To select a product that is tailored to your individual needs and preferences, you need to know your terpenes, their therapeutic benefits and effects, and the cannabis strains in which they can be found.
There are over 150 different types of terpenes; however, we’ll review the 14 most common cannabis terpenes in this post. (Click to jump to each one)
- Bisabolol
- Delta 3 Carene
- Geraniol
- Limonene
- Myrcene
- Pinene
- Terpinolene
- Caryophyllene
- Eucalyptol
- Humulene
- Linalool
- Ocimene
- Terpineol
- Valencene

Know your Terpenes — 14 Cannabis Terpenes and their Effects
Whether you’re looking for a strain to help with anxiety or just want to enjoy a unique aroma, understanding the different terpenes will help you make more informed decisions about your cannabis consumption. Let’s explore the aroma, effects and benefits of each one.
Bisabolol
- Aroma: Bisabolol is a terpene with a floral, sweet aroma.
- Other sources: Chamomile and Candeia.
- Therapeutic value: Anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It may also have potential antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
- Common Strains: ACDC, Master Kush, Rockstar, Headband, Pink Kush
Delta-3-Carene
- Aroma: Delta-3-carene is a terpene with a woody, pine-like fragrance.
- Other sources: Pine, Cedar, and Cypress plants.
- Therapeutic value: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and may also have bronchodilating properties, making it a possible treatment for asthma.
- Common Strains: Super Lemon Haze, Super Silver Haze, Skunk No. 1
Geraniol
- Aroma: Geraniol is a terpene with a sweet, floral scent.
- Other sources: Roses, Geraniums, and Lemongrass.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Common Strains: Amnesia Haze, Afghani, Master Kush, Headband
Limonene
- Aroma: Limonene is a terpene with a citrusy aroma.
- Other sources: Lemons, Oranges, and Limes.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and may also have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Common Strains: Durban Poison. Sour Diocol, Bruce Banner, OG Kush, Trainwreck
Myrcene
- Aroma: Myrcene is a terpene with an earthy, musky aroma.
- Other sources: Mangoes, Hops, and Thyme.
- Therapeutic value: Potential sedative and analgesic effects and may also increase the absorption of THC, potentially enhancing its psychoactive effects.
- Common strains: Death star, Northern lights, White Rhino, Blue Dream, Cannatonic
Pinene
- Aroma: Pinene is a terpene with a woody, pine-like aroma
- Other sources: Pine trees and Rosemary plants.
- Therapeutic value: Alerting and memory-enhancing effects. Pinene may also have bronchodilating effects, making it a potential treatment for asthma.
- Common strains: Jack Herer, Strawberry cough, OG Kush, Permafrost, Trainwreck, White Widow
Terpinolene
- Aroma: Terpinolene is a terpene with a woody, floral scent.
- Other sources: Tea trees, Pine, and Nutmeg.
- Therapeutic value: Potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may also have sedative properties.
- Common Strains: Jack Herer. Purple Haze, Critical Kush
Beta-Caryophyllene
- Aroma: Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene with a spicy, peppery aroma.
- Other sources: Black pepper, cinnamon, and hops.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
- Common Strains: Bubba Kush, Death Star, Giri scour Cookies, Permafrost, White widow
Eucalyptol
- Aroma: Eucalyptol is a terpene with a fresh, woody, and slightly sweet aroma.
- Other sources: Eucalyptus and Bay leaves.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and may also have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
- Common Strains: Super Silver Haze, Bubba Kush, Chemdawa, Headband
Humulene
- Aroma: Humulene is a terpene with an earthy, woody, and slightly spicy aroma.
- Other sources: Hops, Basil, and Sage plants.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and may also have antibacterial and appetite-suppressing properties.
- Common Strains: Sour Diesel, Corilla Glue, Kush, Permafrost, White Widow
Linalool
- Aroma: Linalool is a terpene with a floral, lavender-like aroma.
- Other sources: Lavender, Basil, and Mint.
- Therapeutic value: Potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and may also have sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Common strains: Amnesia maze, Blueberry, Master Kush, Pink Kush, Lavender Kush, Skywalker OG
Ocimene
- Aroma: Ocimene is a terpene with a sweet, floral aroma.
- Other sources: Mint, Basil, and Marjoram.
- Therapeutic value: Potential antiviral and antimicrobial effects and may also have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
- Common Strains: Strawberry Cough, Himalayan Gold, Lemon Diesel, OG Kush
Terpineol
- Aroma: Terpineol is a terpene with a floral, pine-like aroma.
- Other sources: Pine and Lilac.
- Therapeutic value: Potential sedative and anxiolytic effects and may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Common Strains: Jack Herer, Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, white widow
Valencene
- Aroma: Valencene is a terpene with a citrusy aroma.
- Other sources: Oranges and Tangerines.
- Therapeutic value: Potential insect-repellent properties and may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Common strains: Tangie, Lemon skunk
Summary
The world of cannabis terpenes is vast and complex. Understanding the different terpenes found in cannabis and their individual effects can help you make more informed decisions about which strains to use and how to consume them.
Whether you’re looking to relieve anxiety, improve focus, or simply enjoy the unique aromas and flavors of different strains, knowing your terpenes is key. With the 14 most common cannabis terpenes outlined in this article, you now have a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of cannabis terpenes.
It’s also vital to note that as research on cannabis terpenes continues, new discoveries are being made all the time. While this article provides an overview of some of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, it is by no means exhaustive.
As always, remember to consult with a medical professional before using cannabis for medicinal purposes, start with small doses, and observe the way you react to the terpene of your choice.
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are for educational purposes only. The FDA has not reviewed any of these statements. This article and the contents therein are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or otherwise alleviate any definable medical conditions to any degree of significance. This article is not meant for medical advice. Please speak with your licensed medical professional to get more information regarding terpenes and how they can affect you.