Terpene Guide

The Science of
Cannabis Aroma & Effect

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smells — and they do far more than smell good. They modulate cannabinoid effects, interact with receptors throughout the body, and drive the entourage effect. This guide covers 10 major terpenes with full research profiles.

10

Terpenes Profiled

30

Research Studies

200+

Terpenes in Cannabis

100%

Drive Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect

Terpenes don't just smell good — they actively modulate how cannabinoids work. Myrcene enhances THC sedation. Limonene counteracts THC-induced anxiety. Caryophyllene adds CB2 anti-inflammatory activity. Pinene counteracts THC memory impairment. This synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids is called the entourage effect, and it's why whole-plant cannabis often produces different effects than isolated cannabinoids. Understanding terpenes is essential to understanding cannabis.

All 10 Terpenes

🌿

C₁₀H₁₆

BP: 167°C

Myrcene

The most abundant cannabis terpene — earthy, sedating, and deeply relaxing.

EarthyMuskyHerbal
Relaxing · SedatingFull profile
🍋

C₁₀H₁₆

BP: 176°C

Limonene

Bright citrus aroma with mood-lifting, anti-anxiety, and antifungal properties.

CitrusLemonOrange
Uplifting · Anti-anxietyFull profile
🌶️

C₁₅H₂₄

BP: 130°C

Caryophyllene

The only terpene that directly activates cannabinoid receptors — a dietary cannabinoid.

SpicyPepperyWoody
Anti-inflammatory · Pain ReliefFull profile
💜

C₁₀H₁₈O

BP: 198°C

Linalool

Lavender's signature terpene — calming, sleep-promoting, and anticonvulsant.

FloralLavenderSweet
Calming · Sleep-promotingFull profile
🌲

C₁₀H₁₆

BP: 155°C

Alpha-Pinene

The scent of pine forests — bronchodilating, memory-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory.

PineFreshWoody
Alertness · Memory EnhancementFull profile
🌸

C₁₀H₁₆

BP: 186°C

Terpinolene

Complex, multifaceted aroma with sedating and antioxidant properties.

FreshPineyFloral
Sedating · AntioxidantFull profile
🍺

C₁₅H₂₄

BP: 106°C

Humulene

Hops' signature terpene — appetite-suppressing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.

HoppyEarthyWoody
Anti-inflammatory · Appetite SuppressionFull profile
🌺

C₁₀H₁₆

BP: 100°C

Ocimene

Sweet, tropical aroma with antiviral, antifungal, and decongestant properties.

SweetHerbalWoody
Uplifting · AntiviralFull profile
🌼

C₁₅H₂₆O

BP: 153°C

Alpha-Bisabolol

Chamomile's calming compound — skin-healing, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory.

FloralSweetChamomile
Skin-healing · Anti-irritantFull profile
🌹

C₁₅H₂₆O

BP: 122°C

Nerolidol

Deep, woody-floral aroma with sedating, antiparasitic, and skin-penetrating properties.

WoodyFloralCitrus
Sedating · AntiparasiticFull profile