Cannabis Terpenes Effects Guide: Complete List & Chart

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes are a natural chemical compound found in plants and even some animals. Terpenes attract plant pollinators and ward off predators. It’s the compound that gives plants their different aromas and taste. Some terpenes also affect the appearance and color of plants.

In cannabis, terpenes are present in the short, resin-filled hairlike structures on the marijuana flower, also known as the trichomes.

There are thousands of types of terpenes, some of which you’ll recognize in your favorite cleaning products, spices, and herbal teas. Around 100 terpenes are native to the marijuana plant. All of them affect marijuana flavor profiles, but they can also affect the therapeutic and medicinal properties of your strains.

COMMON CANNABIS TERPENES AND THEIR EFFECTS

As mentioned above, there are more than 100 cannabis terpenes. This can make it a little difficult to learn about all of them. Fortunately, there are a few terpene types you’ll notice more than others.

Here are three of the most common cannabis terpenes and their effects on the human body.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes. It’s also commonly used in fragrances for its earthy tones.

Myrcene affects the nervous system and promotes a full body high. It’s a great option for people who want a sedative cannabis mix.

Myrcene has also been found to improve absorption, leading to better cannabinoid immersion.

Pinene

Pinene is a very common plant terpene, and it is responsible for most of the pine smells in everyday products.

In cannabis, pinene promotes concentration, improves breathing, and has cancer prevention and fighting properties.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the terpene responsible for spicier aromas. You’re just as likely to notice it in black pepper and cloves as you are in cannabis.

Despite its spicier fragrance, caryophyllene has a calming effect. It’s known for reducing anxiety and depression.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANNABIS TERPENES

Terpene Name	Terpene Scent	Terpene Effects	Also Commonly Found In
Myrcene	Earthy and Musky scent.	Relaxing aroma. Sedative properties. Improves cannabidiol absorption. Fights insomnia.	Myrcene is often also used to perfume fragrances.
Pinene	Signature pine smell. Woodsy, grassy scents.	Promotes creative cannabis highs. Reduces anxiety and pain. Anti-inflammatory properties. May aid the gastrointestinal tract.	Pinene is the most common terpene, and it is used in everything from body mists to cleaning supplies.
Caryophyllene	Spicy or peppery scent.	Good for fighting insomnia, especially long-term insomnia. Pain relieving properties. Calms anxiety and depression. Antiseptic.	Found in many herbs and spices.
Linalool	Sweet and floral scent. Sometimes has a citrusy aroma.	Relaxing aroma. Works as a mild sedative. Calms the nervous system. Antipsychotic and natural antidepressant.	Linalool is often used to scent fragrances.
Limonene	Citrus scent.	Mood uplifting properties. Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety. Immunity booster. Antifungal and antibacterial properties.	Limonene is found in most citric foods. It’s also commonly used in cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and fragrances.
Humulene	Earthy and woodsy scent. Mildly spicy.	Anti-inflammatory properties. Reduces appetite. Antibacterial. Treats mild allergies.	Humulene is found in ginseng and ginger. It’s also noted in some beers.
Terpinolene	Combination of pine, circus, and floral scents.	Powerful antioxidant. Has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Natural cell proliferation prevention. Lowers the risk of heart disease.	Terpinolene is found in many soaps and cleaning supplies.
Borneol	Musky, woodsy, and bitter scent.	Anti-inflammatory properties. Reduces insomnia and encourages deep sleep. Natural pain reliever.	Borneol is used in incense and spices. It’s also a very old Asian remedy for pain, stress, and insomnia.
Geraniol	Fruity and rosy scent.	Potent anti-inflammatory properties. Antibacterial and antifungal. Natural treatment for diabetes and cancer cell management.	Geraniol is used in fragrances and insect repellants. It’s also used in many essential oils, including Rose oil and Citronella oil.
Eucalyptol	Strong menthol scent.	Helps lower anxiety. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.	Eucalyptol is commonly used in essential oils and aromatherapy.
Valencene	Floral and citrus combination.	Improved alertness and mood. Antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Induces euphoric feelings.	Valencene is used in essential oils and as an insect repellant.
Ocimene	Sweet but earthy scent.	Diabetes management. Anti-inflammatory properties.	Ocimene is found in fruits like mango.
Carene	Pine and citrus scent mix.	Anti-inflammatory properties. Encourages bone growth and repair. Improves cognitive function and memory retention and recall.	Carene is used in essential oils and other fragrances.

TERPENES AND AROMATHERAPY

Terpenes are bioactive. This means they react with the body, even as a fragrance. Many of the above terpenes have anti-anxiety properties that naturally improve the user’s mood. They do this by interacting with the body and promoting relaxation.

While this makes terpenes great for aromatherapy, cannabis users can also take advantage of this fact. When you use cannabis strains with aromatherapy terpenes, you can enjoy awesome relaxation benefits.

TERPENES AND FLAVOR PROFILES

For many beginners, cannabis can have a bit of an unpleasant taste. It can be bitter or a little overwhelming, especially if you’re smoking it. Fortunately, there are two ways to overcome this problem.

First, buy high-quality products from reputable dispensaries like Embarc. Cannabis that is harvested right won’t cause the painful and bitter consumption most people associate with marijuana.

Second, try different terpenes. With such a  broad spectrum of flavor profiles, there is no end to the flavors and combinations you can enjoy.

TERPENES AND CANNABIS

Terpenes and cannabis go hand in hand. While some terpenes are added to cannabis, many are naturally present in female marijuana flowers.

Terpene and cannabis production continue to become more sophisticated. Today, suppliers can add terpenes that aren’t naturally present or enhance existing terpene concentrations to improve flavor profiles and create new ones.

It also offers the chance to enhance the medicinal benefits of terpenes in marijuana. If you’re using a strain with anti-anxiety properties, your supplier could up the terpene content and increase the product potency. The same goes for the anti-cancer and anti-depressant terpenes. The benefits are virtually endless.

TERPENES AND HEALTH

As you can see, terpenes and health naturally work together. Terpenes and their bioactive nature provide surprisingly powerful health benefits.

However, terpenes are a natural treatment option not only because of their impressive healing abilities but also because of their accessible nature. THC and cannabis are more affordable than the majority of chronic medications and have fewer side effects.

TERPENES AND THE FUTURE

The terpene market continues to grow, and it’s clear why. More and more studies are bringing to light the quiet power of terpenes, cannabis, and natural medicines.

So, while terpenes, essential oils, and aromatherapy, whether combined with cannabis or on its own, won’t cure all your ailments, they could drastically decrease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Cannabis and terpenes are a match made in heaven. Whether naturally occurring or added during harvesting, terpenes offer many amazing health and relaxation benefits. They also boost the already powerful benefits of cannabis and offer many interesting flavor profiles to spice up your consumption habits.

If you’re ready to enjoy high-quality cannabis and all its benefits, visit a local Embarc dispensary. Immerse yourself in the culture and community of the Embarc family.