All About Primary Cannabis Terpenes: Benefits, Effects & Aromas

Crack open a jar of your favorite cannabis strain, take a whiff, and exhale – what do you smell? Odds are that you’ll pick up on notes of fruit, herbs, spices, and sometimes something a bit pungent. No matter what kind of cannabis you’re using, you can thank its terpenes for its unique smell and taste. Understanding all of the primary cannabis terpenes you might encounter and how they can benefit you makes it much easier to choose a strain that’s suited to your needs.

The Basics: What Are Terpenes?

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Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds that can be found in a wide variety of plants (and sometimes even animals). They’re responsible for creating the taste, aroma, and sometimes the colors that we associate with different plants. 

These compounds are also the foundation of aromatherapy. Different terpenes have been found to have special health benefits for humans individually and in combination with each other. 

In cannabis, terpenes are found alongside cannabinoids like CBD and THC. They can serve many functions, such as repelling insects and animal grazers or preventing fungus from taking over a plant. That’s right, those oh-so-tempting aromas have a practical purpose!

Even in small amounts, terpenes also make a difference by contributing to what’s known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect suggests that the effects of THC, CBD, and other parts of the cannabis plant affect the body more significantly when other compounds are present. For example, consuming CBD isolate likely won’t create as well-rounded or intense of effects as consuming full-spectrum CBD, which also contains terpenes and other cannabinoids. 

Want the full scoop on terpenes and their potential therapeutic properties? Check out our Ultimate Terpenes Guide to become an expert on what’s inside your cannabis.

Types of Cannabis Terpenes: Primary vs. Secondary

Of the more than 200 varieties of terpenes in cannabis, there are 11 primary terpenes and about 20 secondary terpenes. A “primary” terpene, in this case, is one that’s found abundantly in cannabis and significantly affects how it smells and tastes. Secondary terpenes are less common and usually exist in very small concentrations, if at all. 

Introducing the Top 5 Cannabis Terpenes

Of the nearly one dozen primary cannabis terpenes, there are a few that rise to the top in terms of popularity and prevalence. Let’s take a look at the five most common terpenes found in cannabis as well as their effects.

1. Myrcene

The king of all terps is myrcene, the most common terpene in cannabis. Myrcene levels are so important that they dictate whether a strain has an indica- or sativa-like effect. Strains containing 0.5% myrcene or more tend to be calming, while strains with less than 0.5% myrcene often create energizing effects. 

Properties:

• Aroma: Herbal, Earthy, Diesel, Spicy
• Effects: Sedating effects, antioxidant properties, and treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation

Also Found In:

• Thyme, hops, lemongrass, citrus, mangoes

2. Pinene

Pinene is another one of the most common naturally occurring terpenes; it’s what gives cannabis that familiar, natural odor. But that’s not all pinene brings to the table – it can also potentially help with treating asthma, pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even cancer. It’s also been known to have antidepressant and other therapeutic properties.

Properties:

• Aroma: Pine, Earthy, Herbal
• Effects: Boosts alertness and memory retention, supports clear breathing and lowers pain, inflammation, and anxiety

Also Found In:

• Pine trees, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

3. Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the only terpene with scientific evidence that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system through the CB2 receptors to provide anti-inflammatory effects. It’s usually one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis products, and it gives your flower a deep, spicy scent that’s hard to miss. 

Properties:

• Aroma: Pepper, Spicy, Woodsy
• Effects: Relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and ulcers

Also Found In:

• Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon 

4. Limonene

Limonene is the dominant terpene in strains with a pronounced sativa effect. It also aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and mucous membranes. Its light, refreshing scent perfectly matches its effects, which tend to be uplifting and energizing.

Properties:

• Aroma: Citrus, Fruity, Sweet
• Effects: Reduces pain, inflammation, and depression; has anti-anxiety, anti-cancer, and stress-relieving properties

Also Found In:

• Citrus fruit rinds, juniper, rosemary, peppermint

5. Terpinolene

Only about 1 in 10 strains of cannabis are terpinolene-dominant. This floral and earthy terpene is believed to have antioxidant and anticancer effects, though more research into its impact on human brains is needed.

Properties:

• Aroma: Floral, Herbal, Pine
• Effects: Uplifting yet relaxing

Also Found In:

• Lilacs, nutmeg, cumin

More Primary Cannabis Terpenes: Benefits & Use Cases

We know that of the over 100 terpenes found in the cannabis plant, 11 have been identified as primary terpenes. So far, we’ve covered the top five. Now, let’s take a look at the other primary cannabis terpenes that you might encounter in your favorite strains.

Linalool

Linalool is a floral-scented terpene with properties that help reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. It can be found in hundreds of plants and is one of the building blocks of vitamin E. Its anti-microbial properties help linalool protect plants, which is part of why it has become so widespread in different types of flora. 

Research suggests that linalool can influence the brain and help block certain receptors while enhancing other sedatives. That means that it’s an ideal terpene to look for if you’re looking to target symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain.  

Properties:

• Aroma: Floral, Sweet, Herbal
• Effects: Anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties; may help treat symptoms of chronic pain, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease

Also Found In:

• Lavender, cinnamon, rosewood, mint, citrus fruits

Ocimene

Ociemene’s naturally pleasant odor acts as a built-in defense for plants that contain it. In some strains, ocimene lends its citrusy, sweet, and earthy aroma and taste to the equation. The terpene smells so good, in fact,  that it’s often used in heavy concentrations in perfumes and aromatherapy. 

While ocimene’s benefits are not all fully understood, we can say that it tends to help fight inflammation and improve your mood. 

Properties:

• Aroma: Sweet, Floral, Citrus
• Effects: Anti-inflammatory properties; uplifting, motivating effects

Also Found In:

• Orchids, mint

Geraniol

Geraniol is another common perfume component that has a rose and floral scent. It may come as no surprise that it is found in geraniums, which are known for insect-repelling properties. This is another terpene that can bring a sweet aroma to cannabis, but you can also find it as a primary ingredient in citronella oil, a common mosquito repellant. 

Like many other terpenes, geraniol has antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.  As with the others, the magic is when it is combined with other terpenes that create the overall health advantages of the cannabis plant.

Properties:

• Aroma: Sweet, Floral
• Effects: Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties

Also Found In:

• Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, lemongrass, carrots

Humulene

Humulene is an herbaceous terpene that mixes earthy, spicy, and woodsy aroma notes together into something reminiscent of hoppy beer. It’s known for its ability to fight inflammation and promote whole-body relaxation.

Properties:

• Aroma: Spicy, Herbal
• Effects: Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties; relief from chronic pain, stress, and insomnia

Also Found In:

• Hops, ginseng, sage

Terpineol

This sedating and relaxing terpene is great for promoting good sleep and relief from stress and anxiety. Research suggests that terpineol may even have antidepressant-like properties when it interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Properties:

• Aroma: Floral, Woodsy, Earthy
• Effects: Relaxing and stress-relieving properties, sedative-like effects

Also Found In:

• Pine oil, cardamom, rosemary, sage

Valencene

Named after the sweet and tasty Valencia orange, valencene is a light and fruity terpene that helps boost your mood while stimulating the mind.

Properties:

• Aroma: Fruity, Citrus, Sweet
• Effects: Promotes alertness and improved cognitive function; euphoria-inducing and mood-elevating effects

Also Found In:

• Valencia oranges, grapefruit, nectarines, tangerines, mangos

What About Secondary Cannabis Terpenes?

The 20 “secondary” terpenes found in the cannabis plant are too numerous to list and discuss all at once. They all exist in relatively low quantities, but they can still have a potentially significant therapeutic value. Some of the most well-known secondary terpenes include:

• Phytol
• Isoborneol
• Eucalyptol
• Borneol
• Camphor
• Cedrene

Final Thoughts

Terpenes are a natural and important part of all plants, including cannabis. They have developed in plants as part of their evolution to survive over thousands of years. The primary cannabis terpenes we’ve discussed here are naturally designed to interact with each other in amazing ways. These interactions with many functions of the human body, including the human endocannabinoid system, can lead to a host of positive effects, from pain relief to boosted energy levels.

Ready to start experimenting with different terpenes and their effects? Try out some different cannabis strains to explore how different terpene profiles shape your experience. Not sure where to get started? Contact us at any time for advice and a free consultation!