Top 10 Terpenes in Cannabis and What They Do

Understanding terpenes can help you have a better experience with cannabis

Terpenes are more than just the aroma that makes your cannabis smell amazing—they play a key role in how cannabis affects your body and mind. Today, we're diving into the top 10 terpenes found in cannabis, what they do, and how they interact with cannabinoids to give you those unique effects.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many plants, including cannabis, that give each strain its unique smell. Think of the citrusy punch of lemon, the calming scent of lavender, or the earthy, piney aroma of certain strains. These smells are thanks to terpenes!

In cannabis, there are around 150 different terpenes, each with its own distinct effects. But they do more than just add flavor—terpenes also interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what’s called the entourage effect. This means they work together to influence how cannabis affects you, enhancing the medical and recreational benefits of the plant.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect refers to how cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis interact synergistically. Terpenes help guide the cannabinoids in cannabis to bind with specific receptors in your body, boosting the overall therapeutic or psychoactive effects. This is why different strains, even with similar THC levels, can have very different effects on your mood, energy, and body.

So, when you’re choosing a strain, knowing the dominant terpenes can give you a much better idea of how it’ll make you feel than just looking at the THC percentage.

Let’s check out the top 10 most common terpenes and see what they bring to the table.

1. Myrcene

• Found in: Mangos, lemongrass, thyme

• Effects: Relaxing, sedating, anti-inflammatory

• What it does: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, often making up over 65% of the terpene profile in certain strains. It’s known for its musky, earthy aroma and is common in Indica-dominant strains. It enhances the effects of THC, making you feel more relaxed and sedated. This terpene is excellent for treating pain and inflammation, which is why so many strains with high myrcene content are used to unwind at the end of the day.

2. Humulene

• Found in: Hops, basil, coriander

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant

• What it does: Love beer? You’ve probably experienced humulene. It’s the same terpene found in hops and has an earthy, slightly spicy aroma. Humulene may help suppress appetite and is also being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. This terpene is great for people looking to calm their body and mind without the munchies.

3. Limonene

• Found in: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, juniper

• Effects: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, antifungal

• What it does: As the second most common terpene in cannabis, limonene brings bright, citrusy aromas to strains. It’s well-known for its ability to uplift mood and energize, making it great for daytime use. Research shows that limonene also has antifungal, antibacterial properties, and has even been studied for shrinking tumors.

4. Caryophyllene

• Found in: Black pepper, oregano, cinnamon

• Effects: Stress relief, pain relief, anti-anxiety

• What it does: Caryophyllene is the only terpene that can bind directly to CB2 receptors in the body, making it act a bit like a cannabinoid. This terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is often found in indica strains. Its ability to relieve stress and pain makes it a popular choice for medicinal cannabis users.

5. Terpinolene

• Found in: Lilac, apples, tea tree

• Effects: Calming, sedative, antioxidant

• What it does: Terpinolene has a sweet, floral aroma with hints of citrus and is often found in sativa-dominant strains. It’s known for its calming effects, making it a great choice if you’re looking to reduce stress or catch some sleep. On top of that, it has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.

6. Linalool

• Found in: Lavender, rosewood, birch

• Effects: Sedative, pain relief, sleep aid

• What it does: If you’ve ever felt calmed by lavender, you’ve experienced linalool in action. This terpene gives cannabis that signature “dank” smell and helps promote relaxation and sleep. It’s often found in indica strains and is great for reducing pain and anxiety.

• Fun Fact: This is actually pronounced Le-Na-Le-Wol (weird, right?)

7. Alpha-Pinene

• Found in: Pine trees, rosemary, frankincense

• Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory

• What it does: Alpha-pinene smells just like a walk through a forest—piney and fresh. It’s common in sativa-dominant strains and has uplifting, energizing effects. One of its coolest benefits is that it can help counteract memory loss associated with THC and even support respiratory health.

8. Geraniol

• Found in: Roses, peaches, blueberries

• Effects: Calming, neuroprotective, insect repellent

• What it does: Geraniol has a sweet, floral scent and is known for its calming, relaxing effects. This terpene also has neuroprotective properties, which could make it useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Plus, it doubles as a natural insect repellent!

9. Eucalyptol

• Found in: Eucalyptus, bay leaves, mint

• Effects: Mental clarity, pain relief, antimicrobial

• What it does: Eucalyptol gives off a fresh, minty aroma and is known for its ability to boost focus and mental clarity. It also has strong antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off bacteria and fungi.

10. Delta-3-Carene

• Found in: Cedar, rosemary, bell peppers

• Effects: Happy, energetic, bone health

• What it does: Delta-3-Carene is a sweet-smelling terpene that can give you a boost of energy and happiness. It’s also being studied for its potential to help heal bones, making it a promising treatment for conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Bonus: Camphene

• Found in: Cypress, ginger, camphor trees

• Effects: Calm, cardiovascular support

• What it does: Camphene smells like a damp forest, often confused with myrcene. It’s great for relaxation, and when mixed with Vitamin C, it acts as a potent antioxidant. It’s also been shown to reduce cholesterol, making it potentially good for heart health.

How to Choose the Right Strain

If you’re looking to pick the perfect strain, you can’t just rely on the indica vs. sativa labels anymore. Instead, pay attention to the terpene profile and smell of the strain. You might want to keep a strain journal where you note which terpenes make you feel a certain way, and use that to help guide future purchases.

The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about which terpenes work best for you. Since the entourage effect plays such a big role, combining certain terpenes with cannabinoids like THC and CBD can tailor the experience to your needs. For example, if you want something calming but not too sleepy, try looking for a strain high in linalool and low in myrcene.

Conclusion:

Terpenes aren’t just about smell—they’re the unsung heroes that shape your cannabis experience. Understanding which terpenes do what can help you pick strains that suit your needs, whether it's for relaxation, creativity, or pain relief.

So next time you're at a dispensary, don’t just focus on THC percentages. Check out the terpene profile and start paying attention to how different terps make you feel. This is how you’ll unlock the true potential of cannabis and find the strain that’s perfect for you.