According to a growing body of scientific research, there have been "more than
150 different terpenes... identified in the resin of different cannabis types." You're likely to encounter more than a few of these if you're experimenting with different strains, so what should you expect?
We've compiled a list of the most common cannabis terpenes, their associated aroma, potential benefits, and what strains you can find them in.
Limonene
Known for its
citrus notes, limonene causes the bright scent we associate with
lemons and oranges. It's sometimes used as a food flavoring, and is even infused into lemon-scented household cleaning products! It is perhaps the most
extensively studied of all the terpenes, and research suggests it can offer various benefits such as
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Among cannabis enthusiasts, limonene is said to have mood-lifting properties. It can be commonly found in Sativa-forward strains like
Blue Dream.
Myrcene
Myrcene has a
musky, earthy aroma and is fairly common. It's
one of the most "potent aromatic flavour components" of hops and mangoes and is even a common food additive for its pleasant taste.
It is associated with relaxing and sedative effects and is often found in Indica strains. When found in a Sativa, it can work synergistically to create an uplifting but calming effect. Myrcene is also believed to help cannabinoids such as THC and CBD
cross the blood-brain barrier faster.
Pinene
In a literal sense, it has a pine-like fragrance and is also found in pine trees, rosemary, and sage. It may have
anti-inflammatory and alertness properties and comes in two forms – alpha-pinene and beta-pinene.
Linalool
Linalool has a
floral and lavender-like scent with a little spice. Outside of cannabis, this terpene is found in lavender, sweet basil, bergamot, and eucalyptus. It is believed to have
many therapeutic benefits, but
human studies have shown promise for anti-depressant and anti-anxiety treatments using
lavender oil, which has high concentrations of linalool. This is a dominant terpene in strains like Lavender Kush.
Caryophyllene
Known for giving black pepper its signature kick, Caryophyllene has a spicy and peppery aroma. It's also found in rosemary, cloves, and hops.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene exhibits a fresh, woody, and herbal profile that's very "foresty" on the nose. It’s found in a variety of plants like sage, nutmeg, cumin, and rosemary.
Its effects are not as well understood due to the minor role it plays in most cannabis strains, but it is found in strains like
Jack Herer and Golden Pineapple.
Humulene
Humulene also has an earthy, woody scent and boasts potential appetite-suppressant properties. Outside of cannabis, you can find this terpene in hops, which gives beer the distinct taste you're probably familiar with. While it rarely shows up as the most dominant terpene, Humelene can be found in
White Rhino, Death Star, and Thin Mint GSC.