Cannabis is so much more than just THC. One of the plant’s most fascinating—and overlooked—features is terpenes: aromatic compounds that occur naturally in countless plants and are responsible for their signature scents and flavors. You’ve smelled them in lavender, tasted them in mango, and breathed them in every time you cracked open a jar of truly dank bud.
But terpenes aren’t just about smell. They play an active role in how your cannabis experience feels—thanks to their powerful interactions with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Whether you’re chasing calm or needing a creativity boost, terpenes can help guide you there.
Let’s explore some of the most prominent cannabis terpenes, how they show up in nature, and what they might bring to your next session. Your nose knows best.
🥭 Myrcene: The Mellow Maker
Found in: Mango, eucalyptus, lemongrass, hops
Smells like: Earthy, musky, herbal
Effects: Sedating, soothing, anti-inflammatory
Examples Popular Strains Rich in Myrcene: Blue Dream, OG Kush, White Widow, and Granddaddy Purple
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis—and one of the most influential. Cultivars with more than 0.5% myrcene typically lean sedative, great for winding down or drifting off; less than that, and you’re likely looking at a more uplifting experience. It’s also known for therapeutic properties like reducing pain, fighting inflammation, and can be used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle activity. If you’ve ever heard the urban legend about eating a mango before smoking to enhance your high…you’re chasing the myrcene! Be warned, this terpene may come with a major side of the giggles.
🍋 Limonene: The Mood Lifter
Found in: Citrus peels, rosemary, peppermint
Smells like: Lemon zest, bright, citrusy
Effects: Uplifting, anti-anxiety, creativity-boosting, “get stuff done,” happy daze
Examples of Strains Rich in Limonene: Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, and Jack Herer
If your weed smells like fresh-squeezed lemons, chances are it’s got a healthy dose of limonene. This terpene is a go-to for anyone looking to elevate mood, reduce stress, or just put a little more sunshine in their day, even making chores, social situations, and hobbies more fun.
🌿 Linalool: Lavender’s Cool Cousin
Found in: Lavender, basil, coriander
Smells like: Floral, sweet, spicy
Effects: Relaxing, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory
Examples of Strains Rich in Linalool: Amnesia Haze, Zkittlez, Do-Si-Dos, Bubba Kush, and Kosher Kush
Linalool is the reason lavender works so well in your bedtime teas and bath bombs. In cannabis, it helps dial things down and chill things out—great for anxiety, stress, and sleep. It may even support pain relief and inflammation reduction. If you’re seeking serenity, linalool’s your best bud.
🌹Guaiol: The Hidden Healer
Found in: Cypress pine, guaiacum trees, nutmeg, cumin
Smells like: Pine and rose
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, deep-body relaxation, pain-relief
Examples of Strains Rich in Guaiol: Afghani, Northern Lights, Chernobyl, Ice Cream Cake, and Bubble Bath
You won’t find guaiol in every cultivar, but when you do, it’s worth paying attention. This rare terpene gives off a clean, woodsy aroma and may offer benefits like relieving arthritis, reducing growth of tumors, and increasing benefits of chemotherapy treatments.
🌶 Caryophyllene: The Spicy Powerhouse
Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Smells like: Spicy, peppery, woody
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, anxiety and pain relief, increased relaxation
Examples of Strains Rich in Caryophyllene: Girl Scout Cookies, Chemdawg, Wedding Cake, Gelato, and Skywalker OG
Most terpenes affect the body indirectly by influencing neurotransmitters or enhancing the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Caryophyllene, however, stands out because it can directly bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system—something most terpenes can’t do.
CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and are associated with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. When caryophyllene binds to these receptors, it acts more like a cannabinoid than a typical terpene. This gives it therapeutic potential for conditions like inflammation, pain, and anxiety—without the psychoactive effects of THC. You’ll notice its warm, spicy kick—often found in strains known for body-calming effects. Think of it as cannabis’ cozy sweater.
😴 Terpinolene: The Sleepy Dreamer
Found in: Tea tree, apples, nutmeg
Smells like: Smoky wood, slightly floral
Effects: Sedative, deep body and mental relaxer, euphoric
Examples of Strains Rich in Terpinolene: Ghost Train Haze, Orange Cookies, Lilac Diesel, White Durban, and Afternoon Delight
While less common than some other terps, terpinolene is a gentle giant. Its smoky, herbal notes are easy to miss, but its sedating and anti-insomnia effects are real. Great for winding down, whether you’re on the couch or under the covers.
💤 Nerolidol: The Chiller
Found in: Jasmine, lemongrass, ginger
Smells like: Subtle, woody, green
Effects: Sedative, deep body relaxation and euphoria, easy and breezy
Examples of Strains Rich in Nerolidol: White Fire, Skunk, Cinderella 99, and Animal Mints
Nerolidol isn’t just a fun name to say—it’s a powerful compound with promise in fighting off bacteria and fungi. Its soft, green scent is calming and subtle, and its gentle sedative effects might be just what you need for a good night’s sleep.
🌲 Pinene: The Breath of Fresh Air
Found in: Pine needles, basil, rosemary
Smells like: Pine, forest air
Effects: Alertness, mental clarity, serene
Examples of Strains Rich in Pinene: Grape Ape, Strawberry Cough, Cherry Bomb, Dutch Treat, and Cheese strains
Breathe in, breathe out. Pinene opens up the airways—literally. It’s known for helping with focus, inflammation, and respiratory issues. It’s also the reason that fresh pine smell feels so invigorating. If you’re looking for clarity with a hint of uplift, this terpene’s for you.
🪵 Humulene: The Appetite Controller
Found in: Hops, sage, ginseng
Smells like: Earthy, woody, herbal
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant
Examples of Strains Rich in Humulene: Headband, Original Glue, Pink Kush, and Sherbert
Humulene is your “anti-munchies” terpene, known for fighting inflammation and curbing cravings. Often paired with caryophyllene, these two make a strong team for pain relief without the snack attack.
🌸 Bisabolol: The Beauty Terp
Found in: Chamomile, candeia tree, sage
Smells like: Sweet, floral, light
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, can help with digestion
Examples of Strains in Bisabolol: Killer Queen, Thai, Dolato, and Banana strains
Used in skincare for centuries, bisabolol brings gentle healing and calming effects. Its soft floral scent is often a sign of its presence, and its ability to soothe irritated skin and muscle soreness makes it a favorite in both cosmetics and cannabis, topical products.
Final Puff: Trust Your Nose
Terpenes aren’t just about the nose—they’re about the knows. Getting familiar with how different terpenes smell and feel can help you find cultivars that better match your mood, your wellness goals, and your vibe. Start sniffing, take notes, and pay attention to what your body tells you. The more you tune in, the more dialed in your cannabis experience becomes.
Want to explore terpene-rich cultivars?
Visit us at greeneryspot.com or stop by the Greenery Spot and ask one of our knowledgeable budtenders about strains rich in your favorite terp. We’re always happy to guide you toward the aroma—and effect—you’re looking for.
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Sources:
Leafly
Weedmaps
Verilife