Understanding Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Educational Overview

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds produced by many plants, including cannabis, conifer trees, citrus fruits, spices, and herbs. These molecules contribute to each plant’s distinctive scent and flavor profile. In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the trichomes and may interact with other plant compounds, influencing aroma, perception, and cultivar expression.

Below is an educational overview of several commonly discussed terpenes, their natural sources, and areas of scientific research interest. This information is intended solely for general educational purposes.

Terpene Profiles and Their Characteristics

α-Pinene (C10H16)

Type: Monoterpene

α-Pinene is widely known for its pine-like aroma and is found in conifer trees, rosemary, basil, and citrus peels. Research explores α-pinene in relation to:

  • Plant defense chemistry

  • Aromatic environmental interactions

  • Airway and respiratory pathways
    α-Pinene is one of the most abundant terpenes in the natural world and plays a role in various ecological processes.

Limonene (C10H16)

Type: Cyclic Monoterpene

Limonene is a dominant terpene in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, contributing to their bright, zesty scent. Scientific interest includes:

  • Antioxidant behavior

  • Studies involving mood and stress pathways

  • Fungal and microbial interactions

  • Research on permeability and skin absorption
    Limonene is also studied for how it may influence the absorption of other plant compounds.

β-Caryophyllene (C15H24)

Type: Sesquiterpene

β-Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, Thai basil, oregano, and many herbs. It is recognized for its spicy, warm aroma. Scientific literature explores β-caryophyllene for its:

  • Unique interaction with the CB2 receptor

  • Role in inflammatory signaling pathways

  • Antioxidant properties
    Its ability to interact directly with CB2 receptors distinguishes it from many other dietary terpenes.

β-Myrcene (C10H16)

Type: Monoterpene

Myrcene is present in mangoes, hops, bay leaves, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. It typically produces musky, earthy, or herbal aromas. Research areas include:

  • Studies on relaxation and calm perception

  • Examination of plant–compound interactions

  • Investigations into its influence on other cannabinoids
    Myrcene levels may vary by cultivar, contributing to different aromatic signatures in cannabis.

Linalool (C10H18O)

Type: Monoterpene Alcohol

Linalool is commonly found in lavender, rosewood, birch, citrus, and coriander. It is associated with floral, soft, and slightly spicy notes. Scientific exploration includes:

  • Research on stress and mood pathways

  • Studies on relaxation perception

  • Historical use in herbal and aromatic practices
    Linalool is one of the broadest-distributed floral terpenes across the plant kingdom.

Terpinolene (C10H16)

Type: Monoterpene

Terpinolene appears in lilac, cumin, marjoram, nutmeg, and some citrus rinds. It often produces a fresh, herbal, sometimes woody aroma. Areas of research interest include:

  • Antioxidant studies

  • Exploration of aroma-based calmness perception

  • Plant–environment interaction pathways
    Terpinolene is less common in cannabis than other major terpenes but contributes to unique aromatic profiles.

Phytol (C20H40O)

Type: Diterpene Alcohol

Phytol is a side-chain of chlorophyll and is generated when chlorophyll breaks down naturally. It is present in many green vegetables and plant materials. Research explores:

  • Its role in vitamin synthesis (such as E and K)

  • Antioxidant behavior

  • Ecological and plant physiology pathways
    Phytol is considered a plastidial terpene due to its connection to photosynthetic processes.

Citronellol (C10H20O)

Type: Monoterpenoid

Citronellol is abundant in geraniums, roses, and some citrus peels. It provides a sweet, rosy, citrus-like scent. Scientific research includes:

  • Examination of plant defense roles

  • Studies on aromatic calming effects

  • Exploration of inflammatory signaling pathways
    Citronellol is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy traditions.

Caryophyllene Oxide (C15H24O)

Type: Oxidation Product of β-Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene oxide forms when β-caryophyllene oxidizes, and it is recognized for its woody and slightly sweet aroma. Research interest includes:

  • Antioxidant studies

  • Interactions with plant defense pathways

  • Enhanced aromatic detection
    Caryophyllene oxide is also notable because it is one of the compounds detected by drug-sniffing canines due to its volatility.

Humulene (C15H24)

Type: Sesquiterpene

Also known as α-humulene or α-caryophyllene, this terpene is found in hops, cannabis, Vietnamese coriander, and sage. It produces an earthy, woody, “hoppy” aroma. Research areas include:

  • Immune-modulating pathways

  • Antioxidant behavior

  • Appetite-related research
    Humulene is one of the defining terpenes responsible for the characteristic scent of hops in brewing.

FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional regarding possible interactions or concerns. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

Works Cited

Booth, J.K., Page, J.E., & Bohlmann, J. (2017). Terpene Synthases from Cannabis sativa. PLoS ONE, 12(3), e0173911.
Massimino, L. (2017). In Silico Discovery of Terpenoid Metabolism in Cannabis sativa. F1000Research, 6, 107.
Steep Hill Labs. Terpenes Overview. https://www.steephill.com/science/terpenes
PubChem Compound Database; CID 6549 (α-Pinene).
PubChem Compound Database; CID 31253 (Limonene).
PubChem Compound Database; CID 5281515 (Linalool).


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