Written By: Dillon Cate
This Cannabis Terpene Guide is designed to help you navigate the ever-growing amount of Strains on the market. Whether you are a long-time stoner, or a new patient who hasn’t consumed Cannabis yet, this guide will have something for you. Who knows you may just find your new favorite strain!
Basic Introduction:
Just how no two days are the same, no two Cannabis Strains are the same. It actually gets more confusing than that because you can have an OG Kush eighth from one grower and another OG Kush eighth from a different grower and they could be completely different “phenotypes” providing different effects and flavors.
For those unfamiliar a “Phenotype” is a variety of a particular strain. Growers purchase Cannabis seeds in packs and will pop all the seeds in a Pheno Hunt in order to find the best Pheno. The deciding factors are yield, Terpenes, ability to grow, overall hardiness & resistance along with the type of Resin.
Once a grower has selected the Pheno they will take “Cuts” off of it that will produce an identical plant in all aspects other than grow slightly smaller than the original mother plant from seed. These “cuts” are then shared or sold from grower to grower allowing patients from across the country to enjoy the same strains.
Some strains are only available as “Clone only” such as the famous GMO strain. When this is the case it is usually a new strain on the market, and it becomes more and more hyped with fake cuts eventually circulating around the market. This happened this year with the famous Blue Zushi and Rs-11 strain that saw fake cuts going for thousands.
As a patient, once you find the particular strains you need for their affects you truly should grow your own as it’s the best way to guarantee your continued access to the genetic. Companies are always changing the strains in their rotation and there is no guarantee that they will bring it back or the mother plant will survive. There are long term storage solutions such as Tissue Culture, but it takes a good amount of time. Don’t be afraid to ask the store you’ve been visiting for a Cut; chances are they will be happy to sell you one for a decent price! Just be aware of the risks taking cuts has and use the necessary precautions.
Terpenes:
Cannabis is known for its powerful smells, from the classic Skunk to extremely complex
Fruity aromas such as Papaya. All these smells and the flavors are from the Terpenes found within the Cannabis flowers. There have so far been over 120 Terpenes identified within Cannabis which are broadly classified as Monoterpens and Sesquiterpenes. Interestingly enough Terpenes are found within the extremely delicate and sensitive Trichrome of the Cannabis Flower. Also known as the “shiny sticky” part that makes your nugs look like a Snow-covered Christmas Tree.
These Trichomes not only contain the Terpenes but also the Cannabinoids that make you feel medicated! They are the most crucial part of the Cannabis flower and are all too often not handled with care at all. Leaving patients and customers with subpar medicine and products that are not even close to their full potential. If you smoke a flower and feel like you don’t get the same affects try taking a microscope or magnifying glass to your flower and look for intact trichrome heads. If you only see broken “hairs” its time you find a new source that takes their time with the handling of the medicine.
Cannabis Terpenes are often broken down into Primary Terpenes and Secondary or Backup Terpenes. The Primary Terpenes are what give the major flavor of the Cannabis strain, while the Back Up Terpenes provide the more complex and layered flavors. This is how some Cannabis Strains have an initial flavor and change over time.
Layman’s Terms:
Pine - Mental Stimulation
Gas - Mental Relaxation – Euphoric
Tropical (Pineapple, Papaya, Etc) - Uplifting Social
Grape - Sedative / Narcotic
Lemon - Energizing - Uplifting - Happy
Mint - Anxiety Relief
Orange & Peach - Stomach Relief, Appetite Boost
"Alien" or Landrace - Happy & Lets Time "Flow"
Primary Terpenes:
Pinene:
Aroma: Pine Trees, Fresh, Herbal, Woody, Earthy
Effects: Alertness, Memory Retention, Anti-Inflammatory, Pain Management, Mentally Stimulating
Also Found In: Pine Needles, Rosemary, Basil, Dill.
Humulene
Aroma: Earthy, Woody, Spicy, Hoppy (Beer)
Effects: Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Allergy,
Also Found In: Hops, Cloves, Basil, Ginseng, Sage.
Limonene:
Aroma: Citrus (Orange & Lemon)
Effects: Uplifting, Positive Mindset, Anti-Anxiety
Also Found In: Citrus Fruits, Juniper, Peppermint.
Myrcene
Aroma: Earthy, Musky – Sedative & Relaxing
Effects: Sedative & Relaxing
Also Found In: Mangos, Hops, Thyme, Lemon Grass.
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Woody, Spicy, Peppery
Effects: Supports Immune Health, Reduce Pain, Physically & Mentally Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory, Interacts with CB2 Receptors, Relaxing.
Also Found In: Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon
Linalool
Aroma: Floral, Lavendar
Effects: Relaxing, Calming, Anti-Anxiety, Tranquility, Reduced Tension
Also Found In: Lavendar, Mint, Cinnamon,
Terpinolene
Aroma: Lingering Sweetness, Floral, Herbal
Effects: Pain Relief, Migraine Relief, Anti-Anxiety-, Sedation, Sleep Management
Also Found In: Lilacs, Nutmeg, Tea Tree, Cumin.
Ocimene
Aroma: Tropical, Sweet, Warm, Herbal, Woody
Effects: Uplifting, Anticonvulsant, Euphoric,
Also Found In: Orchids, Bergamot, Mangoes, Kumquats.
Terpineol
Aroma: Pleasant, Intense Citrus, Floral, Woodsy, Pine
Effects: Relaxing, Sedating, Calming
Also Found In: Lilacs, Pine Tres, Lime Blossom, Eucalyptus.
Geraniol
Aroma: Rose, Sweet, Floral, Fruit
Effects: Anti-Anxiety, Pain Management, Reduce Inflammation.
Also Found In: Roses, Lemongrass, Peaches, Grapefruits, Blueberries, Oranges.
Secondary Terpenes:
Camphene
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with notes of fir needles.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Fir needles, camphor oil, rosemary.
Borneol
Aroma: Minty, camphor-like.
Effects: Sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Rosemary, mint, camphor.
Eucalyptol (Cineole)
Aroma: Spicy, minty, cooling.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antifungal.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, tea tree, sage.
Sabinene
Aroma: Spicy, woody, citrusy.
Effects: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Norway spruce, black pepper, nutmeg.
Bisabolol (Alpha-Bisabolol)
Aroma: Floral, sweet.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Chamomile, candeia tree.
Guaiol
Aroma: Pine, woody, rose-like.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Guaiacum plant, cypress pine.
Phellandrene
Aroma: Citrus, peppery, minty.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, potential anti-cancer properties.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, dill, parsley, gingergrass.
Delta-3-Carene
Aroma: Sweet, pungent, citrus.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, may help with bone health.
Also Found In: Pine, cedar, rosemary.
Isopulegol
Aroma: Minty, cooling.
Effects: Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral.
Also Found In: Mint plants.
Pulegone
Aroma: Minty, camphor.
Effects: Sedative, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (which can improve cognitive function).
Also Found In: Pennyroyal, rosemary, catnip.
Valencene
Aroma: Sweet citrus.
Effects: Reduces inflammation, and repels insects, some studies say it helps to fight skin cancer.
Also Found In: Grapefruits and tangerines.
Phytol
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.
Fenchol
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.
Menthol
Aroma: Minty and refreshing.
Effects: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Also Found In: Peppermint and corn mint.
Terpinene
Aroma: Earthy, smoky.
Effects: Anti-tumor properties.
Also Found In: Allspice, eucalyptus, citrus, juniper, cardamom, and marjoram.
Isoborneol
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.
Isoborneol (crystals)
Aroma: Sweet and musky.
Effects: Antiviral, inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1.
Also Found In: Mugwort, wormwood, sagebrush, ginger.
Cymene
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.
Less Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
Octanol
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with notes of fir needles.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Fir needles, camphor oil, rosemary.
Cedrene
Aroma: Spicy, minty, cooling.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antifungal.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, tea tree, and sage.
Geranyl Acetate
Aroma: Floral, fruity, sweet, rose.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, repellent, anti-microbial neuropathy.
Also Found In: Chamomile, citronella, candeia tree, lemongrass, sassafras, and roses.
Bergamotene
Aroma: Pine, woody, rose-like.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Also Found In: Guaiacum plant, cypress pine.
Camphor
Aroma: Citrus, peppery, minty.
Effects: Antifungal, antibacterial, potential anti-cancer properties.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus, dill, parsley, and gingergrass.
Alpha Cedrene
Aroma: Fresh Cedar.
Effects: Anti-microbial, antifungal, anti-cancer.
Also Found In: Cedar trees.
Alpha Phellandrene
Aroma: Black pepper, spicy, citrus, minty.
Effects: Antidepressant, expectorant, anti-cancer.
Also Found In: Eucalyptus.
Alpha Pinene
Aroma: Turpentine, pine, dill.
Effects: Asthma, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, aids memory.
Also Found In: Parsley, Pine, and Rosemary.
Alpha Terpineol
Aroma: Pine, smoky.
Effects: Antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anxiolytic..
Also Found In: Lilacs, pine trees, lime blossoms, and eucalyptus sap.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, earthy.
Effects: Anti-epilepsy, anti-anxiety. Helps with chronic pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia.
Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon.
Beta Pinene
Aroma: Turpentine, pine, dill.
Effects: Bronchodilator, asthma, anti-inflammatory, aids memory.
Also Found In: Pine, rosemary, parsley.
Cadinene
Aroma: Woodsy.
Effects: Antifungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial.
Also Found In: Cade Juniper.
Caryophyllene Oxide (Crystals)
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, earthy.
Effects: Antifungal, anti-coagulant.
Also Found In: Cloves, pepper, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary.
Citral
Aroma: Citrusy, lemony.
Effects: Antinociceptive, helps with acute chronic pain.
Also Found In: Lemongrass.
Citronellol
Aroma: Floral.
Effects: Anti-microbial, antifungal, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant.
Also Found In: Rose, geraniums, lemongrass.
Eugenol
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.
D-Limonene
Aroma: Citrusy.
Effects: Antidepressant, GERD, assists with skin absorption of other terpenes.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits, juniper.
Farnesene
Aroma: Woodsy, citrus, floral, herbal.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, calming, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, sedative.
Also Found In: Hops, ginger, turmeric, ylang-ylang, German chamomile.
Gamma Terpinene
Aroma: Woodsy, lemon-lime, tropical herbal.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits.
Nerol
Aroma: Sweet, fresh.
Effects: Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, antiseizure, menopausal symptoms, lowers blood pressure, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antioxidant.
Also Found In: Lemongrass, hops.
Nerolidol
Aroma: Citrusy, lemony.
Effects: Sedative, potent antifungal and anti-malarial, antioxidant.
Also Found In: Citrus fruits, jasmine, tea tree.
Nookatone (Crystals)
Aroma: Grapefruit, citrus.
Effects: Repellent.
Also Found In: Grapefruit, Alaska yellow cedar trees, and vetiver.
Orange Terpenes
Aroma: Orange, citrus.
Effects: Antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Also Found In: Oranges.
Para-Cymene
Aroma: Oranges, turpentine.
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, prevents acute lung injury, antibiotic.
Also Found In: Cumin, thyme, coriander, oregano.
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