Advertisement
Advertise with us
sidenav

What Are Terpenes and How Do They Enhance Cannabis?

In this article we will cover
What are terpenes?
Terpenes in cannabis
Related products
CBD terpenes
Advertisement
Advertise with us

What are terpenes?

According to Wikipedia, terpenes are a “large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects.” Their role is, first and foremost, to produce distinct aromas. Terpenes are behind the characteristic scent of mangos, pine trees, anise, and a wide array of plants you can identify by smell. Terpenes are abundant in tree resin and are the main ingredient of essential oils. They are commonly used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Note that while these terms are often used interchangeably, terpenes and terpenoids are not the same thing. From a chemical standpoint, terpenes are hydrocarbons (hydrogen and carbon molecules), unlike terpenoids which contain additional functional groups that are usually oxygen-based. But while slightly different chemically, these two classes share a lot of similarities, so the information in this article applies to both.

Terpenes in cannabis

Terpenes are integral parts of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 identified terpenes, and each of them comes with its own characteristics, scent, and set of potential benefits. Each cannabis strain contains a diverse terpene profile—for example, strains with the name “Lemon” often contain large amounts of limonene alongside other terpenes.

Terpenes and cannabis are so closely entangled that a common misconception is that terpenes are cannabinoids. That’s not true, and terpenes (with one exception, which will be discussed later on) do not interact with the body in the same way, i.e., they do not bind to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.

Another important chapter in the relationship between terpenes and cannabis is the recent movement toward a better strain classification system. Most cannabis strains are currently classified into two major categories by species; indica, and sativa. While still a matter of debate in the scientific community, emerging research shows that this classification may be outdated and that the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant gives us a much better indication of the potential effects and benefits a strain has to offer.

Related products

Avida Puff Full Spectrum CBD Pen

4.5
Save 20%

The Avida Puff Full Spectrum CBD pens contain Avida’s USA-grown and hemp-derived CBD distillate. Each rechargeable pen comes with 400 mg CBD and a variety of terpenes and cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC. Experience the benefits of the entourage effect in six all-natural terpenoid-based flavors with Avida’s discreet and super-stylish vape pens.

Expand

CBD terpenes

While CBD itself doesn’t actually contain terpenes, terpenes and CBD are commonly used together. Many broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of terpenes in their formulas, which not only help by lending an original aroma but also by adding to the way of benefits. We previously discussed their effects as standalone chemical compounds, so let’s take a look at the way terpenes synergize with cannabinoids.

While not measurably, the entourage effect is almost certainly enriched with the addition of terpenes. But what is the entourage effect? It’s been long hypothesized that the effects of the whole cannabis plant are far more beneficial to us than the sum of the plant’s parts. CBD, THC, and the rest of the cannabinoids work together in synergy and produce a much more wholesome effect. With terpenes being a very important part of the chemical profile of cannabis, there is a high chance that they also add to this synergy.

But what does that mean for you? If you want to reap the full benefits of CBD oil, going after a broad or a full-spectrum CBD product is probably the best choice. (Note that full-spectrum CBD oil contains low amounts of THC, which is probably not enough to get you high but may cause you a failed drug test.) But a full or broad-spectrum CBD oil is not guaranteed to contain terpenes, and when it does, the terpene content may be negligible. For this reason, it is always worth checking independent test results. This way, you can be sure that your product contains the right amount of the specific terpenes you want to add to your regimen.

The most important terpenes in cannabis

Here’s a rundown of some of the most important terpenes found in cannabis, their basic characteristics, and the effects they have on the human body.

Myrcene

Advertisement
Advertise with us

Myrcene is found in large concentrations in the cannabis plant. It exudes a musky herbal aroma.

Effects: quickens the effects of cannabinoids, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, relaxing

Other sources: wild thyme, hops, lemon grass, mango, cardamom

Limonene

As you’d expect from its name, limonene is a terpene with a characteristic citrusy aroma. It is often found in fruit rinds and a wide array of citrus fruits.

Effects: uplifting, relaxing, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Other sources: citrus fruits, rosemary, coniferous trees

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid. It binds to the brain’s receptors and acts as an antioxidant. It has a spicy and peppery aroma.

Effects: anti-inflammatoryantioxidant, relaxing, antidepressant, analgesic, neuroprotective

Other sources: black pepper, cloves, rosemary, hops

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is widely used in perfumery due to its complex piney herbal scent.

Effects: uplifting, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidant, sedative

Other sources: allspice, parsnip, apples, cumin, sage, rosemary.

Pinene

Pinene is the most abundant terpene in nature. It has a characteristic piney aroma and can be found in a wide variety of plants.

Effects: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antianxiety, antimicrobial

Other sources: pine, coniferous tree resin, citrus fruits, basil, parsley

Humulene

Humulene’s characteristic herbal scent is behind the hoppy aroma of beer.

Effects: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, appetite suppressor

Other sources: hops, coriander, basil

Linalool

Linalool is the main terpene in lavender and comes with a strong, floral aroma.

Effects: relaxing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative

Other sources: lavender, mint, cinnamon

It is also important to note that each terpene has its own boiling point. That’s especially useful when using a variable temperature vaporizer. If you are interested in the ideal temperature for vaporizing cannabis terpenes, make sure to check our best temperature to vape weed article.

Advertisement
Advertise with us
More News
Article preview image
Does Trump Intend to Keep His Promise to Save Vaping?

President Trump promised during his election campaign to “save vaping," but his administration has undermined that goal at every turn.

Fri Aug 1 2025
Article preview image
Disposables: The $2 Billion U.S. Vape Market Ignored by FDA

The U.S. disposable vape market has grown to $2 billion in annual sales, although nearly none of the products are authorized by the FDA.

Tue Aug 16 2022
Article preview image
State Legislatures Considering Over 30 Flavor Ban and PMTA Registry Bills

More than 30 bills that would impose severe restrictions vaping consumers’ product choices remain active in U.S. state legislatures.

Wed Jul 23 2025
Advertisement
Advertise with us
More Reviews
Article preview image
Freemax REXA PRO & REXA SMART Review: Too Smart?

The Freemax REXA PRO and REXA SMART are highly advanced pod vapes, offering seemingly endless features, beautiful touchscreens, and new DUOMAX pods.

Wed Jul 30 2025
Article preview image
OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Review: A Match Made in Heaven!

The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA is powered by a custom-made Evolv DNA chipset, offering a Replay function and dry hit protection. Read our review to find out more.

Fri Jul 18 2025
Article preview image
SKE Bar Review: A Reusable Crystal Bar!

The SKE Bar is a 2 mL replaceable pod vape with a 500 mAh battery, a 1.2-ohm mesh coil, and 35 flavors to choose from in 2% nicotine.

Mon Jul 7 2025
About Authors
Spyros Papamichail
66 posts

Having quit smoking using vapes in 2016, I quickly developed somewhat of an obsession with all things vaping. I managed to turn my hobby into a full-time job, and I now work as the content manager here at Vaping360. In my free time you'll find me gaming on my PS5 or playing fetch with my dog, Buffy.

See author’s profile
Vaping360.com strives to be the world's most trusted resource for vapers and smokers. We take pride in our editorial integrity, accuracy, and the honesty of our writers.
Read more about us

Rely on Our Expertise

At Vaping360, we take pride in our deep expertise and years of experience in the vaping industry. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to leveraging their extensive knowledge to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Authenticity

Genuine insights backed by thorough and exhaustive research and testing.

Reliability

Consistent, accurate information from the vaping industry experts.

Empowerment

Transparent and reliable content for confident and informed decision-making.

About us

Our mission is clear: to help people who smoke transition to low-risk alternatives and contribute to a smoke-free world. With each article we publish and each review we conduct, we're working towards this goal.

about-us-banner
product preview