14 Major Cannabis Terpenes and Terpene Chart

Today’s maturing industry is much more familiar with cannabis’s many nuances. This includes the hundreds of compounds responsible for flower strain differences, varying effects, and the countless bespoke experiences a consumer might encounter when dabbling with the plant.

A major contributor to cannabis’s various subtleties is its terpenes—the chemical compounds that account for the plant’s aroma, act as natural defenses against pests and insects, and influence the overall entourage effect of consumption. 

Despite what you might think, terpenes aren’t specific to cannabis. Even non-consumers have already been introduced to them through tea, pine trees, spices, or that crowd-pleasing bottle of CK One perched on your bathroom counter. 

There are thousands of terpenes in the natural world, but only a small number are prevalent in cannabis—driving the plant’s effects in addition to the flavor and aroma. The key is to know how to identify and distinguish these cannabis terpenes to help inform your experience and decide which varieties are the best for you.

6 dominant cannabis terpenes

These six common terpenes are easily the most dominant and widely recognized—and not just in the weed game. 

These “best” terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis products; they’re in citrus fruits, herbs, spices, and even beer. These compounds are an essential part of our world, gently providing the human body with the wellness benefits we naturally crave but don’t always actively seek out. 

The following six abundant terpenes don’t just amplify the collective cannabis experience—they improve our daily lives with their therapeutic effects, whether or not THC was part of the equation. That being said, let’s focus on how these six smash hits affect the cannabis plant and its potential benefits. 

Alpha-Pinene

Found in dill, basil, rosemary, parsley, and, unsurprisingly, pine trees, alpha-pinene is well-known for its pain-relieving, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also recognized for boosting memory function, soothing respiratory issues, and reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

In addition to cannabis, alpha-pinene is present in insect repellants, cleaning solvents, fragrances, and essential oils. Cannabis lovers will find it in strains like Durban Poison, Harlequin, and White Runtz.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Known as the “spicy” cannabinoid, beta-caryophyllene is herbal and earthy. It’s found in black pepper, cloves, musky perfumes, and essential oils. It’s known for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. OG Kush and California Sour Diesel both contain an abundance of this terpene.

Limonene

Limonene is common in lemon and citrus oils and is the second-most widely found terpene in nature. It is an antioxidant, anti-cancer cell, antiviral, and antidiabetic, and it is a go-to if you want to reduce inflammation. Limonene is found in strains like Wedding Cake, Lemon Diesel, and Emerald Fire OG.

Myrcene

The myrcene terpene is an earthy and herbal terpene found in hops, thyme, lemongrass, and mango. Studies show that myrcene has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. These effects are among the many health benefits of myrcene—something to keep in mind the next time you opt for myrcene-rich strains like Blueberry Muffin or Notorious T.H.C.

Ocimene

Ocimene terpene effects are hard to come by, as only small amounts of the compound appear in cannabis. You’ll have the most luck with Sour Apple or Purple Panty Dropper. In nature, ocimene is most present in hops, kumquats, basil, mangos, bergamot, lavender, and orchids. It has a sweet, floral, slightly woody scent and is a popular main ingredient among global perfumers. 

Terpinolene

Similar to ocimene, terpinolene is usually only found in trace amounts. It’s also woody and floral, and is commonly found in lilacs, tea tree oil, apples, nutmeg, and cumin. Terpinolene-dominant strains include Trainwreck, Purple Mountain Majesty, and Banana Mango, featuring effects like sedation, anxiety relief, and pain relief. 

8 minor cannabis terpenes

Although categorized as “minor,” these next eight terpenes still offer some major benefits and unique effects for consumers to enjoy.

3-Carene

A major component of pine tree essential oils, 3-carene relieves inflammation and supports bone health. 

Alpha-Terpinene and Gamma-terpinene

Terpinene is found in allspice, eucalyptus, citrus, juniper, tea tree, cardamom, and marjoram. It’s particularly recognized for reducing anxiety.

Beta-Pinene

Similar to its alpha counterpart, beta-pinene smells potently of pine. The beta-pinene terpene effects include antidepressant and anti-cancer properties. The compound is found in strains like Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and ChemDawg. 

Camphene

Pungent and herbal, camphene is found in mastic gum oil, several essential oils, and cannabis strains like ACDC, Ghost OG, and Banana Kush. 

Caryophyllene Oxide

A sesquiterpene epoxide with a sweet, dry, woody, and spicy flavor, caryophyllene oxide is commonly found in field wormwood, cinnamon, salt heliotrope, basil, and sticky sage. 

Fenchol

Fenchol is popular in the perfume and laundry detergent realm but is also common in strains like Banana Kush, Apple Fritter, or OG Kush. Its potential benefits include antioxidation and pain relief. 

Humulene

Commonly found in hops, humulene can be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and mildly sedative. You’ll find it concentrated in strains like Headband, Birthday Cake, or GS Cookies.

Terpineol

A prevalent terpene in Blue Dream, White Widow, and Fire OG, terpineol is great for relieving stress. It’s also commonly found in mainstream items like cardamom or pine oil. 

Cannabis terpenes chart

This cannabis terpene profile chart highlights the best of the best from these popular terps found in cannabis. It includes the different terpene effects and what varieties they’re often found in.

• Information provided is intended solely for educational purposes and cannot substitute for professional medical advice.