Cannabis Terpene Database

Explore the 12 most important terpenes found in cannabis. Each terpene shapes the aroma, flavor, and therapeutic effects of your favorite strains through the entourage effect.

Looking for specific strains? Browse our strain database or learn about cultivation in our growing guides.

Myrcene

168°C

Earthy, musky, herbal with hints of tropical fruit

RelaxingSedatingBody high

Also found in: Mangoes, Hops, Lemongrass

Found in 67 strains in our database

Limonene

176°C

Citrus, lemon, orange peel, bright and zesty

UpliftingEnergizingMood enhancement

Also found in: Lemons, Oranges, Grapefruits

Found in 45 strains in our database

Caryophyllene

130°C

Spicy, peppery, woody with warm clove undertones

CalmingAnti-anxietyGrounding

Also found in: Black pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon

Found in 68 strains in our database

Pinene

155°C

Pine, fresh forest, sharp and resinous

AlertnessMental clarityFocus

Also found in: Pine trees, Rosemary, Basil

Found in 28 strains in our database

Humulene

106°C

Earthy, woody, herbal with subtle spice

Appetite suppressionCalmingGrounding

Also found in: Hops, Sage, Ginseng

Found in 5 strains in our database

Linalool

198°C

Floral, lavender, sweet with a hint of spice

CalmingRelaxingSedating

Also found in: Lavender, Coriander, Sweet basil

Found in 13 strains in our database

Terpinolene

186°C

Fresh, piney, floral, herbal with a subtle citrus twist

UpliftingCreativeMildly sedating at high doses

Also found in: Nutmeg, Tea tree, Apples

Found in 5 strains in our database

Ocimene

100°C

Sweet, herbaceous, woody with tropical and citrus notes

UpliftingEnergizingDecongestant

Also found in: Basil, Orchids, Mint

Found in 3 strains in our database

Bisabolol

153°C

Gentle floral, sweet, chamomile-like with subtle honey notes

SoothingCalmingGentle relaxation

Also found in: German chamomile, Candeia tree, Sage

Found in 2 strains in our database

Farnesene

125°C

Green apple, woody, subtle floral with earthy undertones

CalmingSoothingMood balancing

Also found in: Green apples, Gardenia, Ginger

Found in 1 strain in our database

Nerolidol

122°C

Woody, earthy, floral with fresh bark and citrus

RelaxingSedatingCalming

Also found in: Jasmine, Tea tree, Neroli

Eucalyptol

176°C

Minty, cool, eucalyptus with a refreshing camphor note

Mentally stimulatingCooling sensationFocus

Also found in: Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Bay leaves

Frequently Asked Questions

What are terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by cannabis plants (and many other plants) that give each strain its unique smell, flavor, and contribute to its effects. Over 200 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, though most strains are dominated by a handful of primary terpenes. They work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD through the entourage effect to shape the overall cannabis experience.

Do terpenes get you high?

Terpenes alone do not produce a psychoactive high. However, they can significantly modulate the effects of THC and other cannabinoids through the entourage effect. For example, myrcene may enhance THC's sedating properties, while limonene may promote a more uplifting experience. Caryophyllene is unique in that it directly activates CB2 cannabinoid receptors, producing anti-inflammatory effects through the endocannabinoid system.

Which terpene is best for anxiety?

Linalool (found in lavender) and limonene (found in citrus) are the terpenes most commonly associated with anxiety relief. Linalool has well-documented anxiolytic properties, while limonene can boost serotonin and dopamine levels. Caryophyllene also shows anti-anxiety potential through its CB2 receptor activity. Strains rich in these terpenes are often recommended for consumers seeking anxiety relief.

How can I tell which terpenes are in a cannabis strain?

Many dispensaries now include terpene profiles on their product labels, especially in mature legal markets. You can also check lab test results (Certificates of Analysis) which list individual terpene percentages. As a rough guide, your nose can help — citrusy strains are likely high in limonene, piney strains in pinene, earthy/musky strains in myrcene, and floral strains in linalool.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is the theory that cannabis compounds — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals — work synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. This is why full-spectrum cannabis products are often preferred over isolates, and why two strains with similar THC percentages can produce very different experiences based on their terpene profiles.

Strain Database

Browse Cannabis Strains

See which strains contain your favorite terpenes.

Growing Guides

Learn to Grow Cannabis

Optimize terpene production with proper cultivation techniques.

Disclaimer: Terpene information is provided for educational purposes only. Medical benefits are based on published research and are not intended as medical advice. Individual responses to terpenes vary. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.