The Ten Most Popular Terpenes in Cannabis Plants

The cannabis plant is comprised of a variety of compounds, all of which come together to make cannabis one of the biggest alternatives to conventional medicine. Within cannabis, you’ll find essential oils, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes. 

While each of these categories of compounds contributes its own set of health benefits, terpenes are one of the most fascinating aspects of cannabis. They also happen to be some of the least understood components of the marijuana plant, so today, we hope to clear up any and all misunderstandings related to terpenes! 

Before we dive into the specifics, it is important that we define terpenes from a general perspective. Terpenes are organic compounds – more specifically, they are oils – that are entirely responsible for the aroma of cannabis. 

For starters, there are ten terpenes that are widely recognized in the cannabis plant. These ten compounds are… 

• Alpha-Humulene 

• Alpha-Pinene 

• Beta-Caryophyllene

• Eucalyptol 

• Geraniol 

• Limonene 

• Linalool 

• Myrcene 

• Ocimene 

• Terpinolene 

Along with adding such a distinguishable scent, terpenes also add a layer of relaxation or energy, depending on which terpenes are being consumed. As you can imagine, the specific scent that each cannabis strain emits will depend on the concentration of terpenes in that particular strain. Here are the details of each of these ten prominent terpenes in cannabis! 

Alpha-Humulene 

Also found in many fermented beers, alpha-humulene presents as an earthy scent, like the smell of freshly laid dirt. Imagine the scent of soil paired with an IPA, and you have a very similar concept of what the terpene alpha-humulene smells like. 

When you consume a cannabis product that contains alpha-humulene, you can expect to feel less hungry than normal, seeing as alpha-humulene is known for suppressing your appetite and quieting hunger cues.

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-pinene is an easy terpene to remember the scent of because one of the most prominent smells in this terpene is actually part of its name! Well-known for the way it mimics the smell of trees, alpha-pinene is commonly mistaken for a pine tree. 

Alpha-pinene is highly revered for its assistance in helping people with breathing problems. The terpene, alpha-pinene, is classified as a bronchodilator, meaning that the terpene naturally improves your ability to breathe. If you have trouble breathing on your own, like people with asthma, then alpha-pinene could drastically improve the quality of your lungs.

Beta-Caryophyllene

If pepper was a terpene, it would be one by the name of beta-caryophyllene. Pair the peppery aroma with the scent of cloves and you'll have an exact replica of the smell so strongly associated with beta-caryophyllene. From its natural ability to relieve pain and protect your internal systems, to its antioxidant properties and the way it fights against inflammation, beta-caryophyllene is one of the most healing terpenes. 

Eucalyptol 

Are you familiar with lotions and candles that are infused with essential oils? If so, it's highly probable that you've picked up products that contain eucalyptus and tea tree oils. Eucalyptol smells like a combination of these two scents, and as an all-natural terpene, eucalyptol is used to treat many non-life-threatening illnesses, from viruses to bacterial infections and more.

Geraniol 

Whenever you see the terpene called geraniol, just think of the word geranium because it perfectly describes the aroma of geraniol! Since it has such a light floral aroma to it, geraniol is adapted into the formulas of many perfumes and fragrances on the market. You'll often find geraniol in the ingredients list of many lotions, seeing as this terpene is known for its moisturizing and protective abilities.

Limonene 

Even though the official name of this terpene is limonene, we might as well call it lemonene because it smells exactly like lemons! Also comparable to other citruses, limonene works marvelously well as a supplement for people who endure symptoms of depression and low moods in general.

Linalool 

Linalool creates more of a floral and light scent. This terpene will seem eerily familiar to people who know what lavender smells like. Also similar to minty scents and earthy aromas, the terpene, linalool, alleviates anxiety-provoking sensations and promotes relaxation.

Myrcene 

The terpene known as myrcene is similar in nature to beta-caryophyllene because it also smells nearly identical to pepper. The very nose-tickling scent of myrcene is reminiscent of pepper mixed with a generic herbal smell. Not only does myrcene play a key role in relieving symptoms of chronic pain, but it also serves as a source of antioxidants. 

Ocimene 

As a terpene that stands out from the rest, ocimene is sweeter than you would imagine. Rightfully so, the scent of ocimene is often equated to tropical fruits, such as guavas and mangoes. Just like alpha-humulene, ocimene is often incorporated into various IPA brands as well. This terpene works to fight against viruses, fungi, and inflammation in our bodies!

Terpinolene

Many terpenes smell just like a wide array of trees, and terpinolene is no exception to this trend. Both floral and woodsy, terpinolene is another terpene that is more commonly categorized as sedative than energetic. It is more likely that you'd find a higher concentration of terpinolene within a CBD-heavy strain of can