Marijuana Terpene Chart: 15 Popular Terpenes and Their Effects
Marijuana terpenes are aromatic compounds naturally present in cannabis, defining each strain's unique aroma, flavor, and effects. These terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD through the entourage effect, enhancing and modifying the therapeutic benefits of each strain. Terpenes provide effects like relaxation, energy, and pain relief, making them essential in choosing the right cannabis strain.
You can learn more about terpenes and the entourage effect in the FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
You can learn more about terpenes and the entourage effect in the FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found not only in cannabis but also in other plants, herbs, and fruits like basil, lavender, and pine. A study published on NCBI highlights how these compounds can positively impact health, offering potential therapeutic benefits that extend beyond cannabis.
Marijuana Terpene Chart
This marijuana terpene chart covers 15 popular terpenes and their aromas, effects, and common cannabis strains contain them.
Keep reading to dive deeper into why cannabis terpenes matter, dominate terpenes, less dominant terpenes, and where else in nature you find them!
Why Do Terpenes Matter?
In cannabis, terpenes are gaining attention as research uncovers the entourage effect, where cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds work together to provide specific effects, such as relaxation, energy, and healing. Interestingly, recent research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that certain Cannabis sativa terpenes may be as effective as morphine for managing chronic pain, suggesting exciting possibilities for their use in pain management without negative side effects.
Different strains contain different terpene profiles, influencing their smell and therapeutic effects. Below, we dive into six dominant and nine less dominant terpenes found in cannabis, exploring their properties and where else they naturally occur.
To learn more about cannabis terpenes start our FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
Different strains contain different terpene profiles, influencing their smell and therapeutic effects. Below, we dive into six dominant and nine less dominant terpenes found in cannabis, exploring their properties and where else they naturally occur.
To learn more about cannabis terpenes start our FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
Six Dominant Cannabis Terpenes
These dominant terpenes are the most prevalent in cannabis and are also found in various plants, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of each strain.
1. Alpha-Pinene
Aroma: Fresh pine
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, respiratory aid, cognitive support
Other Sources: Pine trees, basil, rosemary, parsley
Common Strains: Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat
2. Beta-Caryophyllene
Aroma: Spicy, peppery
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, binds to CB2 receptors
Other Sources: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Common Strains: Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Gelato
3. Eucalyptol
Aroma: Minty, cooling
Effects: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, cognitive support
Other Sources: Eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary
Common Strains: Super Silver Haze, Girl Scout Cookies, Headband
4. Humulene
Aroma: Woody, earthy
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant
Other Sources: Hops, ginseng, sage
Common Strains: Headband, Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow
5. Limonene
Aroma: Citrus
Effects: Mood-lifting, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory
Other Sources: Lemons, oranges, juniper
Common Strains: Wedding Cake, OG Kush, Lemon OG
6. Myrcene
Aroma: Earthy, musky
Effects: Sedative, pain relief, anti-inflammatory
Other Sources: Hops, lemongrass, thyme, mangoes
Common Strains: Blue Dream, Harlequin, Tangie
Nine Less Dominant Cannabis Terpenes
These terpenes are less common but still add unique flavors and effects to cannabis, enhancing its complexity and therapeutic potential.
To learn more about cannabis terpenes start our FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
To learn more about cannabis terpenes start our FREE Medical Cannabis Class.
1. Beta-Pinene
Aroma: Pine, herbal
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, cognitive support
Other Sources: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
Common Strains: Island Sweet Skunk, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck
2. Camphene
Aroma: Earthy, pungent
Effects: Cardiovascular support, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Other Sources: Camphor oil, mastic, fir needles
Common Strains: ACDC, Ghost OG, Banana Kush
3. Carene
Aroma: Sweet, earthy, citrus
Effects: Bone health, anti-inflammatory
Other Sources: Cedar, rosemary, pine trees
Common Strains: AK-47, Super Lemon Haze, Super Silver Haze
4. Caryophyllene Oxide
Aroma: Sweet, woody
Effects: Skin health, blood circulation
Other Sources: Basil, oregano, black pepper
Common Strains: ACDC, Blue Seagal, Cookies and Cream
5. Linalool
Aroma: Floral, lavender
Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sedative, stress relief
Other Sources: Lavender, mint, cinnamon
Common Strains: Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential
6. Ocimene
Aroma: Sweet, floral
Effects: Uplifting, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory
Other Sources: Hops, lavender, orchids, kumquats
Common Strains: Sour Apple, Purple Panty Dropper
7. Terpinene
Aroma: Citrus, herbal
Effects: Antioxidant, anxiety relief
Other Sources: Allspice, marjoram, eucalyptus
Common Strains: Sentinel, Warwick #1, Orange Cookies
8. Terpineol
Aroma: Floral, lilac
Effects: Stress relief, antidepressant, anticonvulsive
Other Sources: Cardamom, pine oil, lilacs
Common Strains: Blue Dream, White Widow, Fire OG
9. Terpinolene
Aroma: Woody, floral
Effects: Sedative, antioxidant, anti-cancer
Other Sources: Lilacs, nutmeg, apples, tea tree oil
Common Strains: Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze, Banana Kush
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