D24: common terpenes

List of the 50 Most Popular Terpenes in Cannabis: Odor, Abundance, and Medical Potential

Terpenes are organic compounds responsible for the aroma and flavors of cannabis and various other plants. They also possess unique therapeutic properties. This list explores 50 of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, describing their odors, occurrences in nature, and potential medical applications. Due to the sheer number of terpenes, it is infeasible to provide a full list within this format. However, here are some noteworthy ones:

(Note: This list is not exhaustive, and most information about medical applications should not replace professional medical advice. For many terpenes, clinical evidence is limited, and more research is needed for conclusive results.)


1. Myrcene

  • Odor: Earthy, musky, with a hint of cloves
  • Occurrence in Nature: Commonly found in mangos, hops, and thyme
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: One of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis strains
  • Citation: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.

2. Limonene

  • Odor: Citrusy, reminiscent of lemon
  • Occurrence in Nature: Lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Common, especially in strains with “lemon” or “sour” in their names
  • Citation: do Vale, T. G., Furtado, E. C., Santos, J. G., & Viana, G. S. (2002). Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) NE Brown. Phytomedicine, 9(8), 709–714.

3. Linalool

  • Odor: Floral, with a touch of spice
  • Occurrence in Nature: Lavender, coriander, and basil
  • Medical Applications: Antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Relatively common, more so in Indica strains
  • Citation: Peana, A. T., D’Aquila, P. S., Panin, F., Serra, G., Pippia, P., & Moretti, M. D. L. (2002). Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine, 9(8), 721–726.

4. Alpha-Pinene

  • Odor: Piney, resinous
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pine needles, rosemary, and eucalyptus
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Fairly common
  • Citation: Falk, A. A., Hagberg, M. T., Löf, A. E., Wigaeus-Hjelm, E. M., & Ziemann, C. (1990). Uptake, distribution and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 16(5), 372–378.

5. Beta-Caryophyllene

  • Odor: Spicy, peppery
  • Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Quite common, especially in spicy strains
  • Citation: Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S., Racz, I., Chen, J. Z., Xie, X. Q., … & Zimmer, A. (2008). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26), 9099–9104.

6. Humulene

  • Odor: Woody, earthy, and slightly spicy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Hops, cloves, and basil
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory and potential appetite suppressant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Moderately common
  • Citation: Legault, J., & Pichette, A. (2007). Potentiating effect of beta-caryophyllene on anticancer activity of alpha-humulene, isocaryophyllene and paclitaxel. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 59(12), 1643–1647.

7. Terpinolene

  • Odor: Fruity, herbal, and a bit citrusy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Apples, cumin, and lilac
  • Medical Applications: Antioxidant and sedative properties
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Less common than other terpenes
  • Citation: Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., Jager, W., Plank, C., & Dietrich, H. (1993). Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 82(6), 660–664.

8. Ocimene

  • Odor: Sweet, woody, and slightly herbal
  • Occurrence in Nature: Mint, parsley, and orchids
  • Medical Applications: Antiviral and antifungal properties
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Moderately common
  • Citation: Gulluni, N., Re, T., Loiacono, I., Lanzo, G., Gori, L., & Macchi, C. (2018). Cannabis Essential Oil: A Preliminary Study for the Evaluation of the Brain Effects. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2018.

9. Nerolidol

  • Odor: Woody and slightly fruity
  • Occurrence in Nature: Ginger, jasmine, and lavender
  • Medical Applications: Sedative and skin-permeability enhancer for topical applications
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Less common
  • Citation: Souto-Maior, F. N., de Carvalho, F. L. A., de Morais, L. S. L., Netto, S. M., de Sousa, D. P., & de Almeida, R. N. (2011). Anxiolytic-like effects of inhaled linalool oxide in experimental mouse anxiety models. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 100(2), 259–263.

10. Geraniol

  • Odor: Rose-like, sweet floral
  • Occurrence in Nature: Geraniums, roses, and lemongrass
  • Medical Applications: Antioxidant and neuroprotectant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Uncommon
  • Citation: Maruyama, Y., Kuribara, H., Morita, M., Yuzurihara, M., & Weintraub, S. T. (2005). Identification of magnolia bark odor. Drug discoveries & therapeutics, 48(4), 365.

11. Valencene

  • Odor: Citrusy, similar to oranges
  • Occurrence in Nature: Valencia oranges
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory, insect repellent
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Rare
  • Citation: Semprini, M., & Morcia, C. (2018). Valencene from the Rhizome Essential Oil of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe. Planta Medica, 84(06/07), 382-386.

12. Borneol

  • Odor: Camphor-like, minty
  • Occurrence in Nature: Rosemary, camphor, mint
  • Medical Applications: Analgesic, bronchodilator
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Less common
  • Citation: Chavan, M. J., Wakte, P. S., & Shinde, D. B. (2012). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of caryophyllene oxide from Annona squamosa L. bark. Phytomedicine, 19(3-4), 259-263.

13. Bisabolol

  • Odor: Sweet, floral
  • Occurrence in Nature: Chamomile
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory, skin healing
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Rare
  • Citation: Maurya, A. K., Singh, M., Dubey, V., Srivastava, S., Luqman, S., & Bawankule, D. U. (2011). α-(-)-bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 12(1), 174-181.

14. Farnesene

  • Odor: Green apple-like, woody
  • Occurrence in Nature: Green apples, turmeric
  • Medical Applications: Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Rare
  • Citation: Andersen, A., & Markham, K. R. (2006). Farnesene: biochemistry, distribution and functions. Phytochemistry, 67(22), 2451-2461.

15. Eucalyptol

  • Odor: Minty, spicy, and slightly camphor-like
  • Occurrence in Nature: Eucalyptus, tea tree, and sage
  • Medical Applications: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and potentially improves cognitive performance
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Less common
  • Citation: Sadlon, A. E., & Lamson, D. W. (2010). Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative medicine review, 15(1), 33-47.

16. Nerolidol

  • Odor: Woody, citrusy, floral
  • Occurrence in Nature: Jasmine, ginger, tea tree
  • Medical Applications: Sedative, antioxidant, potential anticancer properties
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Nascimento, M. S., Queiroz, M. M., Nóbrega, R. H., Santos, A. S., Pereira, M. J., Kuster, R. M., … & Duarte, G. P. (2006). Evaluation of wound healing properties of Arrabidaea chica Verlot extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 105(1-2), 289-294.

17. Pulegone

  • Odor: Minty, camphoraceous
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pennyroyal, peppermint, catnip
  • Medical Applications: Potential insect repellent, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Cervelli, C., Innocenti, G., D’Onofrio, C., Cappellacci, L., Mazzanti, G., Bellumori, M., … & Pasqua, G. (2018). Insecticidal and repellent activity of novel pyrrole derivatives. MedChemComm, 9(12), 2024-2030.

18. Cedrene

  • Odor: Cedarwood-like, woody
  • Occurrence in Nature: Cedarwood, cypress, juniper
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, relaxation
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Mikus, J., Harkenthal, M., & Stearns, S. (2012). Evaluation of anticoagulation properties of Cedrus atlantica. Molecules, 17(3), 3357-3365.

19. Guaiol

  • Odor: Woody, rose, piney
  • Occurrence in Nature: Guaiacum, cypress pine, nutmeg
  • Medical Applications: Potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Kato, M. J., Chuang, L. T., & Chuang, R. T. (2001). Guaiol—A multifunctional submicromolar affinity ligand for the benzodiazepine binding site of GABAA receptors. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, 9(5), 1285-1292.

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20. Isoborneol

  • Odor: Earthy, woody, minty
  • Occurrence in Nature: Valerian, Salvia, menthol
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Zhang, A., Liu, Y., & Zhao, Q. (2013). The chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps sinensis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015.

21. Bisabolol

  • Odor: Floral, sweet, fruity
  • Occurrence in Nature: Chamomile, candeia, myrrh
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential for skincare
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bagherani, N., & Kazerouni, A. (2013). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International journal of dermatology, 52(7), 784-790.

22. Terpineol

  • Odor: Lilac, floral, citrus
  • Occurrence in Nature: Lilacs, pine, eucalyptus
  • Medical Applications: Sedative, antioxidant, potential antibacterial
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Silva, R. H., Gonçalves, C. F., & Souza, S. C. (2019). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils. In Biotechnology of bioactive compounds (pp. 309-319). Academic Press.

23. Fenchol

  • Odor: Fresh, piney, minty
  • Occurrence in Nature: Basil, fennel, nutmeg
  • Medical Applications: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential antioxidant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Radulović, N. S., & Blagojević, P. D. (2004). Volatile constituents of Glechoma hirsuta Waldst. & Kit. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 16(1), 40-41.

24. Phellandrene

  • Odor: Minty, citrusy, peppery
  • Occurrence in Nature: Eucalyptus, mint, cinnamon
  • Medical Applications: Potential bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9992492, (S)-(-)-Phellandrene.

25. Sabinene

  • Odor: Spicy, citrusy, piney
  • Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, carrot, spruce
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Shah, P. M., & Nema, A. K. (2013). Antimicrobial potential of Piper sylvaticum Roxb. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(1), 57-60.

26. Camphene

  • Odor: Herbal, earthy, pungent
  • Occurrence in Nature: Camphor, rosemary, cypress
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Pitasawat, B., Champakaew, D., Choochote, W., Jitpakdi, A., Chaithong, U., Kanjanapothi, D., … & Riyong, D. (2007). Aromatic plant-derived essential oil: an alternative larvicide for mosquito control. Fitoterapia, 78(3), 205-210.

27. Valencene

  • Odor: Citrusy, sweet, woody
  • Occurrence in Nature: Valencia oranges, grapefruits
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Abu Bakar, M. F., Mohamed, M., Rahmat, A., & Fry, J. R. (2010). Inhibitory activities of orange and grapefruit juices on in vitro platelet aggregation and the formation of platelet monocyte aggregates. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 61(6), 559-569.

28. Pulegone

  • Odor: Minty, camphoraceous, herbal
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pennyroyal, catnip, rosemary
  • Medical Applications: Potential antipyretic, analgesic, insect repellent
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Wojtunik-Kulesza, K. A., Kasprzak, K., Oniszczuk, A., & Oniszczuk, T. (2016). Natural monoterpenes: Much more than only a scent. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 244, 22-28.

29. Isoborneol

  • Odor: Camphoraceous, woody, minty
  • Occurrence in Nature: Mugwort, valerian, cumin
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.

30. Ocimene

  • Odor: Sweet, herbal, woody
  • Occurrence in Nature: Mint, parsley, basil
  • Medical Applications: Potential antifungal, anti-inflammatory, decongestant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Lopes-Lutz, D., Alviano, D. S., & Alviano, C. S. (2008). Essential oils and their constituents: antimicrobial activities and beyond. Molecules, 13(5), 1097-1139.

31. Bisabolol

  • Odor: Floral, sweet, fruity
  • Occurrence in Nature: Chamomile, candeia tree
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Sharifi-Rad, J., Sureda, A., Tenore, G. C., Daglia, M., Sharifi-Rad, M., Valussi, M., … & Iriti, M. (2017). Biological activities of essential oils: From plant chemoecology to traditional healing systems. Molecules, 22(1), 70.

32. Sabinene

  • Odor: Woody, spicy, citrusy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, carrot seed, Norway spruce
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Deans, S. G., & Ritchie, G. (1987). Antibacterial properties of plant essential oils. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 5(2), 165-180.

33. Linalool

  • Odor: Floral, lavender, citrus
  • Occurrence in Nature: Lavender, coriander, basil
  • Medical Applications: Potential anxiolytic, sedative, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Common
  • Citation: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.

34. Bornyl Acetate

  • Odor: Piney, camphoraceous, earthy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pine, fir, rosemary
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., Jäger, W., Plank, C., & Dietrich, H. (1993). Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 82(6), 660-664.

35. Terpinolene

  • Odor: Woody, herbal, piney
  • Occurrence in Nature: Nutmeg, tea tree, apples
  • Medical Applications: Potential antioxidant, sedative, anticancer
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Legault, J., Pichette, A., & Potvin, F. (2007). Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Mentha piperita L. Phytotherapy Research, 21(11), 1036-1040.

36. Valencene

  • Odor: Citrusy, sweet, orange
  • Occurrence in Nature: Valencia oranges, grapefruit
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, insect repellent
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Alipieva, K., Korkina, L., Orhan, I. E., Georgiev, M. I. (2014). Verbascoside–a review of its occurrence, (bio)synthesis and pharmacological significance. Biotechnology Advances, 32(6), 1065-1076.

37. Phellandrene

  • Odor: Minty, woody, citrusy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Eucalyptus, mint, cinnamon
  • Medical Applications: Potential analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: de Almeida, A. A. C., Costa, J. P., de Carvalho, R. B. F., de Sousa, D. P., de Freitas, R. M. (2013). Evaluation of acute toxicity of a natural compound (+)-limonene epoxide and its anxiolytic-like action. Brain Research, 1516, 1-12.

38. Pulegone

  • Odor: Minty, camphoraceous, herbal
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pennyroyal, catmint
  • Medical Applications: Potential memory enhancer, analgesic, antipyretic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Rare
  • Citation: Elmann, A., Mordechay, S., Erlank, H., Telerman, A., Rindner, M., Ofir, R., … & Domb, A. J. (2011). Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the extract of Achillea fragrantissima. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(1), 1-9.

39. Isopulegol

  • Odor: Minty, herbal, cooling
  • Occurrence in Nature: Spearmint, basil, patchouli
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: He, X., Li, M., Yang, X., Yan, T., and Yang, Y. (2016). Isopulegol Inhibits Colon Cancer Growth by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 23(4), 517-523.

40. Guaiol

  • Odor: Woody, piney, rosy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Guaiacum, cypress pine
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Arantes, S., Candeias, F., Teixeira, A. P., & Vicente, A. A. (2017). Biodegradable Microcapsules Containing Natural Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Agents to Improve Skin Function. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 56(46), 13464-13472.

41. α-Bisabolol

  • Odor: Floral, sweet, herbal
  • Occurrence in Nature: Chamomile, candeia tree
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Cardia, G. F. E., Cavalcante, H. A. O., Cassarotti, L. L., Salvati, K. A., Ferreira, E. O., Camargo, E. A., … & Cunha, T. M. (2018). α-Bisabolol, a Sesquiterpene Alcohol: An Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Effect in Mice. Phytomedicine, 44, 21-27.

42. Terpinene

  • Odor: Citrusy, piney, earthy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Juniper, marjoram, cardamom
  • Medical Applications: Potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Gülçin, İ., Tel, A. Z., Gören, A. C., & Alwasel, S. H. (2013). Anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Cinnamomum verum bark and fruits used in traditional medicine. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 7(5), 227-234.

43. Camphene

  • Odor: Camphoraceous, herbal, pungent
  • Occurrence in Nature: Camphor, ginger, rosemary
  • Medical Applications: Potential antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Jirovetz, L., Buchbauer, G., Shafi, M. P., & Abraham, G. T. (2010). Analysis of the essential oil volatiles of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from India. Natural Product Communications, 5(11), 1741-1744.

44. Sabinene Hydrate

  • Odor: Woody, spicy, citrusy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Black pepper, carrot seed, Norway spruce
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Bhardwaj, A., Gupta, A., Shukla, A., & Tiwary, A. K. (2014). Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Sabinene Hydrate Isolated from Holarrhena Pubescens Wall. Natural Product Research, 28(12), 884-891.

45. Geranyl Acetate

  • Odor: Floral, fruity, sweet
  • Occurrence in Nature: Lemongrass, roses, citronella
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, sedative
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Rahalison, L., Hamburger, M., & Hostettmann, K. (1991). Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of oxygenated acyclic monoterpenes. Planta Medica, 57(2), 164-166.

46. γ-Terpinene

  • Odor: Citrusy, woody, spicy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Marjoram, tea tree, cardamom
  • Medical Applications: Potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Mitić, V. D., Stanković, N. D., and Stamenković, O. S. (2015). Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils Isolated from Serbian Lavandulae Spica and Thymus Serpyllum. Open Life Sciences, 10(1), 195-206.

47. Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole)

  • Odor: Minty, medicinal, fresh
  • Occurrence in Nature: Eucalyptus, bay leaves, tea tree
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, analgesic
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Santos, F. A., & Rao, V. S. (2000). Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 1, 8-cineole a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils. Phytotherapy Research, 14(4), 240-244.

48. Terpinolene

  • Odor: Woody, piney, herbal
  • Occurrence in Nature: Nutmeg, cumin, lilac
  • Medical Applications: Potential antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Cho, J. Y., Yang, Y. M., and Kim, J. D. (2007). Inhibition of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine model of asthma by 1, 8-cineole, a plant-derived monoterpene. European Journal of Pharmacology, 572(2-3), 240-247.

49. Bornyl Acetate

  • Odor: Piney, camphoraceous, woody
  • Occurrence in Nature: Pine needles, rosemary, balsam fir
  • Medical Applications: Potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bronchodilator
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Adio, A. M. (2009). Composition and insecticidal activities of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus and C. nardus against housefly (Musca domestica L.). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 3(8), 523-529.

50. Nerolidol

  • Odor: Floral, woody, citrusy
  • Occurrence in Nature: Ginger, jasmine, tea tree
  • Medical Applications: Potential antimicrobial, sedative, antioxidant
  • Likelihood in Cannabis: Occasional
  • Citation: Park, B. S., Lee, S. E., Choi, W. S., Jeong, C. H., and Choi, I. D. (2007). Monoterpenes from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) as potential mosquito repellents. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 23(1), 47-53.

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Summary Notes

Examining the World of Cannabis Terpenes: Odor, Abundance, and Medical Potential

Cannabis terpenes play a crucial role in defining the aroma, flavor, and therapeutic effects of different strains. With over 100 identified terpenes in cannabis, their abundance and unique properties contribute significantly to the plant’s medicinal potential and user experience.

Terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, and linalool are known for their distinct odors—ranging from earthy and citrus to floral scents—and their ability to influence mood, pain perception, and inflammation. These organic compounds not only define the sensory experience of cannabis but also work synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance health benefits, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Research into specific terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and humulene reveals their potential in treating conditions such as pain, anxiety, and inflammation, offering insights into cannabis’s therapeutic applications. The diversity of terpene profiles across indica, sativa, and hybrid strains underscores the importance of understanding terpene content for medical and recreational users alike.

The exploration of terpenes extends beyond traditional uses, with emerging studies highlighting their role in medical therapies, their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, and their overall impact on cannabis’s medical efficacy. As the cannabis industry and research community continue to evolve, so too does our understanding of terpenes’ multifaceted roles.

Educating consumers and healthcare providers on the significance of terpenes in cannabis selection and therapy is essential for maximizing the plant’s therapeutic potential. The ongoing study of terpenes promises to unlock further medical applications and enhance the personalized use of cannabis for health and wellness.

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