Week 13: The Top 10 Cannabis Terpenes Explained

While cannabis contains hundreds of terpenes, a relatively small number appear consistently across varieties and dominate most discussions. Understanding these primary terpenes helps you make sense of product descriptions, interpret lab results, and develop your own preferences.

This guide covers the ten terpenes you're most likely to encounter, including their aromas, where else they're found in nature, and how the wellness community discusses them.

1. Myrcene

The most common cannabis terpene

Myrcene typically dominates cannabis terpene profiles, often comprising more than 20% of total terpene content.

Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal with subtle fruity notes. Sometimes described as "dank."

Also found in: Mangoes, hops, lemongrass, thyme, bay leaves.

Characteristics: Myrcene is commonly associated with relaxing experiences in the wellness community. Its presence in hops contributes to beer's sedative reputation.

Notes: The "mango theory"—that eating mangoes enhances cannabis effects—stems from myrcene being present in both. Individual experiences vary.

2. Limonene

The citrus terpene

Limonene is the second most common terpene in many cannabis varieties, instantly recognizable for its bright citrus aroma.

Aroma: Strong citrus—lemon, orange, grapefruit.

Also found in: Citrus fruit peels, juniper, peppermint.

Characteristics: Often associated with uplifting, mood-enhancing experiences. The cheerful association with citrus scents is deeply embedded in most cultures.

Notes: Limonene is widely used in cleaning products, cosmetics, and aromatherapy for its pleasant scent.

3. Pinene

The pine forest terpene

Pinene is the most common terpene in nature overall, responsible for the fresh scent of coniferous forests.

Aroma: Fresh pine, with hints of rosemary and basil.

Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill.

Characteristics: Often associated with alertness and mental clarity. The "fresh air" feeling of walking in pine forests is largely pinene at work.

Notes: Pinene exists in two forms (alpha and beta), both found in cannabis. Alpha-pinene is more common and has a sharper pine scent.

4. Linalool

The lavender terpene

Linalool is the signature terpene of lavender and contributes to cannabis varieties with floral aromatic profiles.

Aroma: Floral, sweet, with hints of spice and citrus. Distinctly lavender-like.

Also found in: Lavender, coriander, sweet basil, birch bark.

Characteristics: Strongly associated with calming, relaxing experiences. Lavender's reputation for promoting relaxation comes primarily from linalool.

Notes: Linalool is widely used in aromatherapy and appears in countless personal care products for its pleasant floral scent.

5. Caryophyllene

The spicy terpene

Caryophyllene (specifically beta-caryophyllene) stands out among terpenes for its unique properties.

Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody, with hints of clove.

Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, hops.

Characteristics: Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it may interact directly with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This makes it something of a hybrid between a terpene and a cannabinoid.

Notes: The FDA has designated caryophyllene as safe for human consumption. It's used as a food additive for its spicy flavor.

6. Humulene

The hoppy terpene

Humulene is closely related to caryophyllene and shares the earthy, woody characteristics of hops.

Aroma: Earthy, woody, spicy—reminiscent of hops and beer.

Also found in: Hops, sage, ginseng, coriander.

Characteristics: Unlike most cannabis-related compounds, humulene is sometimes associated with appetite suppression rather than stimulation. It contributes to the distinctive smell of beer.

Notes: Humulene and caryophyllene often appear together, as they share similar chemical structures.

7. Terpinolene

The complex terpene

Terpinolene has a more complex aromatic profile than many terpenes, combining multiple scent characteristics.

Aroma: Floral, herbal, slightly piney with citrus undertones. Often described as "fresh."

Also found in: Lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, apples, tea tree.

Characteristics: Terpinolene is sometimes associated with uplifting experiences, though it appears less frequently in cannabis than the terpenes listed above.

Notes: Despite being less common in cannabis, terpinolene is widely used in soaps, perfumes, and insect repellents.

8. Ocimene

The sweet herbal terpene

Ocimene contributes sweet, herbaceous notes to cannabis and many other plants.

Aroma: Sweet, woody, herbal with tropical undertones.

Also found in: Mint, parsley, orchids, mangoes, kumquats, pepper.

Characteristics: Ocimene is believed to serve a defensive function in plants, deterring pests. It contributes to the sweet, pleasant aromas of many flowers and herbs.

Notes: While less discussed than major terpenes, ocimene contributes to the aromatic complexity of many cannabis varieties.

9. Geraniol

The rose terpene

Geraniol produces floral aromas similar to roses and is valued in the perfume industry.

Aroma: Rose-like, floral, sweet with hints of citrus.

Also found in: Roses, geraniums, lemons, tobacco, citronella.

Characteristics: Geraniol is prized for its pleasant floral scent and is commonly used in bath products, lotions, and candles.

Notes: Geraniol is also used as a natural insect repellent, particularly for mosquitoes.

10. Phytol

The green terpene

Phytol contributes to the fresh, grassy notes in cannabis and many other plants.

Aroma: Fresh, grassy, green—similar to freshly cut hay.

Also found in: Green tea, chlorophyll (as a breakdown product), many green vegetables.

Characteristics: Phytol is a diterpene (larger than most cannabis terpenes) that forms from the breakdown of chlorophyll. It contributes to the fresh, plant-like scent of cannabis.

Notes: Phytol is used as a precursor for synthetic vitamin E and vitamin K.

Using Terpene Knowledge

Understanding these terpenes helps in several practical ways:

Evaluating products. When products list terpene profiles, you can interpret what those terpenes might contribute.

Developing preferences. As you notice which aromas and products you prefer, you can identify terpene patterns.

Understanding variety. Terpene profiles explain why products with similar cannabinoid content can produce different experiences.

Appreciating complexity. Cannabis is more than just THC and CBD. Terpenes add another layer of nuance.

Key Takeaways

• Myrcene is the most common cannabis terpene, with earthy, herbal aromas
• Limonene provides citrus notes and is associated with uplifting experiences
• Pinene delivers pine freshness and is linked to alertness
• Linalool offers floral lavender notes and calming associations
• Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes for potentially interacting with CB2 receptors
• Each terpene contributes to the overall aromatic and experiential profile of cannabis products

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