What are terpenes? A closer look at what they can do for you

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis. They provide the distinct scents and flavors of cannabis strains — from citrusy and fruity to earthy and skunky.

Beyond their sensory appeal, terpenes along with cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), influence how you experience the effects of cannabis. In fact, terpenes are a key factor in what makes one cannabis strain feel different from another.

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What are terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, not just cannabis. They give lavender its calming floral fragrance, pine trees their refreshing scent, and citrus fruits their zesty aroma.

In cannabis, terpenes serve a dual purpose: they attract pollinators and act as a natural defense against pests.

But cannabis terpenes offer more than just flavor and fragrance. They interact with cannabinoids in what’s known as the entourage effect, subtly shaping how cannabis affects mood, relaxation, or focus.

Terpenes vs. cannabinoids

It’s easy to confuse terpenes with cannabinoids. Both are types of cannabis compounds, but they aren’t the same:

• Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) directly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing psychoactive or therapeutic effects.
• Terpenes don’t cause intoxication but may influence how cannabinoids are absorbed and perceived, modulating the “high” and tailoring the overall experience.

Common terpenes in cannabis

Cannabis contains more than 150 terpenes. That said, only a handful are typically found in significant concentrations. These dominant terpenes shape the strain’s aroma, flavor, and potential effects.

Myrcene

• Aroma/flavor: Earthy, musky, herbal
• Effects: Relaxing, sedative; often associated with “couch-lock”

Myrcene (β-myrcene) offers antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects. It’s also known to help promote sleep, especially when combined with THC and cannabinol (CBN). Myrcene may even help boost the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids.

Limonene

• Aroma/flavor: Citrus, lemon, orange
• Effects: Uplifting, energizing, stress-relieving

Limonene is responsible for the “citrus” or “lemony” aroma and taste found in certain cannabis strains. It’s credited with elevating mood and focus, while providing stress relief.

Pinene

• Aroma/flavor: Pine, forest-like
• Effects: Alertness, memory support, clear-headed focus

Pinene (α-pinene) is the reason why certain cannabis strains smell like pine trees. It’s a powerful antioxidant that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Caryophyllene

• Aroma/flavor: Spicy, peppery, woody
• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, soothing; the only terpene known to bind directly with CB2 receptors

Beta-caryophyllene, sometimes called caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene, is a spicy terpene that may taste like black pepper. It offers pain-blocking, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant effects.

Linalool

• Aroma/flavor: Floral, lavender
• Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sleep-promoting

Linalool has anti-seizure, antidepressant, and anti-acne properties. Like myrcene, linalool may be a useful natural remedy for insomnia when combined with THC and CBN.

Humulene

• Aroma/flavor: Woody, earthy, hoppy
• Effects: Appetite-suppressant, anti-inflammatory

Humulene is a terpene similar to beta-caryophyllene. It has pain-relieving, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties.

Terpene side effects and risks

Terpenes are generally safe in the amounts naturally found in cannabis. However, terpenes that come in concentrated or purified forms may cause side effects if overused, such as:

• Skin irritation or rash
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Headaches from their strong aromas
• Allergic reactions (rare)

For most people, the naturally occurring levels of terpenes found in cannabis flower or concentrates are safe and enjoyable.

Tips for using cannabis terpenes

To get the most out of cannabis terpenes, consider these tips:

• Choose strains wisely. Look at each strain’s terpene profile to find what best suits your needs — for example, limonene-rich strains for daytime focus, myrcene-heavy strains for sleep.
• Check lab results. If available, lab results for cannabis products may list specific terpene concentrations.
• Experiment cautiously. Terpene-rich products like live resin or terpene-infused vapes may have stronger effects than desired.
• Store cannabis properly. This helps preserve delicate terpene compounds.

The bottom line: Terpenes are natural compounds that contribute to the smell, flavor, and effects of cannabis

Terpenes are the unsung heroes of cannabis, shaping how each strain smells, tastes, and feels. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD get most of the attention, it’s the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that makes each cannabis experience unique.

By learning about common terpenes and their effects, you can make smarter choices and find strains that align with your wellness goals.

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Resources

• Alpha pinene. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/alpha-pinene
• β‐caryophyllene and β‐caryophyllene oxide—natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5083753/
• β-caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene with countless biological properties. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/24/5420
• Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701786?via%3Dihub
• Introductory chapter: Terpenes and terpenoids. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62573
• Pharmacological and toxicological activities of α-humulene and its isomers: A systematic review.: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224421004234
• Terpenes from forests and human health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5402865/