The Major Terpenes

Myrcene — The Most Common

Myrcene is found in most cannabis strains. It has an earthy, musky aroma with hints of fruit. It's also found in mangoes, hops, and lemongrass.

Effects: Sedating, relaxing, pain relief. Myrcene may enhance THC's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially intensifying effects.

Limonene — The Mood Booster

Limonene has a bright citrus aroma. It's found in citrus fruit rinds, juniper, and peppermint.

Effects: Uplifting, stress relief, anti-anxiety. Research suggests limonene may help elevate mood and reduce anxiety.

Caryophyllene — The Anti-Inflammatory

Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma. It's found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Uniquely, it can bind to CB2 receptors, making it the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid.

Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, stress reduction.

Pinene — The Alert One

Pinene smells like fresh pine needles. It's the most common terpene in nature, found in pine trees, rosemary, and basil.

Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory. Pinene may help counteract some of THC's short-term memory effects.

Linalool — The Calming Flower

Linalool has a floral, lavender-like aroma. It's found in lavender, birch bark, and coriander.

Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sedating. Linalool has been used in aromatherapy for centuries for its relaxing properties.

Humulene — The Appetite Suppressant

Humulene has a woody, earthy aroma. It's found in hops, ginger, and ginseng.

Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppression. Unlike most cannabis compounds, humulene may actually reduce appetite.