Terpene Guide: 6 Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects

Have you ever wondered why the smell of lavender can have a calming effect? Or why the aroma of a fresh-cut lemon makes you feel bright and energetic? The answer: terpenes.

Terpenes are natural compounds found in many plants, including fruits, herbs, and flowers. They help give plants their unique smells and flavors. Terpenes also help plants fight diseases, attract pollinators, and keep predators away. 

Terpenes can also have effects in the body when you smell or consume them. The most well-known example of this is the role of terpenes in cannabis. Along with the cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) in the plant, the terpenes contribute to how cannabis makes you feel. That’s because in addition to their own effects on the body, terpenes can also increase the effects of cannabinoids. This idea is known as the “entourage effect” of cannabis. So even if two cannabis plants have the same cannabinoid content, if they have different terpenes, each plant will affect you differently. 

 

1. Myrcene

Where it’s found: Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis. It's also found in lemongrass, bay leaves, and hops. Hops are a key ingredient in brewing beer. Myrcene gives off a musky, spicy aroma. 

Reported effects: Myrcene is known for making you feel sleepy and relaxed. So it may be a helpful terpene to seek out before bedtime or if you’re feeling stressed. But small amounts of myrcene (less than 0.5%) may have the opposite effect, making you feel more energetic. Animal studies show that myrcene may help reduce pain and inflammation, but this hasn’t been verified in humans.

2. Beta-caryophyllene

Where it’s found: Beta-caryophyllene is another common terpene found in cannabis. It’s also the main terpene found in black pepper, known for its woody, peppery scent. Beta-caryophyllene is also found in cloves, cinnamon, and oregano. 
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Reported effects: Beta-caryophyllene is a special terpene because it’s also a cannabinoid. This means it interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body. But it doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Instead, it’s often sought out to relieve stress or help manage chronic pain.

Beta-caryophyllene doesn’t have psychoactive effects, and studies show it has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also being studied for a possible role in preventing and treating cancer and managing depression and anxiety symptoms. Beta-caryophyllene is even being looked at as a possible treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But more studies are needed to confirm these potential effects in humans.

3. Limonene

Where it’s found: Limonene is found in many cannabis varieties. It’s also common in citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and limes. And it’s a major component of citronella, an oil used to repel insects. Limonene has a crisp, citrusy smell that’s easy to recognize.

Reported effects: People report that limonene has mood-lifting and stress-relieving effects. You might choose cannabis with high limonene levels if you’re looking to improve your mood without feeling sleepy. A 2024 study found that adding limonene reduced anxiety caused by THC. So choosing cannabis with limonene may be helpful if cannabis tends to make you feel anxious.

Lab and animal studies show that limonene may help reduce pain, inflammation, and stress. It may also protect against diabetes, cancer, and certain brain-related conditions. 

4. Pinene

Where it’s found: As the name implies, pinene is a terpene commonly found in pine trees. It’s also found in herbs such as rosemary and basil. Pinene is known for its fresh, woodsy smell. 

Reported effects: People report that cannabis rich in pinene helps enhance their focus and increase their alertness. This idea likely comes from studies that showed pinene improved memory and brain function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and temporal lobe epilepsy. But there’s limited evidence that pinene improves brain function in healthy people.

Early research shows that pinene may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. It also seems to help improve depression and anxiety symptoms. Pinene may also help open airways and reduce swelling caused by breathing conditions, such as asthma. But most of these potential effects haven’t been backed up by human studies.

5. Linalool

Where it’s found: Linalool is the terpene that gives lavender its woodsy, floral smell. It’s also found in sweet basil, bergamot, and eucalyptus.  

Reported effects: Linalool is known for its calming, anti-anxiety effects. People say it makes them feel relaxed and at ease. 

Linalool is often associated with the sedative effects of lavender. Studies show it may help improve sleep. Linalool may also have pain-relieving and antidepressant effects.

6. Humulene

Where it’s found: Humulene is a terpene found in wild carrot, marjoram, and hops, as well as in cannabis.  

Reported effects: A lot of people seek out humulene because they’ve heard it suppresses appetite and prevents the “munchies” (the tendency to get hungry after consuming cannabis). It’s likely this belief comes from the fact that humulene is similar to beta-caryophyllene. And as mentioned, beta-caryophyllene may help suppress your appetite. But there’s no clinical evidence that humulene has the same effect.  

Animal studies show that humulene may have significant anti-cancer effects when added to certain chemotherapy treatments. But this hasn’t been confirmed in humans.
How do you find cannabis with specific terpenes?

The best way to find cannabis products with specific terpenes is to purchase them from a licensed dispensary. They can provide lab tests that show the terpenes in each product and offer guidance if you’re looking for specific effects.

Lab results are more reliable than choosing cannabis based on its name. There are many varieties of cannabis. These are often referred to as cannabis “strains,” and they’re typically given catchy names. It’s easy to assume that cannabis called Super Lemon Haze contains limonene, or that Lavender Kush contains linalool. But the terpenes in a specific variety of cannabis can vary based on where and how it’s grown. There’s also no regulation for naming cannabis varieties. So there’s no guarantee that cannabis will have certain terpenes based on the name alone.

Do terpenes determine if a cannabis strain is sativa or indica?

It’s possible, but you shouldn’t rely on these terms.

Originally, the terms “sativa” and “indica” were used to describe the shape of the cannabis plant and how it grows. Over time, people began to use these terms to describe the effects of the cannabis plant, instead. Sativas are said to be uplifting and euphoric. Indicas are thought to be relaxing and sedating. 

It’s possible that sativa cannabis varieties are more likely to contain terpenes such as limonene and beta-caryophyllene. And indica varieties may be more likely to contain linalool or myrcene. But as with cannabis names, this isn’t always the case. 

Experts recommend looking at the specific cannabinoids and terpenes in a cannabis product to help predict its effects. This is more reliable than just looking at whether it’s classified as an indica or a sativa.
Do terpenes work when they’re swallowed, such as in cannabis edibles?

It’s not likely. Most terpenes aren’t absorbed very well when you swallow them. And they’re easily destroyed by your digestive system. So while adding terpenes to an edible cannabis product might make it taste or smell nice, it’s unlikely to have much of an overall effect.

Terpenes seem to be more effective when cannabis is inhaled or absorbed in the mouth (sublingually). This could be part of the reason that the same dose of cannabis can feel different depending on how you consume it.
The bottom line

Terpenes are natural chemicals found in many plants, including cannabis. They give plants their unique odor and flavor, but terpenes can also affect your body when you consume them. The different terpenes found in cannabis plants contribute to each variety’s unique effects.

Cannabis that contains terpenes such as myrcene or linalool may make you feel more relaxed. And plants that contain pinene or limonene might have more uplifting effects. Scientists are still studying these chemicals, so we don't have all the answers yet.

If you’re looking for a cannabis product with specific terpenes, your best bet is to go to a licensed dispensary. They can provide guidance using reliable lab results to help you find what you’re looking for. Keep in mind that terpenes aren’t likely to have much effect when they’re consumed in edible cannabis products. They work better when inhaled or absorbed sublingually.