The Most Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis

You know cannabis is amazing for you in a million different ways. But you probably don’t know a lot about cannabis “terpenes.” What the heck are they? They’re fragrant oils that give each strain its distinct taste and familiar scent. It’s why when you buy some fresh new Sour Diesel, you can instantly enjoy its diesel-like odor. Or when your friend is smoking some dank Cat Piss, you can definitely smell it. From like a mile away. But common terpenes are also found in fruits, herbs, and different plants. Fun fact: When drug-sniffing dogs go searching for cannabis, they’re smelling the terpenes, not the THC. Terpenes are not unique to weed, and scientists have identified over 100 so far. Here are some of the most common terpenes!

Myrcene

Not only do common terpenes give strains nice smells and tastes, they also have a variety of unique benefits. Myrcene, for instance, is great for curing insomnia and getting you to sleep at night. It’s also found in parsley, cardamom, and wild thyme, and mango, just to name a few.

Myrcene has a musky, earthy smell to it, and is commonly used in the perfume industry to make different scents. It’s also commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and as a pain reliever. To smoke some, try strains like Pure Kush and Warlock CBD.

Delta 3 Carene

It’s got a space-age name, but this terpene is commonly found in dozens of cannabis plants here on earth. With a piney, sweet, and woodsy scent and taste to it, this terpene is excellent at drying you up. Literally.

Researchers have discovered that Delta 3 Carene can dry tears, a runny nose, sweat, or even a heavy menstrual flow. It’s also used as an anti-inflammatory. However, it can also cause common smoker’s dry mouth and eyes. Delta 3 Carene is found in rosemary, cedar resin, and pine.

Limonene

You can find Limonene inside the rinds of many different fruits and flowers. It has a distinct citrus smell and flavor, and has been known to help with weight loss, bronchitis, and even cancer treatment and prevention.

It’s also used as an anti-fungal and anti-depressant. Did you know that the delicious sativa-dominant strain, Super Lemon Haze, gets its name from the lovely smell of Limonene?

Caryophyllene

Research shows that Caryophyllene may be useful in treating anxiety and depression. It’s peppery, spicy, and woody in taste, so it makes sense that it’s found in things like black pepper and clove. When used as a topical, Caryophyllene helps to treat inflammation and pain. It’s also a cousin of hops, which is used to make beer.

Linalool

Found in many spring flowers and spice plants, Linalool has anti-anxiety, anti-inflamatory, and sedative properties. It’s not only a wonderful source of aromatherapy, it can help put you to sleep after a long and stressful day. An amazing study found that Linalool can even be used to treat liver cancer. If you want a strain high in it, try Amnesia Haze, which has about 1% of this terpene.

Alpha Bisabolol

Here’s another floral strain that’ll have you dreaming of lovely spring days. Alpha Bisabolol is found in chamomile, and can be used to fight bacteria, heal wounds, and treat inflammation. The terpene is also commonly found in tons of body repair and moisturizing lotions, as it has a gentle flowery scent that isn’t too overpowering. Try smoking some Oracle to get a good idea of how it effects the mind and body.

Eucalyptol

Commonly used as a cooking spice, Eucalyptol is a common terpene that has a minty, refreshing, and spicy taste to it. As its name suggests, you can find it eucalyptus. When made into an essential oil, eucalyptus can be be very balancing and stimulating. When smoked (there’s a lot of it in strains like Super Silver Haze), this terpene can provoke some truly creative thoughts. It’s found in a variety of mouthwash, cough suppressants, and body powders.

Pinene

One of the most common terpenes is Pinene, which you can find in dill, rosemary, pine needles, sage, and hops. Like the name implies, it’s a very familiar pine needle-y smelling terpene, and has been known to counteract THC. It’s also used to help with memory, which is why plants like rosemary and sage are called “memory plants.” Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, scientists found Pinene in sixteen different cannabis plants.