Myrcene.
Smell:
earth, musk, skunk, slight fruit notes
Potential Effects:
Myrcene is known for its ability to help absorb cannabinoids, and may help with gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety.
The terpene often produces enhanced calm and euphoria.
Found in: OG Kush, Blue Dream, mango, thyme, hops.
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, which is where it’s mostly found in nature. In fact, one study showed that myrcene makes up as much as 65% of total terpene profile in some strains.
Myrcene smell often reminds of earthy, musky notes, resembling cloves. Also, it has a fruity, red grape-like aroma.
Strains that contain 0.5% of this terpene are usually indicas with sedative effects. It has also been reported that myrcene is useful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain, which is why it’s usually recommended as a supplement during cancer treatments.
Pro tip:
If you want to experience a stronger buzz from marijuana, get yourself a mango and eat it about 45 minutes before smoking.
Mango contains significant amount of myrcene, so eating it before consuming cannabis will strengthen the effects of THC and increase its absorption rate.
Limonene
The name speaks for itself - this terpene is extremely common as a flavoring agent in foods and cosmetics.
Smell: zesty citrus, lemon
Potential Effects: may provide anxiety relief, stress management, heartburn, etc.
Found in: Sour Kush, Inferno OG, OG Kush, citrus fruit, rosemary, maple, cedar.
Pinene
Pinene is one of the most researched terpenes, as well as one of the most common.
Smell: pine
Potential Effects: bronchodilator (widens the airways), antidepressant, antimicrobial
Found in: Denali, Malawi, dill, parsley, citrus peel.
Caryophyllene
Smell: spice, musk, earth
Potential Effects: help with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, pain management
Found in: Ghost OG, Blue Dream, cloves, oregano, black pepper.
Humulene
Smell: earth, wood, herbal
Potential Effects: antihistamine, combat arthritis, stimulate weight loss
Found in: OG Kush, Charlottes Web, hops, tobacco, pine trees
Linalool
A well known terpene that is produced naturally and synthetically and is used primarily in cosmetics and food.
Smell: lavender, floral
Potential Effects: Help in treating Alzheimer's, inhibit cancer growth, stress, pain, anxiety management
Found in: Blueberry, Harlequin, Northern Lights, mint, birch, and over 60 spices
Farnesene
A rather rare terpene to be found in substantial quantities in the cannabis plants. It is a great natural pest repellent.
Smell: wood, berry, fruit, green apple
Potential Effects: muscle spasms, joint aches, cancer cell spread
Found in: Denali, Denali Skunk, ACDC, apples, oranges, potatoes, basil
Terpinolene
Known for a wide range of flavors it brings to the table, terpinolene is rarely found in large quantities in any of the marijuana strains.
Smell: floral, citrus, wood, herb
Potential Effects: anxiety, insomnia, antibacterial
Found in: Charlottes Web, Chocolate Thai, conifers, lilacs, nutmeg, etc.
Ocimene
This terpene works best in combination with others
Smell: earth, fruit, woody notes
Potential Effects: Decongestant, uplifting cognitive effect, natural pesticide
Found in: Denali, Malawi, pepper, orchids, hops, basil, and more
Bisabolol
A terpene that can be obtained from plants as well as synthetically it is used in cosmetics including various creams, shampoos and more.
Smell: floral, fruity, nutty
Potential Effects: may help protect against ulcer, skin irritation, inflammation
Found in: Bubba Kush, Ghost OG, chamomile, sage
Nerolidol
Also referred to as peruviol and penetrol, this terpene offers a variety of benefits and has been approved by the FDA as a flavorant for food.
Smell: earth, wood, bark
Potential Effects: antimalarial, topical enhancer, antiulcer, anxiety
Found in: Denali, Ghost OG, jasmine, lemon grass, ginger plants