Know your Terpenes - (4 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
The sweet aroma you smell from cannabis comes from terpenes. There are many distinctive smells from citrus, piney, fruity even hoppy. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Every strain leans towards a unique terpene type and composition.
How do terpenes affect how you consume and buy cannabis?
Terpenes are organic compounds that provide aroma and flavor in cannabis and plants. Terpenes influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids.
Terpenes produce amazing aromas, and learning the smells of your favorite strains is the first step to helping you deepen your knowledge and have a greater appreciation for cannabis.
Terpenes, when combined with cannabinoids, can affect the feeling you will have from using cannabis.
When I started using cannabis, I had no clue about terpenes. But what I have learned is that terpenes have been established in the essential oil world for therapeutic reasons. We thought the cannabinoids were what made the cannabis plant therapeutic, but we are at the beginning of understanding how the same terpenes found in essential oils are the same as cannabis.
We are learning how terpenes and cannabinoids together produce the Entourage Effect. And more research is needed.
Essential oils can be great in your overall holistic approach to self-care, like cannabis. :-) I use essentials oils for allergies, sinuses, pain relief, and even candle making. Let’s check out the popular terpenes in cannabis.

Terpene’s List
This list will include some strains, but it’s best to do your research, and it’s best to start your research on what is available to you. I have done some searches on these strains, and I can’t get a lot of them where I live in Colorado.
Leafly has an excellent Cannabis Guide that you can search by strain and get the cannabinoids and terpenes profile.
But remember the only way to know what is in your strain truly - is to have it tested. Guides are just that, guides - pay attention to your body, and if you don’t like a smell - you probably won’t like the effects.
Learning the smell of your favorite strains can help you pick new strains - there is a good chance you will like it. Follow your nose, it knows.
I have listed 8 of the more popular terpenes and again, I focus on the areas that I feel comfortable to speak about and help others with so this is NOT a full and comprehensive list. I always promote self-
research, we all can't know everything.
Myrcene
Pronunciation - MUR-seen
Aroma - earthy, spice, clove, mild citrusy
Used for - anti-inflammatory, relaxing, anti-depressant (excellent for pain and sleep)
Possible feeling - sedating, couch lock
Sources from Essentials oils - Lemongrass, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Eucalyptus
Sources from Cannabis - Jack Herer, White Widow, Warlock CBD

Limonene
Pronunciation - LIM-o-neen
Aroma - Citrusy
Used For - Depression, anxiety, heartburn, Inflammatory diseases, appetite, suppression & breast cancer
Possible feeling - Uplifting, mood elevation, and euphoria
Sources from Essentials oils - Grapefruit, Tangerine, Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Bergamot, Frankincense, Spearmint (to name a few :-))
Sources from Cannabis - Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk
Pinene
Pronunciation - pahy-neen
Aroma - piney, basil, parsley
Used for - Inflammation, aids in memory, sleep aid
Possible feeling - alertness and focus
Sources from Essentials oils - Cumin, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Helichrysum
Sources from Cannabis - Trainwreck, Strawberry Cough, Chemdawg

Linalool
Pronunciation - LINN-uh-lool
Aroma - Citrus, lavender
Used For - Inflammatory diseases, pain relief, anxiety, breast cancer
Possible feeling - unknown
Sources from Essentials oils - Clary Sage, Cilantro, Oregano
Sources from Cannabis - Chemdawg, Superbud, Diamond girl
Caryophyllene
Pronunciation - car·​y·​o·​phyl·​lene
Aroma - Black Pepper
Used For - Anti-inflammatory, pain, anxiety
Possible feeling - unknown
Sources from Essentials oils - depression, inflammatory bowel disease
Sources from Cannabis - Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, OG Kush
Ocimene
Pronunciation - OH-sih-meen
Aroma - sweet, earthy, citrusy
Used For - Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral
Possible feeling - uplifting
Sources from Essentials oils - Black Pepper
Sources from Cannabis - Dutch Treat, Amnesia, Green Crack

Humulene
Pronunciation - hu·​mu·​lene
Aroma - Earthy, woody, spicey, hoppy
Used For - Anti-inflammatory, weight loss, pain relief
Possible feeling - unknown
Sources from Essentials oils - Hops, Pine, Orange, Ginger, Clove
Sources from Cannabis - Girl Scout Cookies, Headband, Sour Diesel
Terpinolene
Pronunciation - ter·​pin·​o·​lene
Aroma - piney, woody with hints of citrus and herbal spice
Used For - Anxiety, cancer-fighting properties
Possible feeling - mildly sedative effect, uplifting effects
Sources from Cannabis - Dutch Treat, XJ-13, Golden Pineapple
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many terpenes, and not all strains will have all of these. When it comes to learning terpenes - start with your favorite strains and go backward and then expand. And remember - always trust your nose.
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Next Articles to Check Out in the Seven Elements of Cannabis Series
The Seven Elements of Cannabis Series:
Cannabis History A First Look - (1 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
What is the Endocannabinoid System? - (2 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
Know Your Cannabinoids - (3 of 7 ) Seven Elements of Cannabis
Know your Terpenes - (4 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
Dosing and Ratio cannabis - (5 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
How to Consume Cannabis - (6 of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
Hemp: Coming Soon! (7of 7) Seven Elements of Cannabis
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