Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to the unique smell and flavor of each cannabis strain and have been found to have a variety of potential medicinal effects. Various strains have higher concentrations of terpenese than others. Terpenes are also affected by growing conditions, feeding regime, curing, and storing techniques. Here are the top ten most common terpenes found in cannabis and their effects, accompanied by the marijuana strains and foods known to carry them.
1. Myrcene – This is the most common terpene found in cannabis, and is also found in other plants such as hops, mango, and thyme. It has a musky, earthy aroma and is known for its sedative and relaxing effects. Myrcene has been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties.
Top 5 strains with most Myrcene are Mango Kush, Blue Dream, OG Kush, Grape Ape, White Widow.
Foods that contain Myrcene and can enhance its effects after smoking any of the above mentioned strains are Mangoes, Hops (yes a beer will do), Thyme, Bay leaves, Basil, Lemongrass, Cardamom, and Parsley.
2. Limonene – This terpene has a citrusy, lemony aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Super Lemon Haze and Lemon Skunk. It is known for its mood-elevating, energizing effects and has been found to have potential anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties.
Top 5 strains with the most limonene are Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, Wedding Cake.
Foods that contain limonene and can enhance its effects after smoking the aforementioned strains are citrus fruits. Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are all excellent sources of limonene.
Herbs and spices such as dill, caraway, fennel, and coriander. Carrots, dill pickles, juniper berries, nutmeg, spearmint, rosemary, peppermint, and pine nuts.
3. Caryophyllene – This terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Skywalker OG and Bubba Kush. It has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects, and may also have potential in treating alcohol addiction.
The top 5 strains with the most caryophyllene are GSC, Bubba Kush, Skywalker OG, OG Kush, Purple Punch.
Foods that contain Caryophyllene are Black Pepper, Cloves, Oregano, Basil, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Thyme, Ylang-ylang, and Hops
4. Pinene – As the name suggests, this terpene has a piney, earthy aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Jack Herer and Blue Dream. It has been found to have potential bronchodilator effects, and may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Top 5 strains with the most pinene are Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Bubba Kush, OG Kush, Super Silver Haze.
Foods that contain Pinene are Pine Nuts, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Dill, Sage, Juniper Berries, Orange Peel, Nutmeg, and Tumeric.
5. Linalool – This terpene has a floral, lavender-like aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like LA Confidential and Lavender. It is known for its sedative and relaxing effects and has been found to have potential anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Top 5 strains with the most linalool are Lavender, LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze, Grand Daddy Purple, and Purple Kush.
Foods that contain Linalool are Lavender, Basil, Bay leaves, Coriander, Lemon balm, Thyme, Rosewood, Bergamot, Jasmine, and Fennel.
6. Humulene – This terpene has a woody, earthy aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like White Widow and Girl Scout Cookies. It has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and appetite-suppressing effects.
Top 5 strains with the highest levels of humulene are Headband, White Widow, Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, GSC
Foods that contain Humulene are Hops, Ginger, Sage, Coriander, Ginseng, Cloves, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Parsley, and Horehound.
7. Terpinolene – This terpene has a piney, floral aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Jack Herer and Golden Goat. It has been found to have potential antioxidant and sedative effects, and may also have anti-tumor properties.
Top 5 strains with the highest levels of terpinolene are Jack Herer, Golden Goat, Ghost Train Haze, Dutch Treat, and Pineapple Express.
Foods with Terpinolene are Apples, Tea tree oil, Nutmeg, Cumin, Lilacs, Sage, Rosemary, Parsley, Dill, and Juniper.
8. Ocimene – This terpene has a sweet, herbal aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Strawberry Cough and Chernobyl. It has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects.
Top 5 strains with the highest levels of ocimene are Golden Goat, Dutch Treat, Chernobyl, Strawberry Cough, Clementine.
Foods with Ocimene are Mint, Parsley, Basil, Orchids, Kaffir lime leaves, Tarragon, Kumquats, Hops, Lemongrass, and Carrots.
9. Geraniol – This terpene has a floral, rose-like aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Afghani and Island Sweet Skunk. It has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may also have potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Top 5 strains that contain high levels of geraniol are Afghani, Island Sweet Skunk, OG Shark, Master Kush, Lavender.
Foods with Geraniol are Lemongrass, Roses, Coriander, Lavender, Blackberries, Lemons, Carrots, Nutmeg, Bergamot, and Tomatoes.
10. Terpineol – This terpene has a sweet, floral aroma and is found in high amounts in strains like Jack Herer and OG Kush. It has been found to have potential sedative, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties.
Top 5 strains that contain high levels of terpineol are Jack Herer, OG Kush, White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies, Northern Lights.
Foods with Terpineol are Pineapple, Tea tree oil, Lilac, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Jasmin, Cumin, Bay Leaves, Nutmeg, and Sage.
Marijuana strains with the highest levels of terpenes and the most varied.
There are many different cannabis strains that are known for their high terpene content and variety. Here are a few strains that are believed to have some of the highest levels of terpenes and the most varied terpene profiles:
Super Lemon Haze: This sativa-dominant strain has a complex terpene profile that includes high levels of limonene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, as well as smaller amounts of terpinolene, linalool, and pinene.
Blue Dream: This hybrid strain is known for its sweet and fruity aroma, which comes from its high levels of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, as well as smaller amounts of terpinolene, limonene, and linalool.
Tangie: This sativa strain has a distinct citrus aroma that comes from its high levels of limonene, as well as smaller amounts of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
Skywalker OG: This indica-dominant strain has a pungent and earthy aroma that comes from its high levels of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, as well as smaller amounts of limonene and linalool.
Pineapple Express: This hybrid strain has a sweet and tropical aroma that comes from its high levels of pinene, myrcene, and limonene, as well as smaller amounts of caryophyllene and terpinolene.