One of the wonderful attributes of cannabis is that various strains lead to different types of experiences. While in a macro sense, those experiences can be broken down into Up = Sativa, Down = Indica & Hybrid = somewhere in-between, the role of terpenes in the actual effects is often significant.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and they impact not just how cannabis smells and tastes, but also how it affects your body and mind. While THC and CBD levels are promoted in dispensary marketing materials, terpenes actually help shape the overall experience of a strain — this is often referred to as the “entourage effect.”
Most Prevalent Terpenes in Cannabis
Here are some of the most common terpenes in cannabis and their typical effects:
- Myrcene
- Aroma: Earthy, musky, clove-like, with hints of fruit
- Effects: Sedating, relaxing — associated with the “couch-lock” effect
- Found in: Mango, thyme, lemongrass
- Limonene
- Aroma: Citrus (lemon, orange)
- Effects: Uplifting, mood-boosting, anti-anxiety
- Found in: Citrus rinds, juniper, peppermint
- Caryophyllene
- Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody
- Effects: Anti-inflammatory, potential pain relief — interestingly, it also interacts with CB2 receptors (like cannabinoids)
- Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
- Pinene
- Aroma: Pine, fresh forest
- Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory
- Found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
- Linalool
- Aroma: Floral, lavender
- Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sedative
- Found in: Lavender, coriander
- Humulene
- Aroma: Earthy, woody, spicy
- Effects: Appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory
- Found in: Hops, coriander, cloves
How Terpenes Influence Your High
- Entourage Effect: Terpenes work alongside THC and CBD to influence their effects. For example, a strain high in myrcene might feel more sedating, even if the THC content is the same as a more uplifting, limonene-rich strain.
- Mind-Body Balance: Terpenes can tip the balance of effects — whether the high feels more body-heavy, energizing, euphoric, focused, or mellow.
- Onset & Duration: Some terpenes may affect how quickly the effects are felt or how long they last.
Example Combos
- Energizing/Uplifting Strain: High in limonene + pinene
- Relaxing/Chill Strain: High in myrcene + linalool
- Balanced/Focused Strain: Caryophyllene + pinene
By paying attention to the terpene profile of the strains your selecting you can begin to figure out which terpene affects you favorably. :