Cannabis Terpenes Guide

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique scent and significantly influence effects through the entourage effect. Explore 15 terpene profiles and the strains that contain them.

15 Terpenes Cataloged

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Terpenes predict effects better than indica vs. sativa.

Two 'indica' strains can have completely different terpene profiles. CannAI matches on terpene chemistry and your desired outcome — not outdated labels.

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All Terpenes

Terpinolene

Piney, floral, herbal, citrus

Mildly sedating, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal. One of the least common dominant terpenes in cannabis.

Boiling point: 186°C / 367°F

Found in small amounts in many strains. Provides complex, multi-layered aromas. Often found in sativa-dominant strains.

Valencene

Sweet orange, citrus, woody, fresh

Anti-inflammatory, insect repellent. Named after Valencia oranges where it was first identified.

Boiling point: 123°C / 253°F

Citrusy terpene named after Valencia oranges. Provides bright, sweet aromas and repels insects.

Geraniol

Rose, sweet, floral, citrus

Neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial. Often used as a natural insect repellent.

Boiling point: 229°C / 444°F

Rose-scented terpene widely used in the perfume industry. Acts as a natural insect repellent.

Ocimene

Sweet, herbal, woody, citrus

Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, decongestant. Common in many aromatic herbs.

Boiling point: 100°C / 212°F

Sweet, herbaceous terpene with fruity undertones. Acts as a natural defense mechanism in plants.

Bisabolol

Floral, sweet, nutty, honey-like

Anti-inflammatory, skin-healing, calming, antimicrobial. Widely used in cosmetics for sensitive skin.

Boiling point: 153°C / 307°F

Gentle terpene primarily known from chamomile. Has soothing anti-irritant properties.

Linalool

Floral, lavender, sweet, slightly spicy

Calming, anti-anxiety, sleep-promoting, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant. Used clinically in aromatherapy for anxiety.

Boiling point: 198°C / 388°F

Floral terpene best known from lavender. Provides calming, relaxing effects and is widely used in aromatherapy.

Limonene

Citrus, lemon, orange, fresh

Mood elevation, anti-anxiety, stress relief, antioxidant. May support immune function and gastric acid reduction.

Boiling point: 176°C / 349°F

Second most common terpene, responsible for bright citrus aromas. Known for mood elevation and stress relief.

Myrcene

Earthy, musky, herbal with hints of clove

Relaxing, muscle-relaxing, sedating, anti-inflammatory, pain relief. May increase blood-brain barrier permeability, enhancing cannabinoid uptake.

Boiling point: 168°C / 334°F

The most common terpene in cannabis, making up to 65% of total terpene content in some strains. Known for its earthy, musky aroma and sedating properties.

Pinene

Pine, sharp, fresh, earthy

Bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, memory retention, alertness. Beta-pinene may have antibacterial properties.

Boiling point: 155°C / 311°F

Most common terpene in nature, found abundantly in pine trees. Known for alertness and memory retention.

Eucalyptol

Minty, cool, eucalyptus, refreshing

Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, mucolytic (mucus-thinning), bronchodilator. Used in respiratory medicine.

Boiling point: 176°C / 349°F

Cooling, minty terpene that makes up about 90% of eucalyptus oil. Known for clearing airways.

Guaiol

Pine, woody, rose, earthy

Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory. An alcohol-based sesquiterpene with a woody rose character.

Boiling point: 92°C / 198°F

Sesquiterpene alcohol found in cypress pines. Has a pine-like woody scent with rose undertones.

Caryophyllene

Spicy, peppery, woody, warm

Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-anxiety, gastroprotective. Unique among terpenes: directly binds CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

Boiling point: 130°C / 266°F

Unique terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid, binding to CB2 receptors. Provides spicy, peppery notes.

Nerolidol

Woody, floral, fruity, earthy

Sedative, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-parasitic. May enhance skin absorption of topical compounds.

Boiling point: 122°C / 252°F

Secondary terpene found in many strong-smelling flowers and trees. Known for sedative and relaxing properties.

Humulene

Earthy, woody, herbal, hoppy

Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant, antibacterial. Shares botanical origins with cannabis through hops (Humulus).

Boiling point: 106°C / 223°F

Earthy, woody terpene also found in hops. Known for appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory properties.

Camphene

Herbal, pungent, damp woodlands

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular support. May help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Boiling point: 159°C / 318°F

Pungent terpene with medicinal properties. Studies suggest potential cardiovascular health benefits.

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