Different Terpenes Found In Cannabis Strains

It is commonly known that different cannabinoids have different effects – and this also rings true for terpenes. Terpenes work together with cannabinoids in what is known as the entourage effect; each specific terpene boosts the effect of the cannabinoids found within a strain. Knowing what effects certain terpenes have can help you to figure out what strain of cannabis will benefit you, so let’s have a look at the most common terpenes and their qualities.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are fragrant oils that are secreted by the trichomes found on the cannabis flower. Cannabis plants developed terpenes as a form of protection against pests and predators, but these compounds have a variety of potential benefits to humans.

Some of the most common terpenes include:

• Caryophyllene
• Limonene
• Myrcene
• Pinene
• Humulene
• Linalool
• Ocimene
• Terpinolene

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene has the ability to bind with CB2 receptors, making it a uniquely strong terpene with anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike any other terpene, Caryophyllene contains a cyclobutane ring within its molecular structure, making it especially effective in binding with CB2 receptors found in the peripheral endocannabinoid system.

Its ability to activate CB2 receptors directly allows this terpene to significantly reduce inflammation. It also has stress-relieving properties that assist in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. This also makes Caryophyllene a potentially beneficial option for alleviating the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, treating addiction, and reducing the intensity of stress-related mental illnesses.

Caryophyllene Flavours And Scents

The unique aroma of Caryophyllene makes it fairly easy to detect within a cannabis strain. This terpene can be found in various aromatic oils, including rosemary and clove oil. In nature, you can catch the scent of Caryophyllene in:

• Cloves
• Hops
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon
• Oregano
• Basil

Strains That Are High In Caryophyllene

Marijuana strains that are Caryophyllene-dominant normally have a spicy or musky scent. These include:

• Sour Diesel
• Cookies and Cream
• Bubba Kush
• GSC
• Death Star
• Candyland
• Master Kush
• Original Glue

Limonene

Limonene has an extended list of potential health benefits, but there is not much information about how it actually works in the body and how high the dosage should be for optimal effect. So far, Limonene has shown potential in the following areas:

• Stress relief
• Elevating mood
• Antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Relief of gastric reflux and heartburn
• Improving absorption of other terpenes

Limonene has also shown promising results for inhibiting the growth of tumours. Studies have shown that the terpene can reduce the growth rate of tumours, and daily intake helps to silence a protein that promotes the growth of breast cancer tumours and consequently inhibits them from spreading. However, much higher doses of Limonene are required to obtain this effect than can be found in cannabis.

Limonene Flavours And Scents

Limonene has a citrusy aroma most akin to the scent of lemon rinds. Cannabis strains that contain Limonene will usually have a yellowish colour alongside its lemony scent.

Strains That Are High In Limonene

Strains may smell citrusy without containing any Limonene, so the only way to find strains that contain high amounts of this terpene would be to look for certified lab-tested products. Limonene only occurs in trace amounts within the cannabis flower, often less than 2%. As the flower undergoes drying and curing, it may contain less Limonene than before. 

Some strains that usually produce a Limonene-dominant profile include:

• White Fire OG
• Cinex
• Quantum Kush
• Strawberry Banana
• Berry White
• Wedding Cake
• Banana OG

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found to be dominant in cannabis flowers. Luckily, this terpene also has a number of positive effects. It helps to relax the muscles, often leading to better sleeping patterns. It has also shown potential in reducing anxiety and pain, as it stimulates the natural opioid chemicals found within the brain. Myrcene may also have anti-inflammatory effects and can act as an antioxidant.

Myrcene Flavours And Scents

Myrcene is commonly used in perfumes due to its combined fruity and earthy undertones. The easiest way to describe Myrcene’s scent profile would be something similar to fresh cloves. This terpene is spicy, musky, and sweet, all at once.

Strains That Are High In Myrcene

Myrcene is common in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strains. It is also equally common in both THC-dominant and CBD-dominant strains. Here are some strains that have higher-than-average levels of Myrcene:

• Grape Ape
• OG Kush
• Tangie
• Granddaddy Purple
• Blue Dream
• Harlequin
• Remedy
• FPOG

Pinene

Pinene has proven to show promising results in having:

• Bronchodilating properties (helps to open airways)
• Anti-inflammatory purposes
• Pain relieving attributes
• Anti-anxiety properties

Pinene may also help to combat the potential effect of short-term memory loss linked to excessive consumption of THC.

Pinene Flavours And Scents

Pinene gives off the well-known aroma of fresh pine needles. This terpene can also be found in orange peels, dill, rosemary, parsley, and basil.

Strains That Are High In Pinene

Pinene is almost never the most abundant terpene to be found within a cannabis strain. It is mostly found as the second-highest terpene concentration in the flower’s compositions. Some strains that have a high concentration of Pinene include:

• Big Smooth
• Grape Ape
• Blue Dream
• Remedy
• Cannatonic
• Harlequin
• Cotton Candy Kush

Big Smooth is the exception, as it is the only strain that has a pinene-dominant profile.

Humulene

Humulene is commonly found in most cannabis strains, but not usually in very high concentrations. Wherever Caryophyllene is found, there will likely be Humulene within the compound as well. 

Humulene is one of the most well-researched terpenes regarding medical benefits. This terpene can help to destroy cancer cells in combination with phytocannabinoids – it is able to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which makes it an active mechanism in attacking tumours.

Humulene has also shown antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 

Humulene Flavours And Scents

Humulene is responsible for giving cannabis plants their herbaceous, spicy, and subtly floral aroma. Cannabis and hops are found in the same taxonomic family, so both get their distinct scent from Humulene.

Strains That Are High In Humulene

Humulene occurs in high levels within caryophyllene-dominant strains. It is a fundamental component in giving cannabis plants their signature scent. Other terpenes tend to overpower the flavour of Humulene, so users will mostly only notice it in the form of a subtle earthy profile. 

Humulene is the third most abundant terpene within these cannabis strains:

• Thin Mint GSC
• Headband
• Candyland
• Death Star
• Original Glue

Linalool

Linalool is a great example of the entourage effect. It is one of the most effective terpenes when it comes to modulating the efficacy and strength of cannabinoids. On top of that, Linalool does not accumulate within the fatty tissues of your body like many other cannabinoids do. Linalool has the following benefits:

• Antimicrobial properties
• Acts as a sedative
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Alleviates stress
• Boosts immunity
• Relieves pain
• Potentially assists in the prevention of Alzheimer’s

Linalool Flavours And Scents

Linalool is a much-loved terpene that is found in lavender, basil, and indica cannabis strains. It has extensive therapeutic benefits and is widely used in aromatherapy. 

Strains That Are High In Linalool

Linalool is very rarely found in the top three highest terpene levels in a strain. Here are some of the strains that contain higher-than-usual levels of Linalool:

• Scooby Snacks
• Do-Si-Dos
• Mazar I Sharif
• Zkittlez
• Wedding Mints #13

Ocimene

Ocimene is very effective in soothing inflammation, with the potential to suppress a number of inflammatory substances produced by the immune system. It also has the ability to inhibit enzymes that are connected to hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Ocimene Flavours And Scents

Ocimene is popular for its sweet and floral aroma with a herbaceous undertone. This terpene is commonly found in:

• Basil
• Lavender
• Pepper
• Hops
• Mangoes
• Orchids

Strains That Are High In Ocimene

Ocimene is not a dominant terpene in cannabis, but the following strains contain high levels of Ocimene:

• Clementine
• Golden Pineapple
• J1
• Dream Queen
• Green Crack
• Dutch Treat

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is often referred to as a lurker terpene. It is one of the most common terpenes, found only in trace amounts within cannabis strains. 

This terpene has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. When used in combination with other nutrients, terpinolene can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and inhibit the growth of various cancer cells.

Terpinolene Flavours And Scents

Terpinolene has a multidimensional aroma – it is floral, piney, citrussy, and herbaceous. It would be best to describe it as a fresh scent. It is commonly found in tea tree oil, cumin, nutmeg, lilacs, and apples.

Strains That Are High In Terpinolene

Terpinolene dominant strains are quite rare, but the following strains contain high levels of Terpinolene:

• Orange Cookies
• Golden Goat
• Dutch Treat
• XJ-13
• Ghost Train Haze
• Jack Herer

All strains of cannabis contain terpenes that enhance the effects of the strain’s cannabinoids and other compounds. You can usually identify which terpenes a strain contains by its scent, but most strains contain trace amounts of a wide variety of terpenes. Pick the right strain of cannabis to reap the benefits of its dominant terpenes.