Cannabis Terpenes Chart & Guide for Beginners

Like wine and cigars, each cannabis strain possesses unique aromas. Some are invigorating, while others can make you wrinkle your nose. These aromas that hit your nose hairs are partly the result of chemical compounds called terpenes.

This article discusses what terpenes are, which are the most common in commercial cannabis strains, and how to use a terpene chart to help you find cultivars that are more likely to get you the desired effects.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, and terpenoids are oxygen-containing terpenes. Both terpenes and terpenoids can be found in the essential oils of plants. As we’re learning, terpenes may play an important role in defining the therapeutic and mood-altering effects of your favorite cannabis strains. 

Terpenes and terpenoids exist in different categories based on how many isoprene units they consist of. The most common in cannabis are mono- and sesqui-terpenes and terpenoids.¹ Some examples of various terpene categories include:

• Monoterpenoids - Linalool, Geraniol, and Cineole (Eucalyptol)
• Sesquiterpenoids - Bisabolol
• Monoterpenes - Myrcene, Limonene, Phellandrene
• Sesquiterpenes - Pinene, Humulene, Farnesene

In cannabis, terpenes are found in the trichomes, which are resin-filled bulbous sticky hairs found primarily on the flowers of the plant. More specifically, monoterpenes are found within the stalked granular trichomes found on the prominent cannabis buds, and sesquiterpenes are found within the sessile trichomes found on the sugar leaves.²

Research on how the body interacts with terpenes, especially in relation to cannabis, is still in the early stages. The theory is that terpenes work closely with the rest of the cannabis plant’s chemical makeup (cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other compounds). This synchronicity gives users a unique experience with each strain, known as the entourage effect or, more accurately, the ensemble effect.

Terpenes can be isolated and used in products like cleaning solvents, pesticides, and dyes. Think of aromas like pine (Pinesol cleaner contains the terpene pinene). They can also be isolated in specific cannabis products like edibles to help achieve the desired effect. 

Terpenes are not unique or exclusive to cannabis. Some of the most popular terpenes for non-cannabis consumers are:

• Valencene—This terpene is the primary terpene of the Valencia orange and has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antioxidant properties, and more.³
• Borneol—This terpene is found in cinnamon and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions. Research has since quantified the potential pain-relieving benefits of this terpene.⁴ Interestingly, borneol has also been suggested to increase the absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream; however, more research is needed.⁵
• Eucalyptol—This terpene, also known as cineole, is found in the eucalyptus tree, as well as in herbs like rosemary.⁶

While these terpenes and terpenoids have diverse functions that contribute to the flavor and aroma profile of each plant, compounds called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and other non-terpenoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been indicated as playing a more significant role in the aroma of cannabis than previously thought.⁷

What are the Common Cannabis Terpenes?

The cannabis plant contains over 150 different terpenes. Most research on terpene effects has focused on single, isolated terpenes used in higher quantities than consumers will find in commercially available strains.

A few of the most common terpenes are:

• Myrcene—Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis and is particularly high in strains like Grand Daddy Purple, OG Kush, Jack Herer, and Soul Diesel. Myrcene is also found in plants like hops and lemongrass and is known for causing sedative effects in higher doses.⁸
• Caryophyllene—This terpene is found in black pepper, hops, cloves, oregano, and basil. It has a robust, woodsy odor. Studies have been done on caryophyllene’s anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid gastrointestinal issues like nausea.^3,9 In cannabis, you can find caryophyllene in strains like Zkittles, Bubba Kush, GG4, and Blue Dream.
• Limonene—Limonene is one of the most recognizable terpenes found mainly in citrus fruits; it is regularly added to fragrances, soaps, and foods. Limonene has been studied for its ability to relieve depression, anxiety, nausea, and pain.^2,10,11

What is a Terpene Chart?

Some brands offer consumers a list of the top terpenes in each product, known as the terpene profile. This profile, along with the cannabinoid content, can give users an idea of how the strain will interact with their body.

A terpene chart is a valuable supplement to help medical cannabis patients and recreational consumers understand terpenes and their possible effects on the body. 

The following terpene chart will give you an idea of how terpenes may affect your cannabis experience.

Cannabis Terpenes Chart: Frequently Asked Questions

Do terpenes get you high by themselves?

Terpenes are not the compounds in cannabis responsible for the intoxicating effects you feel when consuming, as they do not activate the CB1 receptors in the brain. Beta-caryophyllene is the only known terpene that has been identified as having the ability to act on the CB2 receptors, which do not create the intoxicating high felt with cannabis.¹²

What is the difference between terpenes and terpenoids?

Terpenes and terpenoids are found within the cannabis plant and are similar in their chemical structure. In addition, they both have potential therapeutic benefits that require further study. The main difference is that terpenes are simple hydrocarbons, and terpenoids are oxygenated hydrocarbons where methyl groups are moved or removed.¹ 

How are terpenes different from CBD?

Both terpenes and CBD are non-intoxicating chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are, however, many differences between the two. 

CBD is one of over 150 cannabinoids found only in the cannabis plant, along with THC. CBD has no smell and modulates the endocannabinoid system by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors.

Terpenes are chemical compounds that help provide plants with flavor and smell and may help guide the effects of a cannabis cultivar. They interact with a variety of different receptors in the human body, but with the exception of beta-caryophyllene, they do not directly interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Beta-caryophyllene is the terpene most similar to CBD, as they both interact with the CB2 receptors.¹²

How do you get the most terpene when growing?

The terpene content of each strain or cultivar can vary from grow to grow. Several factors can impact terpenes, including:

• The quality of the genetics,
• Soil type and quality,
• Lighting,
• Whether or not plants are flushed,
• Harvest time,
• And post-harvest care, including cure and trim.

Can terpenes be affected during curing and processing?

Terpenes are located in the buds’ trichomes and can easily be lost during the process of drying and curing. Processing of the nugs can also result in a loss of terpenes. 

There are several different processes for extracting terpenes from the cannabis plant. Making distillate involves stripping the plant of everything, including terpenes, and leaving only the THC. Live resin concentrates are extracted from fresh, frozen flowers, which preserves terpenes before extracting any oil. Solventless extractions also preserve the full terpene and cannabinoid of the original cultivar.

How do you preserve terpenes for stored cannabis?

Once the nugs are packaged for purchase, customers can help preserve the terpene content in a few ways. 

First, it is important to be mindful of the packaging date. Weed has a relatively long shelf life—some say up to a year. However, due to terpenes' volatile nature, older weed will likely have lost some of its original terpene content. All cannabis products on legal shelves have a harvest and package date.

After the original package is opened, it is essential to maintain good moisture content. Be careful not to expose the nugs to too much moisture, light, or air. This can cause the weed to become overly dry or overly moist. Dry weed can result in a loss of terpenes (as well as flavor, aroma, and desired effects), while weed that's too moist can be challenging to burn and grind and may present an increased risk for mold. 

A few tricks and tools, including how you store your weed, can help keep the nugs at their best. UV-protected, airtight jars or a humidor can be excellent storage units for cannabis flowers. You can also purchase humidity packs that you can throw in the jar to help maintain proper moisture.

Only purchase and grind what you need—buying and grinding more than what you plan to consume risks exposing your flower to too many outside elements that can deteriorate the terpene content.

Resources

1. Masyita A, Mustika Sari R, Dwi Astuti A, et al. Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives. Food Chem X. 2022;13:100217. Published 2022 Jan 19. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100217 ↩︎
2. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792 ↩︎
3. Zhang LL, Chen Y, Li ZJ, Fan G, Li X. Production, Function, and Applications of the Sesquiterpenes Valencene and Nootkatone: a Comprehensive Review. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(1):121-142. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07543 ↩︎
4. Wang S, Zhang D, Jinsheng H, et al. A clinical and mechanistic study of topical borneol‐induced analgesia. Embo Molecular Medicine. 2017;9(6):802-815. doi:https://doi.org/10.15252/emmm.201607300 ↩︎
5. Zhang QL, Fu BM, Zhang ZJ. Borneol, a novel agent that improves central nervous system drug delivery by enhancing blood-brain barrier permeability. Drug Deliv. 2017;24(1):1037-1044. doi:10.1080/10717544.2017.1346002 ↩︎
6. Hoch CC, Petry J, Griesbaum L, et al. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): A versatile phytochemical with therapeutic applications across multiple diseases. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;167:115467-115467. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115467 ↩︎
7. Paryani TR, Sosa ME, Michael, et al. Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics. ACS omega. Published online June 19, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225 ↩︎
8. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666 ↩︎
9. Shim HI, Song DJ, Shin CM, et al. Inhibitory Effects of β-caryophyllene on Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Randomized Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Korean J Gastroenterol. 2019;74(4):199-204. doi:10.4166/kjg.2019.74.4.199 ↩︎
10. Yavari Kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H. The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360 ↩︎
11. Liktor-Busa E, Keresztes A, LaVigne J, Streicher JM, Largent-Milnes TM. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa. Pharmacological Reviews. 2021;73(4):98-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/pharmrev.120.000046 ↩︎
12. Cavalli J, Dutra RC. A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward. Neural Regen Res. 2021;16(7):1433-1435. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.301011 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.