Terpenes explained

1. Myrcene

Earthy, musky, and slightly sweet — Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis. It provides a sedative, relaxing effect, often linked to the “couch-lock” experience in indica strains. Also found in mangoes, thyme, and lemongrass, it enhances the absorption of cannabinoids and promotes deep physical calm and rest.

2. Limonene

Bright and citrusy, Limonene lifts the spirit and clears the mind. Known for its anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and stress-relieving properties, this terpene promotes positivity and energy. Found in lemons, oranges, and limes, it’s the essence of sunshine in scent form — sharp, sweet, and endlessly refreshing.

3. Caryophyllene

Spicy and peppery, Caryophyllene is unique as the only terpene that binds directly to the body’s CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, it has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects while grounding the mind and soothing anxiety. It’s nature’s built-in body balancer.

4. Pinene

Smelling of pine needles and fresh forest air, Pinene sharpens focus, boosts alertness, and enhances breathing by opening the airways. Found in pine trees, rosemary, and basil, it counteracts THC-induced forgetfulness and encourages mental clarity — a clear-headed companion to any uplifting cannabis experience.

5. Terpinolene

Floral, herbal, and slightly fruity, Terpinolene delivers a refreshing scent reminiscent of lilacs and citrus zest. Often found in sativa-dominant strains, it promotes creativity, energy, and focus while also acting as an antioxidant. Naturally occurring in apples, tea tree, and nutmeg, it’s a terpene of vibrancy and life.

6. Ocimene

Sweet and citrusy with subtle woody undertones, Ocimene is known for its energizing and uplifting aroma. Found in orchids, basil, and mint, it offers antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This terpene brings a fresh, breezy brightness to cannabis and helps inspire motivation and sociability.

7. Humulene

Woody, earthy, and herbal, Humulene is also a key component in hops — giving beer its characteristic aroma. It’s known for appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping balance hunger and inflammation. Grounding and refreshing, it adds subtle complexity to spicy, earthy cannabis strains.

8. Linalool

Floral and calming, Linalool carries the scent of lavender and fields in bloom. Found in over 200 plants, it’s prized for its deeply relaxing, anti-anxiety, and sleep-promoting properties. Often used in aromatherapy, it tempers THC’s intensity and creates harmony between body and mind.

9. Bisabolol

Softly floral with hints of chamomile and honey, Bisabolol is gentle yet powerful. Known for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities, it supports relaxation and recovery. Found in chamomile and candeia tree oil, this terpene is associated with comfort, care, and restoration — a natural healer.

10. Eucalyptol (Cineole)

Crisp and cooling, Eucalyptol offers a minty, invigorating aroma. Found in eucalyptus leaves, rosemary, and bay leaves, it promotes alertness, relieves pain, and opens the airways for easier breathing. It’s often used in wellness blends for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits — clarity in aromatic form.

11. Valencene

Named after Valencia oranges, Valencene radiates a bright, tangy citrus aroma with sweet floral undertones. Found in oranges and tangerines, it’s uplifting and energizing, improving mood and motivation. It’s also known for its insect-repelling and anti-inflammatory properties — a natural sunshine terpene with an unmistakable zest.

12. Nerolidol

Woody and floral with whispers of green tea and jasmine, Nerolidol offers soothing, sedative qualities. Commonly found in ginger, lemongrass, and neroli, it promotes relaxation and deep rest. It’s valued for antifungal and antibacterial benefits, making it a favorite in therapeutic and nighttime cannabis varieties.

13. Camphene

Earthy and herbal with a cooling edge, Camphene smells like damp forest moss and balsam. Found in conifer trees and nutmeg, it’s valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It works synergistically with cannabinoids to promote respiratory relief and cardiovascular health.

14. Geraniol

Sweet, floral, and elegant — Geraniol smells of roses, peaches, and plums. Found in geraniums, lemongrass, and tobacco, it acts as an antioxidant, neuroprotector, and natural mosquito repellent. It’s prized in aromatherapy for promoting calm focus and emotional balance — a terpene of gentle refinement.

15. Phytol

Mild and grassy with a hint of green tea, Phytol is often found in green plants and algae. It has antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties and contributes to smooth, mild smoke. This terpene helps ease tension and restore mental balance, pairing beautifully with restful cannabis strains.

16. Sabinene

Peppery and citrusy, Sabinene is a lesser-known but powerful terpene found in black pepper, basil, and carrots. It delivers energizing mental effects, boosts mood, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Often associated with creativity and endurance, it brings an element of spice and vitality to sativa strains.

17. Terpineol

Delicate and fragrant, Terpineol offers notes of lilac, apple blossom, and herbs. It’s known for relaxing and mildly sedative effects, often paired with other uplifting terpenes to create balance. Found in pine oil and tea tree, Terpineol is used to soothe nerves and promote contentment.

18. Fenchol

Piney, citrusy, and slightly earthy, Fenchol provides grounding calm with gentle euphoria. Found in basil and a variety of herbs, it has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. Known for its clean, herbal brightness, Fenchol adds refreshing depth to citrus-forward strains and supports mental alertness with ease.

19. Guaiol

Woody, piney, and slightly floral, Guaiol is found in cypress pine and guaiacum trees. It provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and contributes to a sense of grounded calm. Guaiol’s rich forest aroma evokes nature’s purity — a terpene that roots the mind while soothing the body.

20. Carene (Delta-3-Carene)

Sweet and earthy with undertones of cedar and lemon, Carene is found in rosemary, pine, and cedar trees. Known for its anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening benefits, it also helps dry excess fluids (like watery eyes or runny noses). Energizing and clarifying, it adds vitality and lift to sativas.