Have you ever experienced the uplifting zing of biting into a lemon rind? Or the soothing effects of a lavender bath bomb? What about cannabis that smelled just like pine trees?
Terpenes are organic chemical compounds produced by plants. Used as a defense mechanism against animals, bugs and pathogens, terpenes are produced by many plants, especially citrus trees and conifers, and are responsible for their signature aromas.
In the weed plant’s resinous, sticky flowers are particularly high levels of terpenes. Together with cannabinoids, these aromatic compounds help dictate the high you experience from consuming the flower.
For example, the terpene limonene, found in lemons, other citrus, and many strains of cannabis, creates an uplifting experience, whether you’re smelling a lemon rind or smoking lemon haze.
Terpene Table
Here are some common terpenes found in cannabis, and their associated effects:
Bisabolol
Aroma: Nutty · Fruity · Herbal
Boiling Point: 597°F
Effects: Enhances skin absorption
Found In: Chamomile, sage
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Camphene
Aroma: Fir Needles · Woody Earth
Boiling Point: 318°F
Effects: Uplifting or relaxing
Found In: Rosemary, Vicks VapoRub
Benefits: Antibacterial, antiseptic
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Pepper · Woody · Spicy
Boiling Point: 246°F
Effects: May help feeling “too high”
Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-anxiety
Cymene
Aroma: Woody · Spicy · Sweet
Boiling Point: 350°F
Effects: Energizing, anti-inflammatory
Found In: Thyme, anise, marjoram
Benefits: Mood disorders, anti-bacterial
Eucalyptol
Aroma: Minty · Cool
Boiling Point: 349°F
Effects: Cooling, relaxing, relieving
Found In: Eucalyptus tree, camphor
Benefits: Pain relief, sinus pressure relief
Geraniol
Aroma: Floral · Fruity
Boiling Point: 446°F
Effects: Calming
Found In: Lemon, tobacco, citronella oil
Benefits: Neuroprotectant, antibiotic
Humulene
Aroma: Ginger · Ginseng
Boiling Point: 529°F
Effects: Appetite suppressant
Found In: Hops, clove, sage, black pepper
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Limonene
Aroma: Lemon · Orange
Boiling Point: 350°F
Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
Found In: Citrus, juniper, peppermint
Benefits: Anti-depressant, gastric reflux
Linalool
Aroma: Floral · Citrus
Boiling Point: 388°F
Effects: Sedating, calming
Found In: Lavender, laurel, citrus
Benefits: Anti-depressant
Myrcene
Aroma: Sweet · Musk · Cloves
Boiling Point: 330°F
Effects: Sedating, relaxing
Found In: Mango, basil, lemongrass
Benefits: Antiseptic, anti-insomnia
Nerolidol
Aroma: Rose · Citrus · Apple
Boiling Point: 529°F
Effects: Relaxing, enhances skin absorption
Found In: Ginger, jasmine, lemongrass
Benefits: Anti-parasitic, anti-fungal
Ocimene
Aroma: Herbaceous · Sweet · Woody
Boiling Point: 347°F
Effects: Energizing
Found In: Mint, orchids, bergamot
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral
Pinene
Aroma: Pine · Sweet
Boiling Point: 312°F
Effects: Alertness, memory retention
Found In: Rosemary, orange peel, basil
Benefits: Asthma, arthritis suppressant
Terpineol
Aroma: Floral · Apple
Boiling Point: 423°F
Effects: Relaxing, sedative
Found In: Lilac, pine and orange trees
Benefits: Antibiotic, antioxidant
Terpinolene
Aroma: Lemon peel · Pine · Floral
Boiling Point: 365°F
Effects: Sedative or energizing
Found In: Nutmeg, tea tree oil, apples
Benefits: Antibacterial, sleep enhancer
Valencene
Aroma: Citrus · Sweet · Woody
Boiling Point: 253°F
Effects: Bug repellant, skin protectant
Found In: Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antifungal