Cannabinoids like THC and CBD get most of the attention when it comes to cannabis, but there’s a world of other incredible compounds housed in the plant. Compounds like terpenes, which play a big role in the smell and taste of cannabis strains, and your high experience. Here’s what you need to know about the top 10 most common terpenes in cannabis.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in plants across the world. In cannabis, terpenes are found in the trichomes, alongside the cannabinoids. There are over 20,000 known terpenes in the world, and around 200 of them regularly appear in cannabis.
Every cannabis strain has a terpene profile, with some terpenes in larger quantities than others.
These terpenes play a direct role in your cannabis experience.
There is no set list of what terpenes occur in what strains – it depends on a variety of factors for how the plant was grown and stress levels. Growing plants inside versus outside, using different nutrients and growing mediums, and temperature swings can all influence the terpene profile of a strain.
There are a few different classifications of terpenes, but you don’t need to understand the difference between terpenoids and sesqui-terpenes to understand how these compounds affect your cannabis experience.
What do terpenes do?
In nature, terpenes are secondary metabolite compounds, which means they are not essential to keep plants alive, but help them thrive by warding off predators, attracting pollinators, and fighting diseases.
In humans, terpenes have been studied for a wide range of effects. Common effects from terpenes include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, pain-relieving, or desensitization.
Top 10 Terps in Cannabis: What You Need to Know
Myrcene
Main aroma: herbal
Found in: bay leaves, lemongrass, mango, hops
Most common effect: sedative
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in commercially cultivated cannabis and if you’ve vaped before, you’ve had this terp. Myrcene is thought to be the main cause for the “couch-locking” effect that many sedative strains have, although it’s certainly not the only sedating terpene. Because of its sedating properties, myrcene can aid with muscle relaxation and sleep. Myrcene is also studied for it’s antifungal, antioxidant, antianxiety, and antibacterial properties.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Main aroma: spice
Found in: cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, oregano
Most common effect: antioxdant
Beta-caryophyllene is one of the top terps in most cannabis strains, coming in after myrcene but before pinene. This terpene is special because it interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system, which most terpenes cannot do. Beta-caryophyllene is studied for its assistance in managing anxiety and depression, it’s powerful antioxidant properties, and potential protective properties for your heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.
Pinene
Main aroma: earthy
Found in: conifer trees, sage, parsley
Most common effect: calming
Pinene is third on the list of common cannabis terps, but it ranks number one for terps in the natural world. Pinene is incredibly abundant, appearing in all coniferous trees across the world. If you need a hit of this terpene, simply take a walk in a forest near you and breathe deeply. Consumers report that strains high in pinene deliver a cerebral high and powerful calming effects
Pinene is thought to have energizing yet calming effects as well as anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety properties. This terpene is also being studied for potential anti-acne, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and antibiotic benefits.
Limonene
Main aroma: citrus
Found in: lemon, limes, oranges
Most common effect: uplifting
Bright and citrusy limonene is a popular additive to household cleaners to get that lemon fresh scent you know and love. It’s also quite common in cannabis strains and is thought to provide an energizing burst of energy as well as anti-anxiety and anti-depressive benefits. Many people report that strains high in this terpene provide a mood boost and a euphoric effect.
Limonene is being studied for potential anti-cancer, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant properties.
Linalool
Main aroma: floral
Found in: lavender
Most common effect: relaxing
In addition to being a common terpene in cannabis strains, linalool is beloved in the aromatherapy world. There is a large body of research pointing to this terpene’s potential for alleviating stress and helping people relax. Linalool is also being studied for potential pain relief, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressive effects.
Humulene
Smells like: earthy
Found in: Ginseng, ginger, coriander
Most common effect: anti-inflammatory
Humulene is found in the highest concentrations in hops and smells like a hoppy IPA. It appears in smaller quantities in cannabis, but is still notable. This terpene is being studied for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as potential anti-cancer activity.
Fun fact: humulene is molecularly related to caryophyllene and is thought to work better in strains with caryophyllene in it.
Ocimene
Main aroma: floral
Found in: mint, orchids, basil, tarragon
Most common effect: uplifting
Ocimene appears in smaller quantities than other terpenes on this list, but it still pulls its weight as it’s thought to provide mood-boosting and uplifting properties. It has a complex floral, woody aroma and is being studied for a variety of potential benefits, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and anti-fungal properties.
Terpinolene
Main aroma: floral
Found in: Lilac bushes, apples, nutmeg
Most common effect: relaxing
Terpinolene is less common in the cannabis world, but there are a few strains that it is dominant in – like the famous Jack Herer. Consumers report a stimulating yet relaxed experience with terpinolene and it’s thought to enhance the effects of a given strain. Terpinolene has a complex aroma that is easily mistaken for other terpenes. Terpinolene is being studied for many potential benefits, including pain desensitization, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and sedative properties.
Eucalyptol
Smells like: earthy
Found in: eucalyptus
Most common effect: anti-inflammatory
Eucalyptol is a minor terpene in cannabis, and amounts of 0.10% are high quantities. You may know this terpene from hanging eucalyptus branches in your shower or in a spa. It has a slightly minty and deliciously cooling aroma and powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Bisabolol
Main aroma: floral
Found in: chamomile, candeia trees
Most common effect: anti-inflammatory
Bisabolol (pronounced BI-sah-bo-lol) is a less common terpene in cannabis plants. Research on bisabolol is still in the early stages, but this compound is being studied for several medicinal benefits, including increasing skin healing, neuroprotection, anticancer, pain desensitization, cardio-protective, and gastroprotection properties.
FAQs About Terpenes
Do terpenes get you high?
No, terps can’t get you high. While terpenes have a measurable effect on the body and brain (what science calls psychoactive effects), the high experience from consuming cannabis comes mainly from THC binding with your CB1 receptor in your endocannabinoid system.
How do terpenes affect my cannabis experience?
Why are terpenes important? Besides playing a major role in the aroma and the flavor of a strain, terpenes themselves are biologically active – they have a measurable effect in the body. This is most easily seen in aromatherapy, the study of aromatic compounds for specific effects.
Terpenes also play an important role in your cannabis experience – they are a vital part of the entourage effect. Studies have also shown that terpenes can enhance cannabinoid activity, so the terpenes influence your high experience.
Getting to know your terps can help you better customize your cannabis routine to support your goals. Some terps are energizing and better suited for mornings or late-night gatherings, while others are sedating and can help you get some much-needed shut-eye after a busy week.
Is vaping better for terpenes?
Terpenes are tiny compounds with low boiling points, which means they evaporate quickly when you light a bowl or a joint. But vapes use whole-plant cannabis extract, botanical terpenes, and indirect methods of heat, which can help you taste more and feel more of the effects of the terps in your cannabis product.
What is a high terpene percentage?
Terpenes do not appear in cannabis products in the same quantities as cannabinoids like THC and CBD. But small quantities still have powerful effects. Terpene profile can range from 0.10% for minor terpenes all the way up to 1.5% for a dominant terpene. A total terpene percentage of 2 – 5% is quite high.
How do I know which terpenes I prefer?
Your terpene preference, like your cannabis preference, is personal. The best way to get acclimated with the terpenes you like (or don’t like) is to understand the terpene profile of your cannabis products and track your cannabis consumption and experiences. Over time, you’ll likely start to see a pattern emerging of terpenes that help you feel your best and ones you don’t prefer.
Terpenes & Vapes
The terpenes in your Airo vapes play an important part in your cannabis experience. Our strain collection has strain-specific terpenes to give you an authentic taste of strains like Northern Lights and Cherry AK, while our artisan collection has terpenes tailored for a delicious flavor. Learning about common terpenes, their effects, and how to recognize them helps you take a deeper dive into your cannabis consumption – and create a supportive routine that helps you meet your goals.
