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Terpene Guide

An overview of major cannabis terpenes, their common aromas, typical reported effects, natural sources and example strains.

terpenes aroma effects
Terpene Guide
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An overview of major cannabis terpenes, their common aromas, typical reported effects, natural sources and example strains.

Terpenes featured

  • Myrcene: earthy, musky, clove and mango notes; commonly linked to relaxation and sedation; found in mango, hops, lemongrass and thyme.
  • Limonene: citrus, lemon and orange zest; commonly linked to uplifting and mood support; found in citrus peels, juniper and peppermint.
  • Pinene: pine, forest and fresh notes; commonly linked to alertness and focus; found in pine needles, rosemary and basil.
  • Linalool: floral lavender sweetness; commonly linked to calm and relaxation; found in lavender, coriander and mint.
  • Caryophyllene: pepper, spice and clove notes; commonly linked to body comfort and balanced mood; found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
  • Humulene: hoppy, earthy, beer-like aroma; commonly linked to inflammation and appetite balance; found in hops, ginseng, coriander and sage.
  • Terpinolene: herbal, sweet, citrus and floral; commonly linked to energetic and creative effects; found in tea tree, lilac, nutmeg and apples.
  • Ocimene: sweet citrus and green herbal notes; commonly linked to bright, upbeat mental clarity; found in basil, mint, orchids and parsley.
  • Bisabolol: floral sweet chamomile tones; commonly linked to gentle calming and soothing; found in chamomile, candeia tree and myrrh.
  • Nerolidol: floral woody tea-like aroma; commonly linked to calm and mood-lifting relaxation; found in jasmine, tea, ginger and lemongrass.
  • Camphene: camphor, pine and minty notes; commonly linked to clarifying or respiratory comfort; found in camphor plant, basil, dill and rosemary.
  • Geraniol: floral rose and sweet citrus notes; commonly linked to balanced uplifting effects; found in roses, geranium, lemongrass and citronella.

Example strains where each terpene is shown as prominent

  • Myrcene: Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Grape Ape.
  • Limonene: Super Lemon Haze, Lemon Skunk, Clementine.
  • Pinene: Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Durban Poison, Pineapple Express.
  • Linalool: Lavender Kush, LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze.
  • Caryophyllene: Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Pineapple Express.
  • Humulene: White Widow, GG4, Gelato, Sour Diesel.
  • Terpinolene: Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, Dutch Treat.
  • Ocimene: Mimosa, Green Crack, Alien OG, Purple Punch.
  • Bisabolol: ACDC, Harlequin, Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush.
  • Nerolidol: Hindu Kush, Skywalker OG, White Widow.
  • Camphene: OG Kush, Trainwreck, Romulan, Bruce Banner.
  • Geraniol: Geranium, Tangie, Lemon Skunk, Gary Payton.

Poster notes

  • The poster explains the entourage effect as terpenes and cannabinoids working better together.
  • It states effects are based on common associations from studies and anecdotal reports.
  • It advises growers to start low, go slow and remember that harvest timing, curing and processing can shift the final experience.