There are more than 200 terpenes found in cannabis and more than 200,000 are found in all of nature. Cannabis contains a wide variety of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that contribute to its unique smell, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects.
These terpenes not only affect the flavor and aroma of different cannabis strains but also contribute to the overall effects and therapeutic properties through what is known as the “entourage effect,” where different compounds work together synergistically.
In this list, you’ll find the Primary, Secondary, and Less Common terpenes that can be found in cannabis and how their aromas can offer additional healing. This is not a complete list of all terpenes but it does contain the name, aroma, and therapeutic effects of 52 that you would be most likely to find in the most commonly consumed strains of marijuana. Information and research on the remaining terpenes (terpenes found in much lower concentrations) in cannabis is limited and they are often disregarded or unreported due to a lack of reference material. Until more studies are published, we’ll focus on these 52 and their effect.
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with a hint of fruity notes.
Effects: Sedative, relaxing, antipsychotic; may enhance the psychoactive effects of THC. The most common terpene. Found in almost 50% of cannabis strains.
Also Found In: Mangos, hops, thyme, lemongrass.
Aroma: Citrus (lemon, orange).
Effects: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, anti-anxiety.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits, juniper, peppermint.
Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic; interacts with CB2 receptors. The only terpene found to directly interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS, a receptor system found in the human body).
Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon.
Aroma: Floral, lavender.
Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, analgesic.
Also Found In: Lavender, mint, cinnamon, coriander, bergamot.
Aroma: Pine, fresh, herbal.
Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill.
Aroma: Complex; floral, herbal, and slightly citrusy.
Effects: Sedative, antioxidant, antibacterial.
Also Found In: Lilacs, nutmeg, tea tree, and cumin.
Aroma: Earthy, woody, spicy.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant.
Also Found In: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil.
Aroma: Sweet, herbal, and woody.
Effects: Antiviral, antifungal, decongestant.
Also Found In: Mint, parsley, orchids, basil.
Aroma: Floral, lilac, and citrus.
Effects: Relaxing, antioxidant, antibacterial.
Also Found In: Lilac, pine trees, lime blossoms, eucalyptus.
Aroma: Sweet, floral, rose-like.
Effects: Antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective.
Also Found In: Roses, peaches, citronella, coriander.
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with notes of fir needles.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Fir needles, camphor oil, rosemary.
Aroma: Minty, camphor-like.
Effects: Sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Rosemary, mint, camphor.
Aroma: Spicy, minty, cooling.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antifungal.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, tea tree, sage.
Aroma: Spicy, woody, citrusy.
Effects: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Norway spruce, black pepper, nutmeg.
Aroma: Floral, sweet.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Chamomile, candeia tree.
Aroma: Pine, woody, rose-like.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Guaiacum plant, cypress pine.
Aroma: Citrus, peppery, minty.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, potential anti-cancer properties.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, dill, parsley, gingergrass.
Aroma: Sweet, pungent, citrus.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, may help with bone health.
Also Found In: Pine, cedar, rosemary.
Aroma: Minty, cooling.
Effects: Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral.
Also Found In: Mint plants.
Aroma: Minty, camphor.
Effects: Sedative, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (which can improve cognitive function).
Also Found In: Pennyroyal, rosemary, catnip.
Aroma: Sweet citrus.
Effects: Reduces inflammation, and repels insects, some studies say it helps to fight skin cancer.
Also Found In: Grapefruits and tangerines.
Aroma: Sweet floral fragrance.
Effects: Pain relief, reduces stress, promotes healthy sleep patterns.
Also Found In: Jasmine flowers, green tea plants, parsnips, white cabbage, and raspberries.
Aroma: Woody, citrus.
Effects: Anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Can have an antibiotic component when combined with Linalool terpene. Also has a stimulating effect versus a sedative effect like other terpenes.
Also Found In: Fennel, basil, eucalyptus leaves, wild celery, nutmeg, aster flowers, and citrus fruits.
Aroma: Minty and refreshing.
Effects: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Also Found In: Peppermint and corn mint.
Aroma: Earthy, smoky.
Effects: Anti-tumor properties.
Also Found In: Allspice, eucalyptus, citrus, juniper, cardamom, and marjoram.
Aroma: Sweet and musky.
Effects: Early studies have found that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Also Found In: Allspice, eucalyptus, citrus, juniper, cardamom, and marjoram.
Aroma: Sweet and musky.
Effects: Antiviral, inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1.
Also Found In: Mugwort, wormwood, sagebrush, ginger.
Aroma: In small amounts citrusy, woody, sweet, and earthy. But, in large amounts it can have an overwhelming smell like turpentine.
Effects: Laboratory research has concluded that cymene has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Also Found In: Thyme, oregano, and in small amounts in coriander and cumin.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE Marijuana research is ongoing and ever changing. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, other qualified healthcare provider, or your doctor at The Healing Clinics with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
