressant, offers anti-inflammatory abilities, relieves pain and fights bacterial infections.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, pain relief, anti-suppressant, antifungal

sCENT / tASTE

Happy, woody, earthy, herbal

fOUND iN

GG#4, Black Fire, Headband, OG Kush, EC Sour Diesel, White Chem, Banana Hammock, Florida I-95, Pineapple Express, 21K

aLSO iN

Hops, tobacco, sage, ginseng, cilantro

Terpinolene

Details

Piney aroma with notes of herbs and wildflowers. Natural insect repellent. Exhibits an-ti-cancer and tranquilizing effects. Least common terpene. Also in rosemary, sage, and cypress.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, sedative

sCENT / tASTE

Floral, lilac, lemon

fOUND iN

Durban Dream, Lemon Margy, Jack Herrer, Lemon Lights, Zour Apples, Tangle, Colorado Durban, Chem Shiva

aLSO iN

Nutmeg, tea tree, apple, lilac, sage

Cannabis Terpenes Flavor Profiles