What Are Cannabis Terpenes and What Do They Do?
Updated 4/30/18
There’s something about the aroma of cannabis that soothes the mind and body. Whether it’s the sweet fruity taste of Pineapple Trainwreck or that skunky smell that bursts from a cracked bud of Sour Diesel, we know there’s something going on under their complex and flavorful bouquets.
Terpenes are what you smell, and knowing what they are will deepen your appreciation of cannabis whether you’re a medical patient or recreational consumer.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.
Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.
Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. In other words, a strain like Cheese and its descendants will likely have a discernible cheese-like smell, and Blueberry offspring often inherit the smell of berries.
The diverse palate of cannabis flavors is impressive enough, but arguably the most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant, like cannabinoids. In the past few decades, most cannabis varieties have been bred to contain high levels of THC, and as a result, other cannabinoids like CBD have fallen to just trace amounts. This has led many to believe that terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains.
Each individual terpene is associated with unique effects. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity. Linalool, for example, is believed to be relaxing whereas limonene elevates mood.
The effect profile of any given terpene may change in the presence of other compounds in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. More research is needed to understand each terpene’s effect when used in harmony with others.
Their differences can be subtle, but terpenes can add great depth to the horticultural art and connoisseurship of cannabis. Most importantly, terpenes may offer additional medical value as they mediate our body’s interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids.
Many cannabis analysis labs now test terpene content, so you may have a better idea of what effects a strain might produce. With their unlimited combinations of synergistic effects, terpenes will certainly open up new scientific and medical terrains for cannabis research.
Most Common Cannabis Terpenes

Alpha-Pinene

Aroma: Pine
Vaporizes At: 311ºF (155ºC)
Potential Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects
Potential Medical Value: Treatment of asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, cancer
Also Found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
Myrcene

Aroma: Cardamom, cloves, musky, earthy, herbal
Vaporizes At: 332ºF (167ºC)
Potential Effects: Sedating “couchlock” effect, relaxing
Potential Medical Value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation
Also Found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
Limonene

Aroma: Citrus
Vaporizes At: 348ºF (176ºC)
Potential Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
Potential Medical Value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer
Also Found in: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint
Beta-Caryophyllene

Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
Vaporizes At: 266ºF (130ºC)
Potential Effects: Stress relief
Potential Medical Value: Treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, ulcers
Also Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Linalool

Aroma: Floral
Vaporizes At: 388ºF (198ºC)
Potential Effects: Mood enhancement, sedation
Potential Medical Value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease
Also Found in: Lavender
Humulene

Aroma: Hops, woody, earthy
Vaporizes At: 222ºF (106ºC)
Potential Medical Value: Anti-inflammatory
Also Found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil
Ocimene

Aroma: Sweet, herbal, and woody
Vaporizes At: 122ºF (50ºC)
Potential Medical Value: Antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial
Also Found in: Mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats
Terpinolene

Aroma: Piney, floral, and herbal
Vaporizes At: 366ºF (186ºC)
Potential Effects: Relaxing
Potential Medical Value: Antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer
Also Found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs
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