Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that create distinctive smells and may enhance therapeutic effects through the entourage effect. This guide covers 13 terpenes with 50+ peer-reviewed citations, aroma profiles, and evidence-based research on their potential benefits for relaxation, mood, pain, and more.
Terpene FAQs
[+]What are terpenes in cannabis?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis strains their distinctive smells and flavors. Over 200 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, with major ones like myrcene, limonene, and linalool also influencing therapeutic effects through the entourage effect.
Terpenes are produced in the same glands as cannabinoids (trichomes) and are found throughout nature in fruits, flowers, and herbs. They're responsible for why lavender calms and citrus uplifts.
Terpene information based on published botanical and pharmacological research.
[+]Do terpenes get you high?
Terpenes are not intoxicating on their own and do not produce a "high" like THC. However, terpenes modulate how cannabinoids affect you through the entourage effect, potentially making some strains feel more sedating, energizing, or mood-elevating.
Research suggests certain terpenes like myrcene may enhance THC absorption across the blood-brain barrier, while others like limonene may counteract some THC-induced effects.
Terpene-cannabinoid interactions based on entourage effect research.
[+]What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that may enhance therapeutic benefits beyond what any compound produces alone. Full-spectrum products leverage this effect, while isolates miss out on these synergistic benefits.
Research by Ethan Russo and others suggests terpenes and cannabinoids work together, with CBD potentially reducing THC-induced anxiety and terpenes enhancing specific effects.
Entourage effect theory based on peer-reviewed research by Ethan Russo, 2011.
[+]What is myrcene and what does it do?
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, known for its earthy, musky aroma also found in mangoes and hops. Myrcene is associated with sedating, relaxing effects and may enhance THC absorption, contributing to the "couch lock" feeling in indica strains.
Strains with over 0.5% myrcene are often considered more sedating. High-myrcene strains include OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Blue Dream.
Myrcene effects based on preclinical research and pharmacological studies.
[+]What is limonene and what does it do?
Limonene is a citrus-scented terpene associated with uplifting, mood-elevating effects and potential stress relief. Found abundantly in citrus peels, limonene may help with anxiety and depression while offering antimicrobial properties.
High-limonene strains like Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison are often recommended for daytime use and mood enhancement.
Limonene effects based on aromatherapy research and preclinical studies.
[+]What is linalool and what does it do?
Linalool is a floral, lavender-scented terpene known for calming, anti-anxiety effects. Also found in lavender, linalool has been studied for sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties, making it valuable for relaxation and sleep.
Linalool-dominant strains like Lavender, LA Confidential, and Amnesia Haze are often recommended for anxiety, stress, and sleep issues.
Linalool effects based on published aromatherapy and pharmacological research.
[+]What terpenes are best for anxiety?
Strains high in linalool, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene are recommended for anxiety relief. Linalool provides calming lavender-like effects, limonene elevates mood, and caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors to reduce stress without psychoactive effects.
Combining anxiolytic terpenes with CBD or balanced THC:CBD ratios may provide the best anxiety relief. Avoid high-THC strains with dominant pinene which may increase alertness.
Anxiety terpene recommendations based on published pharmacological research.
[+]What terpenes are best for pain?
Beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and humulene are recommended for pain relief. Caryophyllene uniquely binds to CB2 receptors for anti-inflammatory effects, myrcene provides muscle relaxation, and humulene offers anti-inflammatory properties without sedation.
Terpene-focused pain relief works best with cannabinoids—combining these terpenes with THC or CBD enhances analgesic effects through the entourage effect.
Pain terpene recommendations based on cannabinoid receptor and anti-inflammatory research.
[+]How do I find terpene content in cannabis products?
Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) or lab test results that reputable dispensaries provide for their products. Quality products list terpene percentages alongside cannabinoid content, allowing informed selection based on desired effects.
Not all states require terpene testing, so availability varies. Ask your budtender for COA reports or scan QR codes on product packaging.
Testing requirements per individual state cannabis testing regulations.
[+]Are terpenes safe?
Terpenes are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when consumed in natural amounts found in food and cannabis. Terpenes are found in everyday foods, essential oils, and cosmetics. However, concentrated terpene additives or synthetic terpenes require more caution.
Natural cannabis terpenes at typical consumption levels have an excellent safety profile. Be cautious with heavily processed products or those with added synthetic terpenes.
Terpene safety based on FDA GRAS status and toxicology research.
[+]What is the difference between terpenes and cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are active compounds that bind to the body's endocannabinoid system receptors, while terpenes are aromatic compounds that influence effects through different mechanisms. Both are produced in cannabis trichomes and work together synergistically.
Cannabinoids directly activate CB1/CB2 receptors, while terpenes affect neurotransmitters, enzymes, and other pathways. The entourage effect describes their synergistic interaction.
Compound differences based on cannabis plant chemistry and pharmacology research.
[+]Why do some strains smell different?
Each cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile that determines its distinctive aroma. Myrcene creates earthy, musky scents; limonene provides citrus notes; pinene offers pine aromas; and linalool delivers floral, lavender fragrances.
Terpene ratios are determined by genetics, growing conditions, harvest timing, and curing methods. The same strain from different growers may smell slightly different due to cultivation variations.
Aroma variations based on terpene chemistry and cultivation science.
Terpene Categories
Cannabis contains over 200 terpenes, categorized by their molecular structure and associated effects.
Monoterpenes
Small, volatile molecules that evaporate quickly. These create the initial "nose" of cannabis and include the most common terpenes.
Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, Linalool
Sesquiterpenes
Larger, more stable molecules with higher boiling points. Beta-caryophyllene uniquely binds to CB2 receptors as a dietary cannabinoid.
Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Bisabolol
Relaxing Terpenes
Terpenes associated with calming, sedating effects. Often found in indica-leaning strains and nighttime products.
Myrcene, Linalool, Bisabolol, Terpineol
Uplifting Terpenes
Terpenes linked to energizing, mood-elevating effects. Common in sativa-leaning strains and daytime products.
Limonene, Pinene, Terpinolene
Showing 13 of 13 terpenes
Myrcene
β-Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Limonene
D-Limonene
Citrus, lemon, orange
Linalool
Linalool
Floral, lavender, sweet with spicy undertones
Beta-Caryophyllene
β-Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like
Pinene
α-Pinene / β-Pinene
Fresh pine, forest, evergreen
Humulene
α-Humulene
Earthy, woody, spicy (hops-like)
Terpinolene
Terpinolene
Fresh, piney, floral, with citrus and herbal notes
Ocimene
β-Ocimene
Sweet, herbal, woody with tropical undertones
Terpineol
α-Terpineol
Floral, lilac, sweet citrus, piney
Geraniol
Geraniol
Rose, citrus, sweet floral
Bisabolol
α-Bisabolol
Delicate floral, sweet, chamomile-like
Camphene
Camphene
Herbal, piney, camphor-like, musky
Nerolidol
Trans-Nerolidol
Woody, floral, with notes of citrus, apple, and rose
Terpene Comparison Chart
Compare all 13 terpenes by aroma, primary effects, natural sources, and molecular category.
| Terpene | Aroma | Primary Effect | Also Found In | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, clove | Sedation & Relaxation | Mangoes, Hops | Monoterpene |
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon, orange | Mood Enhancement | Citrus peels | Monoterpene |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender | Calming & Relaxation | Lavender | Monoterpene |
| Beta-Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery | Anti-inflammatory | Black pepper | Sesquiterpene |
| Pinene | Fresh pine, forest | Mental Clarity | Pine needles | Monoterpene |
| Humulene | Earthy, woody, hoppy | Anti-inflammatory | Hops, Sage | Sesquiterpene |
| Terpinolene | Piney, floral, citrus | Uplifting (in strains) | Tea tree, Apples | Monoterpene |
| Ocimene | Sweet, herbal, woody | Antifungal | Basil, Mint | Monoterpene |
| Terpineol | Floral, lilac, citrus | Relaxation | Lilac, Pine | Monoterpene |
| Geraniol | Rose, citrus, sweet | Neuroprotection | Roses, Geraniums | Monoterpene |
| Bisabolol | Floral, chamomile | Skin Soothing | Chamomile | Sesquiterpene |
| Camphene | Herbal, piney, camphor | Cardiovascular Support | Camphor, Ginger | Monoterpene |
| Nerolidol | Woody, floral, citrus | Sedative & Anxiolytic | Orange blossom | Sesquiterpene |
How Do Terpenes Work in the Body?
Terpenes influence cannabis effects through multiple mechanisms—not just smell. They interact with neurotransmitter systems, modulate cannabinoid receptor activity, and may enhance or modify the effects of THC and CBD through what researchers call the "entourage effect."
The Entourage Effect
Terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically. Myrcene may enhance THC absorption, while limonene can reduce THC-induced anxiety. Full-spectrum products leverage these interactions.
Beta-Caryophyllene: The Dietary Cannabinoid
Beta-caryophyllene is unique—it directly binds to CB2 receptors like a cannabinoid. This makes it the only terpene that's also classified as a "dietary cannabinoid" by researchers.
How Terpenes Affect You
Different terpenes interact with different receptor systems. Linalool modulates GABA receptors (similar to how lavender calms). Pinene inhibits acetylcholinesterase (supporting memory). Limonene influences serotonin and dopamine pathways (affecting mood). This explains why strain selection based on terpene profiles can produce different experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Terpenes don't get you high on their own, but they modulate cannabinoid effects
- All 13 terpenes are FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
- Beta-caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds directly to cannabinoid receptors
- Full-spectrum products preserve terpenes for enhanced entourage effect benefits
Learn More
Explore related cannabis science and tools to deepen your understanding.
Cannabinoids Guide
THC, CBD, CBG and more — the active compounds that work with terpenes
Cannabis Research
75+ peer-reviewed studies translated into plain English
Strains Guide
Find cannabis strains by terpene and cannabinoid profile
COA Analyzer
Upload and understand your product's terpene lab results
Last Updated: January 2026
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team
All terpene information is sourced from peer-reviewed research and PubMed citations.