What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the chemicals in plants that give them distinct aromas and flavors. In cannabis, it creates a distinct flavor profile and effects for each strain. Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds within the trichomes of female cannabis plants. Trichomes are small crystal-like hairs that produce the psychoactive and therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant.
Terpenes help to bring out the various effects in cannabis. Some studies even suggest that terpenes can be more accurate in determining effects than the traditional Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid labelling. By looking at the terpenes within the strain, you are able to get a clearer picture of what the effects will be like.
The Ultimate Terpene Guide
Bisabolol
| Plant Origins | - Chamomile
- Cannabis Plants
- Sage
|
| Everyday Uses | - Skincare Products
- THC & CBD Oils (α-bisabolol)
|
| Strains Found In | - Ice Cream Cake
- Indica-Dominant Strains
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Anxiety
- Sleep & Relaxation
- Anti-Cancer
- Anti-Microbial
- Pain Relief
- Neuroprotectant (for nerve & brain health)
- Anti-inflammatory
|
Borneol
| Plant Origins | - Ginger
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Camphor
|
| Everyday Uses | - Insect Repellents
- Perfumes, Colognes
|
| Strains Found In | - OG Kush
- Often found in “Hazes”
- Sour Glue
- Tahoe Cookies
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Digestive Aid
- Improve blood circulation
- Treating respiratory illness
- Pain Relief (When Used Topically)
- Anti-Inflammatory
|
Camphene
| Plant Origins | - Camphor
- Pine, Fir, Spruce
- Citronella
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Sage
|
| Everyday Uses | - Used as a substitute for camphor
- Perfumes & Essential Oils
- Foods
- Adds texture to lacquers & resins
|
| Strains Found In | - White Widow
- Pink Push
- Banana Kush
- Strawberry Kush
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Calming Properties
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-biotic
- Anti-Fungal
- Anti-Oxidant
|
Caryophyllene (β-Caryophyllene)
| Plant Origins | |
| Everyday Uses | - Food additive (for its sweet taste)
- Cannabis topicals & salves
|
| Strains Found In | - OG Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Skywalker OG
- Bubba Kush
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory (When Used Topically)
- Anti-Cancer
- Pain Relief
- Sleep Aid
- Balancing Glucose Levels (Diabetes Treatment)
|
Delta-3-Carene (3-Carene)
| Plant Origins | - Basil
- Rosemary
- Bell Peppers
|
| Everyday Uses | - Cosmetics
- Fragrance Products
- Food Flavoring
|
| Strains Found In | - OG Kush
- AK-47
- Jack Herer
- Super Lemon Haze
- Super Silver Haze
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- May repair damaged bones
- ADHD & Depression (When combined with limonene & eucalyptol)
|
Eucalyptol
| Plant Origins | - Eucalyptus Trees
- Bay Leaves
- Sage Brush
|
| Everyday Uses | - Cooking
- In vapes
- Topical Products
- Essential Oils (Eucalyptus, Tea Trea, Wormwood)
|
| Strains Found In | - Girl Scout Cookies
- Super Silver Haze
- Northern Lights
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Relieve sinus pressure
- Anti Septic
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Improved Cognitive Function
|
Geraniol
| Plant Origins | - Geranium Plants
- Rose Oil
- Lemons, Lemongrass
- Peaches
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
|
| Everyday Uses | - Fragrance Products
- Detergents
- Candles
- Food Additive (pastries, desserts)
|
| Strains Found In | - Agent Orange
- Harlequin
- Lemon G
- Strawberry Diesel
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Pain reduction
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
|
Humulene
| Plant Origins | - Humulus Lupulus (Hops)
- Clove
- Ginger
- Coriander
|
| Everyday Uses | - Used in many beer recipes to balance flavor
|
| Strains Found In | - Girl Scout Cookies
- Sour Diesel
- Ice Cream Cake
- Gelato
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Benefits for allergies
- Anti-inflammatory
- Boosted Energy
|
Limonene
| Plant Origins | - Citrus Fruit Peels
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Pine
- Fennel
|
| Everyday Uses | - Essential oils & balms
- Cosmetics, Fragrances, Body creams
|
| Strains Found In | - Lemon G
- Emerald Jack
- Cookies & Cream
- Shining Silver Haze
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer
- Mood-Altering effects in regards to anxiety & depression
|
Linalool
| Plant Origins | - Lavender
- Citrus
- Birch
- Coriander
|
| Strains Found In | - Durban
- Do-si-Dos
- Zkittles
- Scooby Snacks
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Has potential to be used as an antidepressant
- Stress Relief
- Muscle Relaxant
- Sleep Aid/Sedative
|
Myrcene
| Plant Origins | - Mangos
- Hops
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
- Verbena
|
| Everyday Uses | - Essentail Oils
- Used in cooking
|
| Strains Found In | - Banana Kush
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Lime OG
- Skywalker OG
- Thin Mint Cookies
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Stress Relief & Relaxation
- Pain Relief
- Strengthening the Immune System
|
Pinene
| Plant Origins | - Pine Trees
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Parsley
- Orange Peel
|
| Strains Found In | - Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- Strawberry Cough
- Bubba Kush
- Haze Berry
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Cancer
- Anti-Microbial
- Improved Cognitive Functioning
- Relaxation & Stress Relief
|
Phytol
| Plant Origins | |
| Everyday Uses | - Flavoring
- Food Coloring
- Fragrances
- Cosmetic Production
|
| Strains Found In | - Sour Diesel
- Cheese
- OG Kush
- Strawberry Diesel
- Banana Kush
- Jack Herer
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anxiety Relief
- Sleep Aid
|
Terpinolene
| Plant Origins | |
| Strains Found In | - Ghost Train Haze
- Chernobyl
- Jack Herer
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Antibacterial
- Anti Fungal
- Potential to reduce the risk of heart disease
|
Trans-Nerolidol
| Plant Origins | - Tea Tree
- Rose
- Lemongrass
- Jasmine
- Ginger
|
| Everyday Uses | |
| Strains Found In | - Sour Kush
- Skywalker OG
- Sweet Skunk
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Chemdawg
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Fungal
- Neuroprotectant
- Anti-Cancer
- May help topical treatments better penetrate the skin
|
Valencene
| Plant Origins | - Citrus Fruits (Grapefruit, Nectarine, Mango)
- Chinese Bayberry
|
| Everyday Uses | - Insecticide
- Orange-Scented Personal Care Products
- Cooking for Flavor
|
| Strains Found In | - Agent Orange
- Sour Diesel
- Clementine
- Gushers
- California Orange Bud
|
| Potential Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Oxidant
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Allergic Properties
- Treating Skin Conditions (When Applied Topically)
- Mood-Boosting Effects
|
