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
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Everyday Uses | - Skincare Products
- THC & CBD Oils (α-bisabolol)
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Strains | - Ice Cream Cake
- Indica-Dominant Strains
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Anxiety
- Sleep & Relaxation
- Anti-Cancer
- Anti-Microbial
- Pain Relief
- Neuroprotectant (for nerve & brain health)
- Anti-inflammatory
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Borneol
Origins | - Ginger
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Camphor
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Everyday Uses | - Insect Repellents
- Perfumes, Colognes
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Strains | - OG Kush
- Often found in “Hazes”
- Sour Glue
- Tahoe Cookies
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Digestive Aid
- Improve blood circulation
- Treating respiratory illness
- Pain Relief (When Used Topically)
- Anti-Inflammatory
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Camphene
Origins | - Camphor
- Pine, Fir, Spruce
- Citronella
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Sage
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Everyday Uses | - Used as a substitute for camphor
- Perfumes & Essential Oils
- Foods
- Adds texture to lacquers & resins
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Strains | |
Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Calming Properties
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-biotic
- Anti-Fungal
- Anti-Oxidant
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Caryophyllene (β-Caryophyllene)
Origins | |
Everyday Uses | - Food additive (for its sweet taste)
- Cannabis topicals & salves
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Strains | |
Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory (When Used Topically)
- Anti-Cancer
- Pain Relief
- Sleep Aid
- Balancing Glucose Levels (Diabetes Treatment)
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Delta-3-Carene (3-Carene)
Origins | - Basil
- Rosemary
- Bell Peppers
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Everyday Uses | - Cosmetics
- Fragrance Products
- Food Flavoring
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Strains | |
Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- May repair damaged bones
- ADHD & Depression (When combined with limonene & eucalyptol)
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Eucalyptol
Origins | - Eucalyptus Trees
- Bay Leaves
- Sage Brush
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Everyday Uses | - Cooking
- In vapes
- Topical Products
- Essential Oils (Eucalyptus, Tea Trea, Wormwood)
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Strains | |
Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Relieve sinus pressure
- Anti Septic
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Improved Cognitive Function
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Geraniol
Origins | - Geranium Plants
- Rose Oil
- Lemons, Lemongrass
- Peaches
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
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Everyday Uses | - Fragrance Products
- Detergents
- Candles
- Food Additive (pastries, desserts)
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Strains | - Agent Orange
- Harlequin
- Lemon G
- Strawberry Diesel
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Pain reduction
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
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Humulene
Origins | - Humulus Lupulus (Hops)
- Clove
- Ginger
- Coriander
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Everyday Uses | - Used in many beer recipes to balance flavor
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Strains | - Girl Scout Cookies
- Sour Diesel
- Ice Cream Cake
- Gelato
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Benefits for allergies
- Anti-inflammatory
- Boosted Energy
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Limonene
Origins | - Citrus Fruit Peels
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Pine
- Fennel
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Everyday Uses | - Essential oils & balms
- Cosmetics, Fragrances, Body creams
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Strains | - Lemon G
- Emerald Jack
- Cookies & Cream
- Shining Silver Haze
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer
- Mood-Altering effects in regards to anxiety & depression
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Linalool
Origins | - Lavender
- Citrus
- Birch
- Coriander
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Strains | - Durban
- Do-si-Dos
- Zkittles
- Scooby Snacks
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Has potential to be used as an antidepressant
- Stress Relief
- Muscle Relaxant
- Sleep Aid/Sedative
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Myrcene
Origins | - Mangos
- Hops
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
- Verbena
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Everyday Uses | - Essentail Oils
- Used in cooking
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Strains | - Banana Kush
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Lime OG
- Skywalker OG
- Thin Mint Cookies
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Stress Relief & Relaxation
- Pain Relief
- Strengthening the Immune System
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Pinene
Origins | - Pine Trees
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Parsley
- Orange Peel
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Strains | - Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- Strawberry Cough
- Bubba Kush
- Haze Berry
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Cancer
- Anti-Microbial
- Improved Cognitive Functioning
- Relaxation & Stress Relief
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Phytol
Origins | |
Everyday Uses | - Flavoring
- Food Coloring
- Fragrances
- Cosmetic Production
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Strains | |
Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anxiety Relief
- Sleep Aid
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Terpinolene
Origins | |
Strains | - Ghost Train Haze
- Chernobyl
- Jack Herer
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Antibacterial
- Anti Fungal
- Potential to reduce the risk of heart disease
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Trans-Nerolidol
Origins | - Tea Tree
- Rose
- Lemongrass
- Jasmine
- Ginger
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Everyday Uses | |
Strains | - Sour Kush
- Skywalker OG
- Sweet Skunk
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Chemdawg
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Fungal
- Neuroprotectant
- Anti-Cancer
- May help topical treatments better penetrate the skin
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Valencene
Origins | - Citrus Fruits (Grapefruit, Nectarine, Mango)
- Chinese Bayberry
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Everyday Uses | - Insecticide
- Orange-Scented Personal Care Products
- Cooking for Flavor
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Strains | - Agent Orange
- Sour Diesel
- Clementine
- Gushers
- California Orange Bud
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Potential Health Benefits & Effects | - Anti-Oxidant
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Allergic Properties
- Treating Skin Conditions (When Applied Topically)
- Mood-Boosting Effects
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