Key Takeaways
- Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its signature scents—from citrus to pine to lavender—and they also play a major role in how different strains make you feel.
- The “entourage effect” explains how terpenes and cannabinoids work together, meaning the combined compounds in cannabis may produce stronger or more well-rounded effects than any one compound on its own.
- Five major terpenes—Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, Linalool, and Caryophyllene—each offer distinct aromas and reported benefits, ranging from relaxation and sedation (Myrcene, Linalool) to alertness (Pinene) to mood-boosting (Limonene) to anti-inflammatory effects (Caryophyllene).
- Caryophyllene stands out as the only terpene known to directly bind to CB2 receptors, giving it unique potential for non-psychoactive pain and inflammation relief.
- Understanding terpene profiles helps consumers choose strains that fit their desired experience, whether they want calm, focus, energy, or relief—making exploration, scent testing, and consulting budtenders valuable parts of the process.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, responsible for their characteristic smells. Think of the distinct aromas of pine needles, lavender, citrus fruits, and even the earthy aroma of cannabis. But terpenes do more than just provide pleasant scents; they also interact with our bodies to produce various effects.
The Entourage Effect
In cannabis, terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids—chemical compounds like THC, CBD, and dozens of others—and the brain’s receptors to create what’s known as the “entourage effect.” This is the theory that the complex interplay between all these different compounds influences the overall experience of consuming cannabis. The synergistic pairing of THC and CBD is a well-known example of this effect, but the theory applies to all cannabinoid and terpene combinations within the plant. In short, when taken together, the compounds in cannabis may work to produce a better effect than when taken alone.
Common Terpenes and Their Effects
Here’s a quick guide to the common terpenes discussed in this post.
| Terpene | Aroma | Found In | Reported Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, herbal, fruity (like mango) | Cannabis, mangoes, hops, lemongrass, thyme, basil | Relaxing, sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) |
| Limonene | Strong citrus (lemon, orange) | Cannabis, citrus rinds, juniper, peppermint | Uplifting, mood-boosting, stress relief, anti-anxiety, digestive aid |
| Pinene | Sharp, fresh pine, woody | Cannabis, pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill, conifer trees | Alertness, memory aid, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator (opens airways) |
| Linalool | Floral, sweet, lavender, hint of spice | Cannabis, lavender, coriander, rosewood, birch bark | Calming, anti-anxiety, sedative, pain-dulling |
| Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery, woody, clove | Cannabis, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-anxiety, gastro-protective |
Myrcene
This is often the most abundant terpene found in cannabis. Myrcene is known for an earthy, musky, and slightly fruity aroma, reminiscent of mangoes or hops. Beyond cannabis, it’s plentiful in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, and basil. It’s the terpene most associated with the relaxing and sedative “couchlock” effects of indica strains, and it’s also studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxant, and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties.
Limonene
As the name suggests, Limonene boasts a powerful citrusy aroma of lemons and oranges. It’s a dominant terpene in the rinds of citrus fruits and is also found in juniper and peppermint. Limonene is commonly associated with sativa strains and is linked to uplifting and mood-boosting effects. It’s often used in aromatherapy to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Research has also pointed to its potential for providing digestive support, such as for acid reflux.
Pinene
Pinene has the unmistakable aroma of a fresh pine forest. It’s the most common terpene in the natural world, found in pine needles, conifer trees, rosemary, basil, and dill. Unlike the sedative Myrcene, Pinene is reported to promote alertness, focus, and memory retention. It’s also being researched for its potential as an anti-inflammatory and a bronchodilator, which means it may help open airways.
Linalool
This terpene is responsible for the calming, floral scent of lavender. It has a sweet, floral, and slightly spicy aroma. Besides lavender, it’s also present in coriander and rosewood. Linalool is world-renowned in aromatherapy for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects. It’s widely studied for its potential to act as a sedative, aiding sleep, and for its pain-dulling properties.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene (or Beta-Caryophyllene) delivers a spicy, peppery, and woody aroma. It’s the characteristic scent of black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, and it’s also found in oregano. Caryophyllene is unique because it’s the only terpene known to also act as a cannabinoid, binding directly to the body’s CB2 receptors. This action gives it significant potential as a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent without any psychoactive effects.
Exploring Terpenes
- Read Strain Descriptions: Pay attention to the terpenes listed in the strain description to get an idea of its potential effects.
- Smell the Flower: Take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the cannabis flower. The dominant terpenes will often be evident in the scent.
- Experiment with Different Strains: Try different strains with varying terpene profiles to discover what works best for you.
- Consult with a Budtender: Our knowledgeable Budtenders can help you select strains with terpene profiles that align with your desired effects.
Going Beyond the (Cannabis) Buzz
Understanding terpenes can enhance your cannabis experience by allowing you to choose strains that align with your desired effects and preferences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, focus, or an uplifting mood boost, terpenes play a crucial role in shaping your cannabis journey.
At Budr Cannabis, we’re passionate about educating our customers about the fascinating world of terpenes. Visit our dispensary or explore our website to learn more about our wide selection of strains and their unique terpene profiles.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Sources:
Nama CBD. (2024). Understanding caryophyllene | Effects of cannabis terpenes.
Royal Queen Seeds. (n.d.). Myrcene: A Stoning Terpene With Big Potential.
Verywell Health. (2024). The Benefits of Limonene Beyond Its Aroma.
Leafly. (2023). What is pinene and what does this cannabis terpene do?
Dr. Axe. (2025). What Is Linalool? Benefits, Sources + How to Use It.
Cantourage Clinic. (n.d.). Caryophyllene: Everything you need to know.
