Somewhere between scent and flavor lie terpenes. Components of certain plant essential oils, they are responsible for not only how your cannabis smells and tastes, but also on the overall effect of the plant.
Why Do They Matter?
Much like a fingerprint, each strain of cannabis has a unique profile of terpenes. From anti-inflammatory to anti-psychotic, terpenes offer medical properties independent from the strains cannabinoids.

Common Terpenes in Cannabis
Alpha-Pinene
Aroma: Pine
Effects: Enhances Alertness, Short-Term Memory Retention
Medical Benefits: Bronchodilation, Antibiotic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Tumor
Vape Temp: 311° F (155° C)
Naturally Found In: Pine Needles, Conifers, Sage
Common Strains: Blue Dream, Strawberry Cough, Jack Herer, Romulan
Beta-Caryophyllene
Aroma: Spice, Pepper, Woody
Effects: Decreases Inflammation, Pain Relief, Muscle Relaxation, Sleep Aid
Medical Benefits: Strongly Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-Spasmodic, Activates CB2 receptors
Vape Temp: 266° F (130° C)
Naturally Found In: Black Pepper, Cloves, Hops, Cinnamon, Basil
Common Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue #4, Super Silver Haze, Chemdawg, White Widow, OG Kush
Beta-Myrcene
Aroma: Musky, Earthy, Herbal
Effects: Sedative (responsible for the “Couch Lock” effect), Pain Relief, Muscle Relaxation, Sleep Aid
Medical Benefits: Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-Spasmodic, Antibacterial
Vape Temp: 332° F (167° C)
Naturally Found In: Mango, Hops, Thyme, Lemongrass
Common Strains: Granddaddy Purple, Green Crack, Starkiller, Grape Ape, Chemdawg
Humulene
Aroma: Earthy, Woody, Herbal
Effects: Appetite Suppressant
Medical Benefits: Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Tumor
Vape Temp: 222° F (106° C)
Naturally Found In: Hops, Coriander
Common Strains: Headband, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow
Limonene
Aroma: Citrus
Effects: Elevates Mood, Decreases Anxiety, Treats Acid Reflux
Medical Benefits: Anti-Depressant, Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Tumor, Anti-Nausea
Vape Temp: 348° F (176° C)
Naturally Found In: Citrus Rinds, Juniper, Peppermint
Common Strains: Lemon Skunk, Sour Diesel, Trainwreck, Bubba Kush
Linalool
Aroma: Floral
Effects: Calming, Decreases Anxiety, Sedative
Medical Benefits: Anti-Anxiety, Anticonvulsant, Analgesic, Anesthetic
Vape Temp: 388° F (198° C)
Naturally Found In: Lavender, Laurel, Birch, Rosewood
Common Strains: Lavender, Kosher Kush, Skywalker OG, Bubba Kush
Ocimene
Aroma: Sweet, Woody, Herbal
Effects: Delivers “Goldilocks” Effect (not too stimulating, nor sedative)
Medical Benefits: Anti-Fungal, Antibacterial
Vape Temp: 122° F (50° C)
Naturally Found In: Mint, Parsley, Basil, Pepper, Kumquats
Common Strains: Sensi Star, Durban Poison
Terpinolene
Aroma: Pine, Floral, Herbal
Effects: Sedative, Enhances Cognitive Clarity
Medical Benefits: Anti-Tumor, Antioxidant, Antibacterial
Vape Temp: 366° F (186° C)
Naturally Found In: Allspice, Tea Tree, Nutmeg, Conifers, Lilac
Common Strains: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, OG Kush
Resources
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