What are terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They are responsible for the distinct flavors and scents of different cannabis strains — from citrus and pine to earthy and spicy. Cannabis produces over 200 different terpenes, though about 30 are found in significant quantities. They are stored in the trichomes of the plant alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Do terpenes affect your high?

Yes. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and other plant compounds in what is known as the entourage effect — the idea that the whole plant produces a more complex and nuanced experience than any single compound alone. For example, myrcene is associated with sedation and body relaxation, limonene with mood elevation and reduced anxiety, and beta-caryophyllene directly binds to CB2 receptors and is classified as a dietary cannabinoid.

What terpene is best for sleep?

Myrcene is the terpene most associated with sleep and deep relaxation. It is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and is commonly found in strains like Blue Dream, OG Kush, and White Widow. Linalool, also found in lavender, is another terpene frequently sought out by consumers looking for calming, sedative effects.

What terpene is best for energy or focus?

Terpinolene and alpha-pinene are the terpenes most associated with uplifting, energetic, and focused effects. Terpinolene is commonly found in sativa-leaning strains like Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Super Silver Haze. Alpha-pinene, with its characteristic pine scent, may also support memory and alertness by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is the theory that the compounds in cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other botanical compounds — work together synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound on its own. In practical terms, this means the terpene profile of a strain significantly shapes your overall experience, not just the THC or CBD percentage.

Terpenes 101: What They Are and How They Work

Woman holding cannabis up to nose, smelling aroma

Being a part of the cannabis community you have probably heard the word terpene thrown around quite a bit. But do you actually know what it is and what it refers to?

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes come from cannabinoids, just like CBD and THC, and are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its distinct flavors, like citrus, berry or pine. They also play two major roles in every plant’s life as they are the primary component of resin and they protect the flowers from predators.

Terpenes are the most common plant chemical in nature and found in a variety of plants such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs and cannabis. These microscopic aromatic compounds are what give cannabis its distinct aromas like citrus, pine, diesel, or spice.

Cannabis produces over 200 different terpenes though only about 30 of them are found in significant quantities. These terpenes are stored with fats and cannabinoids in delicate resinous glands known as trichomes.

The way a cannabis plant smells or tastes depends on a number of factors. Everything from genetics, climate, weather, fertilizer, age, soil type, and even the time of day can impact cannabis’s terpene profile.

Terpenes are found throughout the natural world and in various consumer products. Beauty products, essential oils and even perfumes are infused with terpenes. Some industries use synthetic terpenes which are commonly used for flavoring or as a food additive.

What do Terpenes do?

Studies suggest that terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. The relationship between cannabis and its effects is known as the entourage effect. This explains that consuming the whole plant has greater effects than each of its individual parts. So terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other botanical compounds interact synergistically to produce enhanced effects.

While many of us use indica, sativa, & hybrid to describe the effects we are looking for, we really should be talking about terpenes. Indica and Sativa describe the plant’s anatomy – sativas grow tall and have long thin leaves, while indicas are short and stocky with wide leaves. Thanks to modern science, we know a few things about terpenes, and that is each has a unique set of effects it is known to enact.

Let’s take Terpinolene for example. This terpene has fruity notes and is typically found in energetic, uplifting strains like Super Lemon Haze and Jack Herer. However, Pinene is often found in focused and relaxing strains like OG Kush, Strawberry Cough, and Harlequin, a CBD-dominant strain.

If you want to dive deeper into the connection between terpenes and your cannabis experience, check out our guide to the best strains for a long-lasting high.

Cannabis farm, cannabis plants, grow house

What are the Different Terpenes and Their Flavor Profiles?

Now that you know terpenes play such a large role in the flavor profile of cannabis strains, let’s take a look at each terpene and their unique flavors and how they affect you and your experience. This way, the next time you stop by your local From The Earth dispensary, you will know even more about the cannabis you are looking for.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis and is often recognized for its earthy flavor and scent. Outside of being used in beauty products or perfumes, myrcene is known to promote sleep and relaxation. It is also known for reducing inflammation and chronic pain. One study found that myrcene makes up about 65% of the total terpene profile in some cannabis strains.

Myrcene’s notable earthy smell is paired with spicy and musky notes. Preclinical research suggests its high lipophilicity may help it cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to its deeply relaxing properties. Cannabis consumers frequently seek out myrcene-dominant strains specifically for nighttime use and sleep support.

Some cannabis strains that contain a high percentage of myrcene are White Widow by No Till Kings, Blue Dream, and OG Kush.

Limonene

Like its name suggests, limonene has a citrusy aroma which comes as no surprise since all citrus fruits contain large amounts of limonene. Limonene is commonly used in cleaning products and cosmetics due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

A 2024 double-blind crossover study provided notable human evidence: inhaled d-limonene combined with THC significantly reduced self-reported anxiety and paranoia compared with THC alone. This makes limonene one of the most clinically interesting terpenes for cannabis consumers who want an uplifting, stress-relieving effect.

When shopping at your local From The Earth dispensary, an indicator that a strain includes limonene is if it has “lemon” or “sour” in the name — because of limonene’s distinct zesty citrus aroma.

Some cannabis strains with high amounts of limonene are Tangie Ting by BLEM, Super Lemon Haze, and Wedding Cake.

Linalool

Linalool is a terpene that is also found in lavender, mint, cinnamon and coriander. It is also the terpene most responsible for the recognizable smell of cannabis with its spicy and floral notes.

You will find people who suffer from arthritis, depression, insomnia, seizures, and even cancer all turn to linalool for relief. It could be that, just like the aromatic herbs it’s found in, it too contains strong sedative and relaxing properties.

The next time you would like to unwind and destress, check out some linalool-forward options from your local cannabis dispensary, including Do-Si-Dos and LA Confidential. Want to learn how to identify quality cannabis before you buy? Our guide to evaluating flower quality has you covered.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most scientifically fascinating terpenes in cannabis because it’s the only terpene known to directly bind to cannabinoid receptors — specifically CB2 receptors. This has led researchers to classify it as a “dietary cannabinoid,” meaning it can engage the endocannabinoid system without producing a traditional high.

BCP carries a spicy, peppery, woody aroma and is also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. A 2024 study found that BCP inhalation significantly reduced anxiety scores, with participants showing lowered heart rates and calmer EEG readings. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a popular choice for consumers seeking physical relief alongside their cannabis experience.

Cannabis strains high in beta-caryophyllene include GMO by Sense, Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato, and Chemdog. The strong, fuel-forward aroma of these strains often signals a high BCP content.

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-pinene is the most common terpene in the natural world — it’s the compound responsible for the fresh, sharp scent of pine forests. In cannabis, pinene strains are frequently associated with alertness and mental clarity rather than sedation.

Research has shown that alpha-pinene may inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine — the neurotransmitter your brain uses for attention, memory formation, and learning. This suggests pinene may have memory-supporting properties, potentially counteracting some of the short-term memory effects of THC.

Strains associated with high pinene levels include Strawberry Cough by UpNorth Humboldt, Jack Herer, and Blue Dream.

Humulene

This terpene is typically found in hops and contains earthy, woody, and spicy notes. Aside from cannabis, you can also find humulene in black pepper, clove, and sage.

Some research has found a variety of medicinal properties associated with this terpene. It has been shown to be anti-proliferative, meaning it may help prevent cancer cells from growing in the body. It has also been shown to suppress appetite, which suggests it could potentially help with weight management. And like many other terpenes, it also fights against bacterial infections and acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

Some popular cannabis strains that contain high amounts of humulene are Jet Lag OG by Cannabiotix (CBX), Girl Scout Cookies, and Pink Kush.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is one of the least common primary terpenes but among the most distinctive. It carries a complex, layered aroma — floral, herbal, and slightly piney — and is most frequently found in sativa-leaning strains associated with uplifting, creative effects.

A 2023 study found that terpinolene reduced anxiety-like behaviors in animal models. Cannabis strains with terpinolene above 0.3% have been associated with euphoric, energizing effects ideal for daytime use and creative tasks.

Terpinolene-dominant strains include Durban Poison by UpNorth Humboldt, Jack Herer, and Super Silver Haze.

Shop Terpene-Rich Strains at From The Earth

Now that you know what to look for, here’s a quick guide to terpene-forward strains currently available at our Santa Ana dispensary:

For sleep & deep relaxation (Myrcene): White Widow by No Till Kings — classic earthy myrcene profile, excellent for winding down.
For mood & stress relief (Limonene): Tangie Ting by BLEM — bright citrus forward, uplifting effect.
For body relief & anti-inflammation (Beta-Caryophyllene): GMO by Sense — peppery, gassy, high BCP content.
For focus & energy (Pinene & Terpinolene): Durban Poison by UpNorth Humboldt — classic energetic sativa with terpinolene and pinene.
For daytime relief (Pinene): Strawberry Cough by UpNorth Humboldt — bright, piney, clear-headed.

Product availability changes regularly. Visit our Santa Ana menu to see what’s in stock today, or shop online and choose pickup or delivery.

Conclusion

When it comes to understanding cannabis, there are many things to keep in mind. Before heading to your local From The Earth dispensary, do a little research and decide what types of strains you are interested in. Think of the effects you are wanting to feel as well as the flavor profile you would like to try. Are you wanting something high in THC or CBD?

Then stop by your local From The Earth cannabis dispensary or head online to our website and make your purchase online. You can choose to have your items delivered to you or pick up curbside at the cannabis dispensary near you.