Terpenes in Cannabis || Pineapple Victoria
Terpenes in Cannabis: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How They Shape Your High
Discover what cannabis terpenes are, how they affect aroma, flavor, and effects, and explore the top 15 most common terpenes in Cannabis.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by plants—including cannabis—that give them their distinct smell and taste. They’re the reason one strain smells like citrus, while another smells earthy or floral.
In cannabis, terpenes don’t just determine aroma and flavor. They may also influence the entourage effect, the way cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact in your body to shape the overall experience.
Why Terpenes Matter in Cannabis
Flavor & Aroma: Terpenes define the “nose” of a strain.
Experience: Certain terpenes are linked to uplifting, calming, or focus-enhancing effects.
Medicinal Potential: Some terpenes show anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, or pain-relieving properties.
Don’t shop on THC % alone! A strain’s terpene profile often explains why two strains with identical THC levels can feel very different.
The 15 Most Common Terpenes in Cannabis
1. Myrcene – The Sedating Classic and the most common terpene in Cannabis
Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal, clove like
Effects: Relaxation, sedation, “couch lock”
Found in: Mango, hops, lemongrass
2. Limonene – Citrus Uplift
Aroma: Lemon, orange, grapefruit
Effects: Mood boost, stress relief, energy
Found in: Citrus peels, peppermint
3. Caryophyllene – The Spicy Protector
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, woody
Effects: Stress relief, anti-inflammatory
Unique: Only terpene known to bind to CB2 receptors
Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
4. Pinene (α- & β-) – The Fresh Forest
Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary
Effects: Alertness, memory support, anti-inflammatory
Found in: Pine trees, basil, parsley
5. Terpinolene – The Herbal Wildcard
Aroma: Floral, herbal, citrusy
Effects: Uplifting, antioxidant potential
Found in: Apples, lilacs, nutmeg
6. Humulene – The Earthy Balancer
Aroma: Woody, earthy, hoppy
Effects: Appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory
Found in: Hops, basil, sage
7. Ocimene – The Sweet Energizer
Aroma: Sweet, citrusy, herbal
Effects: Uplifting, antifungal, antiviral potential
Found in: Mint, orchids, parsley
8. Linalool – The Lavender Relaxant
Aroma: Floral, lavender-like
Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sleep support
Found in: Lavender, basil, coriander
9. Bisabolol – The Gentle Healer
Aroma: Floral, chamomile-like
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, soothing
Found in: Chamomile, candeia tree
10. Eucalyptol (Cineole) – The Cool Refresher
Aroma: Minty, cooling, eucalyptus
Effects: Alertness, respiratory relief
Found in: Eucalyptus, bay leaves, rosemary
11. Geraniol – The Floral Sweetheart
Aroma: Sweet, floral, rose-like
Effects: Antioxidant, neuroprotective potential
Found in: Roses, peaches, lemongrass
12. Nerolidol – The Woody Relaxant
Aroma: Woody, bark-like, citrus undertones
Effects: Sedative, antifungal potential
Found in: Jasmine, tea tree, lemongrass
13. Valencene – The Zesty Citrus Note
Aroma: Sweet orange, fresh citrus
Effects: Energizing, uplifting, insect repelling
Found in: Valencia oranges
14. Camphene – The Piney Healer
Aroma: Earthy pine, musky
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular potential
Found in: Fir needles, rosemary, nutmeg
15. Phytol – The Subtle Relaxant
Aroma: Mild, grassy, floral
Effects: Relaxing, antioxidant potential
Found in: Green tea, chlorophyll-rich plants
Do Terpenes Affect Your High?
Terpenes don’t get you “high” directly, but they shape your cannabis experience through the entourage effect.
Myrcene + THC: Often more sedating.
Limonene + THC: More uplifting and social.
Caryophyllene: May reduce stress while THC provides euphoria.