The Ultimate Terpene Chart: 20 Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects

Terpenes are the hot topic in the cannabis industry. Everyone wants to know about terpenes and their effects, terpene flavors, terpene profiles and more. Terpene chart listings are being Googled by tens of thousands of people online. We’re revisiting the most popular types of terpenes and terps weed in the industry in 2025.

What Are Terpenes in Cannabis?

Terpenes are the aromatic oils produced by cannabis plants — and they do a whole lot more than smell good. These naturally occurring compounds are found in the trichomes (the frosty crystals) of cannabis flowers and are responsible for each strain’s signature scent, taste and effects. From spicy to citrusy to pine-fresh, terpenes give cannabis its complexity.

While you can’t see them with the naked eye, terpenes are made up of isoprene units, with more than 200 different terpenes identified in cannabis alone. Each one plays a different role in how a strain tastes, smells and feels.

Everyone Wants Terpenes

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to explore the difference between cannabinoids and terpenes (and why it’s important to know), what are cannabis derived terpenes and why they matter, and the ideas around anti-inflammatory cannabis terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give each strain its own unique combo of scents and flavors. Terpene profiles also play a crucial role in determining the effects felt from cannabis consumption because terpenes can enhance or modify cannabinoids. This is known as the “entourage effect,” or the concept of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, working best when teamed up with terpenes to create a more complete and balanced experience.

For example, myrcene may help THC cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, making the high stronger and faster. Meanwhile, linalool may add a relaxing or sedating layer to the experience.

Pro Tip: Eat a Mango, Feel More High? Sounds wild, but it’s real. Mangoes are rich in myrcene, which can enhance the effects of THC. If you eat one about 45 minutes before smoking, the additional myrcene may help THC absorb faster and more efficiently — leading to a stronger, more noticeable high.

Terpene Charts and COAs

Cannabis contains more than 200 terpenes, but some sources have claimed upwards of 400 terpenes exist in marijuana plants. Ask your dispensary or visit their website to review a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) for specific cannabinoid and terpene levels. Check out the visual below and our list of 15 terpenes explained to get you started.

1. Myrcene: Relaxation

• Scent: earthy and musky, reminiscent of cloves or light fruit.
• Effects: sedative and muscle-relaxing; “couch-lock” is common.
• Strain examples: Blue Dream, Grape Ape, Cherry Pie OG, Granddaddy Purple.
• Also found in: mangoes, hops, thyme and lemongrass.

2. Limonene: Elevating

• Scent: strong citrus aroma.
• Effects: mood-lifting, with anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.
• Strain examples: Berry White, Banana OG, Sour Diesel, Gush Mints.
• Also found in: citrus fruits, rosemary and peppermint.
• Fun Fact: Limonene terpene flavors have shown to reduce THC-induced paranoia.

3. Pinene: Evergreen Woodland

• Scent: fresh pine trees and earth.
• Effects: alertness, memory retention and anti-inflammatory properties. Also connected to improved respiratory function.
• Strain examples: Jack Herer, Crunch Berries, Dutch Treat, Big Smooth, Harlequin.
• Also found in: dill, basil and pine trees.

4. Linalool: Calming

• Scent: soft floral, sweet and spicy.
• Effects: soothing and relaxing. Research indicates it is also mood-stabilizing.
• Strain examples: Do-Si-Dos, Scooby Snacks, Wedding Mints #13, Zkittlez.
• Also found in: lavender, mint, cinnamon and coriander.

5. Caryophyllene: Therapeutic

• Scent: spicy, peppery and woody.
• Effects: anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anxiety and stress relief.
• Strain examples: Bubba Kush, Dark Rainbow, Original Glue, Chemdawg, GSC.
• Also found in: black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
• Fun Fact: caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which makes it popular in creams and oils. It is also associated with potential addiction and depression recovery.

6. Terpinolene: Peaceful Tension-Tamer

• Scent: floral, citrus and herbs.
• Effects: relaxation, easing muscle stiffness and sleep.
• Strain examples: Ghost Train Haze, OG Kush.
• Also found in: apples, limes and lilacs.

7. Humulene: Munchie Avoidant

• Scent: woody, hops, citrus, and floral.
• Effects: calming, pain management, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, also a potential appetite suppressant.
• Strain examples: Skywalker OG, Double Cross, Headband, Death Star.
• Also found in: tobacco, sage, ginseng and ginger.

8. Ocimene: Sweet Uplift

• Scent: saccharine and herbal.
• Effects: immunity, mood and energy boost.
• Strain examples: Strawberry Cough, Chernobyl.
• Also found in: mint, parsley and orchids.

9. Geraniol: Walk through the Garden

• Scent: Roses.
• Effects: supports brain health.
• Strain examples: Amnesia Haze.
• Also found in: lemons, tobacco.

10. Eucalyptol: Koala Experience

• Scent: cool, spicy, minty
• Effects: reduces inflammation, enhances memory, and promotes relaxation.
• Strain examples: Super Lemon Haze.
• Also found in: eucalyptus, tea tree, bay leaves, thyme.

11. Bisabolol: Soothing Antioxidant

• Scent: light, earthy, floral.
• Effects: reduces stress, supports brain health, and may help with skin conditions.
• Strain examples: Pink Kush, Ice Cream Cake, OG Shark.
• Also found in: chamomile, candeia trees.

12. Valencene: Luxurious Euphoria

• Scent: sweet, lively, citrus.
• Effects: mood elevation.
• Strain examples: Agent Orange, Tangie, Pineapple Express.
• Also found in: grapefruit, Valencia oranges and mangos.

13. Borneol: Forest Stroll

• Scent: minty metallic.
• Effects: improves circulation, pain and inflammation relief.
• Strain examples: K-13 Haze, Easy Haze.
• Also found in: sunflowers, rosemary.

14. Phytol: Ache Ease

• Scent: green tea.
• Effects: sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory.
• Strain examples: Sour Diesel, Cheese, Blue Dream.
• Also found in: matcha, raspberries, kale.

15. Sabinene:

• Scent: peppery, woodsy.
• Effects: digestive aid and anti-bacterial.
• Strain examples: Super Silver Haze, Orange Bud.
• Also found in: juniper and nutmeg.
• Fun Fact: a 2019 study found Sabinene terpenes reduced the growth and adherence of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria associated with dental cavities, as well as reduced acid production and biofilm formation, which leads to tooth damage.

Beyond the Basics: More Terpenes to Know

If you’re ready to go deeper, here are a few more cannabis terpenes worth exploring:

• Alpha-Bisabolol: Floral, found in chamomile; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
• Delta-3-Carene: Pine and cedar aroma; may promote bone growth and memory.
• Camphene: Earthy and herbal; studied for cardiovascular and skin health.
• Terpineol: Floral and lilac-scented; known for sedative and anti-anxiety effects.
• Trans-Nerolidol: Found in jasmine and tea tree; antifungal and antioxidant.

Grow the Cannabis Industry

Share your knowledge of terpenes and their effects at a CannaCon event, the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference! Mark your calendar for these upcoming cannabis event dates.