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.
While these secondary terpenes are present in smaller quantities, they still play a role in shaping the unique characteristics of different cannabis strains and may contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
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.
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with notes of fir needles.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Fir needles, camphor oil, rosemary.
Aroma: Spicy, minty, cooling.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antifungal.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, tea tree, and sage.
Aroma: Floral, fruity, sweet, rose.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, repellent, anti-microbial neuropathy.
Also Found In: Chamomile, citronella, candeia tree, lemongrass, sassafras, and roses.
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, and gingergrass.
Aroma: Fresh Cedar.
Effects: Anti-microbial, antifungal, anti-cancer.
Also Found In: Cedar trees.
Aroma: Black pepper, spicy, citrus, minty.
Effects: Antidepressant, expectorant, anti-cancer.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus.
Aroma: Turpentine, pine, dill.
Effects: Asthma, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, aids memory.
Also Found In: Parsley, Pine, and Rosemary.
Aroma: Pine, smoky.
Effects: Antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anxiolytic..
Also Found In: Lilacs, pine trees, lime blossoms, and eucalyptus sap.
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, earthy.
Effects: Anti-epilepsy, anti-anxiety. Helps with chronic pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia.
Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon.
Aroma: Turpentine, pine, dill.
Effects: Bronchodilator, asthma, anti-inflammatory, aids memory.
Also Found In: Pine, rosemary, parsley.
Aroma: Woodsy.
Effects: Antifungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial.
Also Found In: Cade Juniper.
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, earthy.
Effects: Antifungal, anti-coagulant.
Also Found In: Cloves, pepper, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary.
Aroma: Citrusy, lemony.
Effects: Antinociceptive, helps with acute chronic pain.
Also Found In: Lemongrass.
Aroma: Floral.
Effects: Anti-microbial, antifungal, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant.
Also Found In: Rose, geraniums, lemongrass.
Aroma: Spicy, cloves.
Effects: Antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-stress, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic (low cholesterol)
Also Found In: Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf.
Aroma: Citrusy.
Effects: Antidepressant, GERD, assists with skin absorption of other terpenes.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits, juniper.
Aroma: Woodsy, citrus, floral, herbal.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, calming, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, sedative.
Also Found In: Hops, ginger, turmeric, ylang-ylang, German chamomile.
Aroma: Woodsy, lemon-lime, tropical herbal.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits.
Aroma: Sweet, fresh.
Effects: Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, antiseizure, menopausal symptoms, lowers blood pressure, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antioxidant.
Also Found In: Lemongrass, hops.
Aroma: Citrusy, lemony.
Effects: Sedative, potent antifungal and anti-malarial, antioxidant.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits, jasmine, tea tree.
Aroma: Grapefruit, citrus.
Effects: Repellent.
Also Found In: Grapefruit, Alaska yellow cedar trees, and vetiver.
Aroma: Orange, citrus.
Effects: Antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Oranges.
Aroma: Oranges, turpentine.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, prevents acute lung injury, antibiotic.
Also Found In: Cumin, thyme, coriander, oregano.
To maintain the effectiveness of the terpenes found in cannabis, it’s important to store the flower in environments with cool temperatures, low light, and average or less-than-average amounts of humidity and oxygen. Exposure over long periods to excessive heat, humidity, oxygen, or direct light can degrade the terpenes and render any THC in the flower ineffective.
The words terpene and terpenoid are increasingly used interchangeably, although these terms do have different meanings. The main difference between terpenes and terpenoids is that terpenes are hydrocarbons (meaning the only elements present are carbon and hydrogen); whereas, terpenoids have been denatured by oxidation (drying and curing the flowers) or chemically modified.
Flavonoids are one of the largest nutrient families known to scientists and include over 6,000 already-identified family members. About 20 of these compounds, including apigenin, quercetin, cannflavin A and cannflavin B (so far unique to cannabis), β-sitosterol, vitexin, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, and orientin have been identified in the cannabis plant. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits, as well as their contribution of vibrant color to many of the foods we eat (the blue in blueberries or the red in raspberries).
Some flavonoids extracted from the cannabis plant have been tested for pharmacological effects. The clinical findings are promising, but further research is needed to fully understand what role flavonoids play in the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis treatment, especially how they interact with cannabinoids by either synergistically enhancing them or reducing their effects.
Most medical marijuana pharmacy websites offer lists of terpenes found in each of their flower products on the details page for that product. For example, The Apothecary Shoppe shows on their website that Mandarin Cookies, a flower product in the Ayo line from Ilera Holistic Health, contains Beta-Caryophyllene and Limonene.
Though not cannabis terpenes, there may be fragrance or flavors added to edibles and tinctures during the production process that might enhance your experience. For example, an edible with real chocolate can have a calming effect. A product with a citrus smell may improve your mood, increase alertness, and reduce feelings of fatigue. But, if you intend to include real terpenes, flower or vaporizers (vapes) are the most effective way to achieve the combination or “entourage” effect when using cannabis products.
If you’re ready to start your healing journey with cannabinoids, terpenes, and terpenoids, contact The Healing Clinics or click the button below to get started.
