What are Terpenes? - The Ultimate Terpene Guide

Posted by Happy Trails on Jan 13th 2024

What are Terpenes? - The Ultimate Terpene Guide

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the chemicals in plants that give them distinct aromas and flavors. In cannabis, it creates a distinct flavor profile and effects for each strain. Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds within the trichomes of female cannabis plants. Trichomes are small crystal-like hairs that produce the psychoactive and therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant. When combined, terpenes bring out the various effects in cannabis. And, some studies suggest that terpenes can be more accurate in determining effects than the traditional Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid labelling. By looking at the terpenes within the strain, you are able to get a clearer picture of what the effects will be like.

The Most Common Terpenes

Bisabolol

Origins
  • Chamomile
  • Cannabis Plants
  • Sage
Everyday Uses
  • Skincare Products
  • THC & CBD Oils (α-bisabolol)
Strains
  • Ice Cream Cake
  • Indica-Dominant Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Anxiety
  • Sleep & Relaxation
  • Anti-Cancer
  • Anti-Microbial
  • Pain Relief
  • Neuroprotectant (for nerve & brain health)
  • Anti-inflammatory

Borneol

Origins
  • Ginger
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Camphor
Everyday Uses
  • Insect Repellents
  • Perfumes, Colognes
Strains
  • OG Kush
  • Often found in “Hazes”
  • Sour Glue
  • Tahoe Cookies
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Digestive Aid
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Treating respiratory illness
  • Pain Relief (When Used Topically)
  • Anti-Inflammatory

Camphene

Origins
  • Camphor
  • Pine, Fir, Spruce
  • Citronella
  • Ginger
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
Everyday Uses
  • Used as a substitute for camphor
  • Perfumes & Essential Oils
  • Foods
  • Adds texture to lacquers & resins
Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Calming Properties
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-biotic
  • Anti-Fungal
  • Anti-Oxidant

Caryophyllene (β-Caryophyllene)

Origins
  • Black Pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Hops
Everyday Uses
  • Food additive (for its sweet taste)
  • Cannabis topicals & salves
Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory (When Used Topically)
  • Anti-Cancer
  • Pain Relief
  • Sleep Aid
  • Balancing Glucose Levels (Diabetes Treatment)

Delta-3-Carene (3-Carene)

Origins
  • Basil
  • Rosemary
  • Bell Peppers
Everyday Uses
  • Cosmetics
  • Fragrance Products
  • Food Flavoring
Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • May repair damaged bones
  • ADHD & Depression (When combined with limonene & eucalyptol)

Eucalyptol

Origins
  • Eucalyptus Trees
  • Bay Leaves
  • Sage Brush
Everyday Uses
  • Cooking
  • In vapes
  • Topical Products
  • Essential Oils (Eucalyptus, Tea Trea, Wormwood)
Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Relieve sinus pressure
  • Anti Septic
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Improved Cognitive Function

Geraniol

Origins
  • Geranium Plants
  • Rose Oil
  • Lemons, Lemongrass
  • Peaches
  • Grapefruits
  • Oranges
Everyday Uses
  • Fragrance Products
  • Detergents
  • Candles
  • Food Additive (pastries, desserts)
Strains
  • Agent Orange
  • Harlequin
  • Lemon G
  • Strawberry Diesel
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Pain reduction
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-fungal

Humulene

Origins
  • Humulus Lupulus (Hops)
  • Clove
  • Ginger
  • Coriander
Everyday Uses
  • Used in many beer recipes to balance flavor
Strains
  • Girl Scout Cookies
  • Sour Diesel
  • Ice Cream Cake
  • Gelato
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Benefits for allergies
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Boosted Energy

Limonene

Origins
  • Citrus Fruit Peels
  • Mint
  • Rosemary
  • Pine
  • Fennel
Everyday Uses
  • Essential oils & balms
  • Cosmetics, Fragrances, Body creams
Strains
  • Lemon G
  • Emerald Jack
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Shining Silver Haze
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-anxiety
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-cancer
  • Mood-Altering effects in regards to anxiety & depression

Linalool

Origins
  • Lavender
  • Citrus
  • Birch
  • Coriander
Strains
  • Durban
  • Do-si-Dos
  • Zkittles
  • Scooby Snacks
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Has potential to be used as an antidepressant
  • Stress Relief
  • Muscle Relaxant
  • Sleep Aid/Sedative

Myrcene

Origins
  • Mangos
  • Hops
  • Lemongrass
  • Thyme
  • Verbena
Everyday Uses
  • Essentail Oils
  • Used in cooking
Strains
  • Banana Kush
  • Girl Scout Cookies
  • Lime OG
  • Skywalker OG
  • Thin Mint Cookies
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Stress Relief & Relaxation
  • Pain Relief
  • Strengthening the Immune System

Pinene

Origins
  • Pine Trees
  • Rosemary
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Orange Peel
Strains
  • Blue Dream
  • OG Kush
  • Strawberry Cough
  • Bubba Kush
  • Haze Berry
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-Cancer
  • Anti-Microbial
  • Improved Cognitive Functioning
  • Relaxation & Stress Relief

Phytol

Origins
  • Green Tea Plants
  • Cannabis
Everyday Uses
  • Flavoring
  • Food Coloring
  • Fragrances
  • Cosmetic Production
Strains
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Pain Relief
  • Anxiety Relief
  • Sleep Aid

Terpinolene

Origins
  • Lilac
  • Nutmeg
  • Cumin
Strains
  • Ghost Train Haze
  • Chernobyl
  • Jack Herer
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Antibacterial
  • Anti Fungal
  • Potential to reduce the risk of heart disease

Trans-Nerolidol

Origins
  • Tea Tree
  • Rose
  • Lemongrass
  • Jasmine
  • Ginger
Everyday Uses
  • Food Additive
  • Fragrance
Strains
  • Sour Kush
  • Skywalker OG
  • Sweet Skunk
  • Jack Herer
  • Blue Dream
  • Chemdawg
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Fungal
  • Neuroprotectant
  • Anti-Cancer
  • May help topical treatments better penetrate the skin

Valencene

Origins
  • Citrus Fruits (Grapefruit, Nectarine, Mango)
  • Chinese Bayberry
Everyday Uses
  • Insecticide
  • Orange-Scented Personal Care Products
  • Cooking for Flavor
Strains
  • Agent Orange
  • Sour Diesel
  • Clementine
  • Gushers
  • California Orange Bud
Potential Health Benefits & Effects
  • Anti-Oxidant
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-Allergic Properties
  • Treating Skin Conditions (When Applied Topically)
  • Mood-Boosting Effects

FDA Disclosure The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.