Cannabis
terpenes.

Myrcene

Earthy, herbal, musky

The most common terpene in cannabis — often the dominant note in a strain’s profile. Myrcene gives many strains their earthy, herbal base and is also what makes mangoes smell the way they do.

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Limonene

Citrus, fresh, zesty

The citrus terpene — it gives strains a fresh lemon-and-orange lift and is the second most common terpene after myrcene. The same compound found in citrus peel and used widely as a natural flavour.

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Linalool

Floral, lavender, sweet

The floral terpene with an unmistakable lavender note — the main aromatic compound in lavender oil. It rounds out a strain’s nose with a soft, sweet, floral edge.

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Caryophyllene

Spicy, peppery, warm

The peppery terpene — a warm, spicy note you also get from black pepper and cloves. Unusually, it’s the only terpene that interacts directly with the body’s CB2 receptors, which is why it’s a favourite talking point in the entourage-effect conversation.

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Pinene

Pine, fresh, sharp

The pine terpene — a fresh, sharp forest note and the most abundant terpene in the natural world. It gives certain strains that unmistakable “fresh conifer” snap.

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Humulene

Earthy, woody, hoppy

The hoppy terpene — earthy and woody, and the same compound that gives beer its characteristic bitterness. It often appears alongside caryophyllene in spicier, more savoury strains.

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Terpinolene

Floral-herbal, fresh, complex

The most complex of the common terpenes — a floral, herbal, faintly smoky note that rarely dominates but adds a fresh top layer. Found in tea tree, nutmeg and apples.

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Ocimene

Sweet, herbal, woody

A sweet, herbal-woody terpene with a light tropical edge. It brings a fresh sweetness to a strain’s aroma and is also found in basil, mint and parsley.

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Bisabolol

Floral, chamomile, sweet

A delicate, floral-sweet terpene with a chamomile note — the same compound prized in skincare. It lends a subtle, soothing softness to a strain’s nose.

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Nerolidol

Woody, floral, citrus

A woody, floral terpene with hints of fresh bark and citrus — the aroma of jasmine and tea tree. It adds a refined, slightly waxy depth to certain strains.

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Guaiol

Pine, rose, woody

An unusual terpene that is a solid at room temperature — piney and woody with a soft rose undertone. Found in cypress pine and the guaiacum tree.

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Valencene

Sweet orange, fresh, citrus

Named after the Valencia orange — a sweet, fresh citrus terpene that lifts a strain’s aroma with juicy orange brightness. Common in citrus fruit and some herbs.

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