While you may be familiar with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD derived from cannabis, cannabinoids are not the only compounds found in this amazing plant. Cannabis also produces terpenes which are a diverse class of compounds that have very distinct tastes and smells. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis but are found in a wide range of plants, fruits, and flowers. They are produced naturally as part of the plant’s metabolism and can be deceptively complex, especially when blended. You’ve likely encountered just how fresh terpenes can make some foods smell or taste if you’ve ever peeled an orange or a lemon (likely due to high amounts of the terpene limonene), or ever added fresh herbs to your cooking.

Besides scent and flavour, terpenes are also suspected to partially explain how the different strains of cannabis may have varying effects. The “entourage effect” hypothesis describes how terpenes, with their own unique medicinal properties, may influence the overall therapeutic effect by working synergistically or additively with the other compounds found in cannabis. While the science behind this phenomenon continues to be explored, patients do tend to report differences between cannabis varieties in their treatments partially due to differences in the terpene profile [1, 2]. 

Currently available scientific evidence on individual terpenes and cannabinoids can be found in this review paper. 

Common Terpenes

Guaiol

Guaiol is a terpene generally found in relatively small amounts in cannabis[3]. It carries a piney aroma with floral or rose notes and is also found in guaiacum (a flowering shrub) and pine trees.

β-Myrcene

The most common cannabis terpene, β-myrcene, has an earthy aroma that can be found in hops, bay leaves, thyme, lemongrass and mangoes. Consumers and patients report that β-myrcene has relaxing or sedative effects but research is currently ongoing by scientists to fully understand the effects of β-myrcene. Myrcene is also a chemically useful terpene and can be used to make other terpenes like menthol (it’s sort of like a basic terpene building block) [6-8].

Pinenes

Pinene is actually found in cannabis in two forms, α- and β-pinene, which are called “isomers.” Isomers have the same molecular makeup (i.e., same chemical formula in terms of carbons or other atoms), but are actually very distinct due to their “pieces” being put together differently[12]. This difference in structure even results in different aromas or how long their smells last. α-Pinene is the more abundant form and carries a distinct pine scent, while β-pinene has a more herbal aroma and is more dominant in plants like rosemary, dill, basil and parsley.

α-Pinene

Potential therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory, mood[13-15], memory[16]

ß-Pinene

Potential therapeutic properties: anti-anxiety[17]

Limonene

Limonene is a terpene with a fruity aroma most commonly associated with citrus[12]. It’s also found in rosemary, juniper, peppermint, and the rinds of many fruits. As one might expect, limonene brings a fresh aroma to cannabis.

β-Caryophyllene

β-Caryophyllene (also referred to as trans-caryophyllene) is perhaps the most noticeably “spicy” smelling terpene found in cannabis, with a distinctly warm, peppery aroma. It is found in black pepper, basil and oregano and is commonly used as a flavouring agent in food[12]. Naturally occurring in such herbs as lavender and cinnamon leaves as well, this terpene is a natural insecticide and antifungal that protects a number of plant species!

Terpinolene

Terpinolene[22] imparts a complex and distinct aroma that is very identifiable once you are familiar with it. It carries a pungent and smoky aroma with an element of citrus. Terpinolene is also used in cosmetics and perfumes.

β-Ocimene

This terpene produces a fruity aroma, naturally occurring in tropical fruit (like mango and kumquat) and berries (like blackcurrant). Because of its sweet, herbal scent, β-ocimene[12] is used in perfumes and fragrances. As for herbs and spices, this terpene has been linked to parsley, basil and thyme, and is also a component of hops (the squiggly line means it can exist as a different type of isomer than pinenes).

Linalool

Linalool imparts a sweet, floral aroma with just a hint of spice. Linalool[12] occurs naturally in roughly 200 plants, including mint and other scented herbs, and is often associated with lavender. Woody and herbal smelling, it’s also a natural constituent of cinnamon, laurels and rosewood. Because of its aroma, this terpene is often used in the cosmetics industry to add a pleasant scent to perfumes, soaps, shampoos and lotions.

α-Bisabolol

This terpene emits a sweet and floral aroma that naturally occurs in chamomile[30]. It is most commonly used in fragrances and cosmetics and can be found in some teas.

α-Humulene

α-Humulene[12] carries an earthy aroma and occurs naturally in hops and sage. Both cannabis and the hop plant produce relatively high levels of this terpene as the two plants are actually closely related.

If you’re curious and want to dive into more information on terpenes, check out this review paper that summarizes the currently available scientific evidence on the individual terpenes and cannabinoids.

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