Terpenes are compounds that help give plants their overall distinctive fragrance and taste. Nearly all plants contain terpenes, from apples, lemons, and passionfruit to basil, mint, and rosemary. Additionally, terpenes are common in flowers such as cannabis, chamomile, gardenias, and lavender. Terpenes offer numerous benefits to plants, from serving as insect repellents to aid in plant recovery to attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and more. Moreover, they have been found to provide various therapeutic benefits to the human body and are used in aromatherapy to enhance relaxation and reduce stress levels. The effects of terpenes on humans vary depending on the type and quantity of terpene.

Cannabis Nation tests all in-house-grown flowers, pre-rolls, and extracts for terpene content. This information can be found on the packaging and will be updated with the most recent testing per batch. Additionally, this information provides a good way to understand how terpenes enhance the overall benefits of cannabis and the nuanced effects per strain. Try some different strains and notice the flavor. From one strain to another, keep this in mind when deciding what works best for you!

Traditionally, terpenes have been used in natural folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents. Also, they were utilized to treat digestive issues and other ailments. Notably, cannabis can contain over 200 different types of terpenes, and the terpene profile varies by strain. At Cannabis Nation, we understand that it can be overwhelming at first to not only understand what the heck a terpene is but also discover which terpenes will provide the flavor and effects you’re looking for in a strain. For this reason, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to some of the most predominant and common terpenes you will find in our strains. We hope this blog provides a foundation for your understanding of terpenes and a pathway to discovering the cannabis strains that deliver the effects you’re searching for.

1. Limonene

The terpene limonene is one of the world’s most studied and sought-after terpenes. A study in Chemico-Biological Interactions has found that this terpene has the potential to work as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and more. This terpene is commonly found in citrus fruit peels and the sap of coniferous trees such as Douglas Fir, Yew, and Pine. The aroma and flavor are often akin to either lemon, orange, or grapefruit. You can find limonene in the terpene profiles of strains like Tangie and LA Kush Cake. We recommend taking a hike, a literal hike in the beautiful PNW, to enjoy strains high in limonene.

2. Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a terpene often described as having a spice-forward aroma and flavor like cinnamon and cloves or sharp like freshly cracked black pepper. This terpene can be found in everyday foods like garlic, black peppercorns, cardamom, and basil. Evidently, caryophyllene is known to provide pain relief and elevate mood. You can find caryophyllene in the terpene profiles of strains like GMO and Junglato. Take our advice and pair strains high in caryophyllene with Italian food, preferably pizza, or an iced Chai on a warm day.

3. Farnesene

Farnesene is a unique terpene with one of the widest variety of flavors and aromas. It can range from smelling woody and vegetal to sweet and fruity. Overall, the flavors are often described similarly. The sources of farnesene are also varied, from sandalwood and patchouli to green apples and ginger. Farnesene possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit bacteria, providing numerous health benefits. We recommend pairing farnesene-rich strains with fresh fruit and herbal tea and see where the day takes you.

4. Linalool

Linalool is a bright, warming terpene often associated with lavender and other crawling flowers. It has a floral, musky, and woody aroma and a flavor commonly described as earthy and floral with undertones of bitter citrus peel. Generally, coriander, sweet varieties of basil, lavender, and bergamot are sources of this particularly rare terpene. Furthermore, linalool provides therapeutic properties that promote mind and body relaxation. Pair strains heavy in linalool with taco night, and don’t forget the cilantro.

5. Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in almost every strain of cannabis. In heavy amounts, it can be very sedating, causing the well-known “couchlock” effect. Myrcene is found in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, and oregano. Moreover, its aroma is often compared to a raised garden bed, smelling earthy, woody, and herbaceous with a sweet and spicy flavor profile. Try pairing myrcene-heavy strains with Indian food, and don’t forget the mango lassi.

6. Ocimene

Ocimene is an uplifting terpene that can be great for managing anxiety and depression. Its aroma is sweet, herby, and woody, like sandalwood or cypress. The flavor of ocimene is often described as sweet and herbaceous, with a hint of bitter citrus fruit notes. Overall, this terpene is found in mint, parsley, basil, orchids, and other fragrant flowers and herbs. Enjoy strains high in ocimene in a field of wildflowers and feel your worries drift away.

7. Terpinolene

Terpinolene is among the rarest terpenes because it is found in small amounts in very few cannabis strains. Its aroma combines citrus and pine notes with a bright and crisp flavor like celery. This terpene is commonly found in pungent flowers and herbs like lilac, sage, rosemary, and cumin. Also, it enhances relaxation and promotes anxiety relief. Cannabis strains that can be high in terpinolene are Chocolate Thai and Memory Loss. Enjoy strains high in terpinolene whenever you want to kick back and relax.

As the cannabis industry grows and evolves, increased research is being conducted to understand the complexity of the cannabis plant and its accompanying terpenes. By gaining a better understanding of the functions of different terpenes and identifying those that work best for you, you will enhance your cannabis experience while bettering your health and quality of life. If a specific terpene piques your interest, ask one of our budtenders for strain suggestions at your local Cannabis Nation store. Familiarize yourself with terpenes to explore more ways to enjoy your adventure OR Get acquainted with terpenes and explore more ways to enjoy your adventure OR Let terpenes be your guide and explore more ways to enjoy your adventure.