Terpene Dictionary
This is a one-page dictionary of 36 common cannabis and hemp terpenes and terpenoids (they have the "-ol" suffix). Let us know if you see one in your product that you think should be included here. There are probably more than 50 others that naturally appear in cannabis and hemp flower, although not as frequently.
Terpenes are important because Indica and Sativa are not actual molecules found in cannabis or hemp. These classification terms really only suggest a general tendency toward a terpene profile. They originally indicated a cannabis or hemp cultivar's preferred growing conditions and regions. Since our focus is on the active ingredients, we are interested in the actual molecules found in cannabis and hemp.
While there are many other molecules found in cannabis and hemp plants, we know that terpenes definitely contribute to flavor and effects - in addition to cannabinoids, of course. Aldehydes, thiols, esters, ketones and many other molecules contribute, too. But unlike terpenes and terpenoids, they are not usually tested for, so we can't easily quantify them.
We've got a few other terpene-focused pages, too:
- For some quick background info, take a look at our Terpene Overview page.
- We've grouped the top 36 terpenes by their primary flavor or aroma on our Terpene Flavor Groups page.
- The Effects & Ingredients page has both cannabinoids and terpenes grouped by their reported effects.
- Our Cannabis Infographics page has some colorful infographics we created to hopefully make a complex plant a little easier to understand and control for your specific needs and goals.
Remember, everyone has unique biochemistry, so these "average" effects may be different for you. Some users have reported allergic reactions to specific cannabinoid products and terpenes, so please discontinue use and speak to your healthcare provider if something doesn't feel right.
The terpenes and terpenoids in BLUE are reported to be either calming, relaxing, or sometimes a sedative. If you are aware of any terpene information we may have omitted, please let us know.
We have provided links to boiling point temperature references for these terpenes and terpenoids (end in "ol", like linalool, and are considered alcohol compounds). Most of the boiling point reference links are to the US NIH National Library of Medicine's National Center for Biotechnology Information via their PubChem pages here: pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. If it wasn't on PubChem, we had to go to several other sources. A few of the other reference sites DO NOT display well on mobile screens (sorry).
ALL boiling points are approximate and are for atmospheric pressure, or 760mm Hg (this is where some mistakes were made in the past).
Here is a colorful infographic with 23 terpenes. The colors indicate whether the terpene is considered more uplifting (red, orange, yellow) or more calming (green, blue and purple). We thank the Emerald Cup for leading the way in this type of user-friendly classification of cannabis and hemp terpenes.
The Top 8 Terpene & Terpenoid List
The first eight (8) are generally the most common terpenes and terpenoids ordered (very roughly) by their prevalence in cannabis and hemp flower. The next 28 terpenes are ordered alphabetically, and generally occur in smaller amounts in most cannabis and hemp flower.
1. Myrcene (Beta-Myrcene)
The most common terpene in cannabis and hemp that can make up more than 2% of the weight of some chemovars; also found in mangoes, thyme, citrus, and lemongrass, it has a musky, earthy, sweet herbal aroma. It is largely responsible for the green hop aroma in beer and is a major component in dry hopped beer. A 2021 published review study on Myrcene is here.
Boiling Point: 333ºF (167ºC)
Reported to help with: THC agonist (helper), high blood sugar, anticatabolic (preserves muscle mass), pain, gastrointestinal aid, neurological aid, anxiety, depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, seizures and spasms, tumors, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
2. Caryophyllene (Beta- or Trans-Caryophyllene)
Just about as common as Myrcene in cannabis and hemp flower and can exceed 2% by weight. It has a spicy, peppery aroma and is also found in black pepper, cloves, hops, and oregano.
Boiling Point: 493ºF (256ºC) (several reputable sources have reported this to be 266ºF, but that is NOT at atmospheric pressure of 760mm Hg; 266ºF is the boiling point at 14mm Hg)
Reported to help with: pain, depression, anxiety, bone stimulation, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, seizures and spasms, tumors, blood sugar, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders
3. Limonene
The final member of the "Big Three" terpenes in cannabis and hemp flower. Contributes a citrus aroma and is commonly found in citrus fruits, lemon rinds, juniper, and peppermint.
Boiling Point: 349ºF (176ºC)
Reported to help with: anxiety, depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, seizures and spasms, tumors, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, may potentiate cannabinoids (enhance bioavailability or effects)
4. Pinene (Alpha- and Beta-Pinene)
Pinene is considered the most common naturally-occurring terpene on earth. Both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene have similar properties and aroma. It's got that pine forest aroma and is found in pine needles, dill, basil, parsley, conifers, and sage.
Boiling Point: alpha: 313ºF (156ºC), beta: 331ºF (166ºC)
Reported to help with: alertness/focus, memory retention, anxiety, depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, tumors, antiviral, bronchodilation, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders
5. Humulene (Alpha-Humulene, Alpha-Caryophyllene)
Contributes a woody, spicy-clove, "watery" aroma and is also found in allspice, hops, cloves and coriander. While it is common in cannabis and hemp flower, it is usually found in small amounts (<0.2%). Here's a summary of recent research at ScienceDirect.com.
Boiling Point: 334ºF (168ºC)
Reported to help with: appetite suppression, pain, inflammation, antimicrobial, seizures and spasms, tumors
6. Linalool
A cannabis terpenoid also found in lavender, it has a floral, citrusy sweet aroma. Also found in citrus fruits, laurel, coriander, rosemary, sweet basil, eucalyptus, and rosewood.
Boiling Point: 388ºF (198ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, skin aid, anxiety, depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, seizures and spasms, tumors, neurological disorders, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
7. Terpinolene (Alpha-Terpinolene, Terpinolen, Isoterpinene)
Has a fairly complex aroma that has been described as fresh, herbal, sweet, floral, piney, smokey & woody. It is also found in limes, cumin, lilac, nutmeg, and rosemary. Some recent research.
Boiling Point: 369ºF (187ºC)
Reported to help with: energy when paired with THC - sedating by itself, pain, depression, antimicrobial, antiviral, tumors, antioxidant, gastrointestinal disorders
8. Ocimene (Beta-Ocimene, Trans-Beta-Ocimene)
An aroma of tropical fruits and woody green citrus, it is also found in parsley, orchids, basil, and kumquats.
Boiling Point: 352ºF (178ºC)
Reported to help with: depression, decongestion, inflammation, antimicrobial, antifungal, seizures and spasms, tumors, antiviral, gastrointestinal disorders
Alphabetical List of other important Terpenes and Terpenoids commonly found in cannabis and hemp flower:
Anethole
A sweet aroma and flavor reminiscent of licorice and is found in anise and fennel, as well as the spirits Ouzo and Absinthe.
Boiling Point: 454ºF (234ºC)
Reported to help with: blood sugar, expectorant, gastrointestinal disorders, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Bisabolol (Alpha-Bisabolol or Levomenol)
Found in chamomile flower, it has a light, sweet, mildly coconut floral aroma reminiscent of honey.
Boiling Point: 599ºF (315ºC)
Reported to help with: skin aid or softener, pain, anxiety, inflammation, antimicrobial, tumors, neurological disorders
Borneol (Isoborneol)
It has a cool, minty, metallic, camphor aroma and has been used in Chinese medicine for a very long time. It is commonly found in mint, rosemary, ginger, mugwort, and camphor.
Boiling Point: 414ºF (212ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, anxiety, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, tumors, antiviral, "orifice opening" (Zhang et. al., 2017) by increasing flow across the blood-brain barrier, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological disorders
Camphene
An aroma of cool, damp camphor & musky earth, it is also found in conifer, fir, nutmeg, rosemary, and sage.
Boiling Point: 318ºF (159ºC)
Reported to help with: cholesterol and triglyceride levels, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-viral, tumors
Carene (Delta-3-Carene)
A unique terpene that has an aroma of musky citrus and sweet pine, almost like pineapple, and is also found in basil, pepper, cedar, evergreens, and rosemary.
Boiling Point: 340ºF (171ºC)
Reported to help with: focus, memory, anxiety, inflammation, bone stimulant, pain, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal disorders
Caryophyllene Oxide (Beta-Caryophyllene Oxide)
A higher boiling point terpene that comes from oxidized beta-caryophyllene. Found in black pepper, caraway, cloves, and basil, it has a dry, fresh, spicy-sweet aroma.
Boiling Point: 536ºF (280ºC)
Reported to help with: binds with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, pain, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant
Cedrene (Alpha-cedrene and Beta-cedrene)
Has a light, woodsy scent found in cedarwood tree oil and can be made from the juniper and cypress trees.
Boiling Point: 505ºF (263ºC)
Reported to help with: inflammation, antimicrobial, tumors
Citronellol (Beta-Citronellol)
Also found in citronella grass, roses, and geraniums, it has an aroma of rose and citrus.
Boiling Point: 435ºF (224ºC)
Reported to help with: depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, seizures and spasms; “When inhaled, citronella can have a relaxing effect on some people and a stimulating effect on others"
Cymene (P-Cymene, Para-Cymol)
Found in many common plants such as thyme, oregano, cumin, and cilantro, it is said to have an aroma profile of mild, sweet, aged wood and lemon.
Boiling Point: 351ºF (177ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, inflammation, anti-microbial, tumors
Elemene (Alpha-, Beta-, Delta-, y-Elemene)
Used in Chinese medicine and found in ginseng and Chinese Yu Jin, it has a waxy, herbal aroma.
Boiling Point: 487ºF (253ºC)
Reported to help with: tumors (limited research)
Eucalyptol (Cineole)
Also found in eucalyptus, camphor laurel, tea tree, and mugwort, it has an aroma of cool camphor.
Boiling Point: 349ºF (176ºC)
Reported to help with: alertness/, bronchodilation, pain, anxiety, inflammation, antioxidant, tumors, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Eudesmol (y-, alpha-, & beta-Eudesmol)
Found in cypress, valerian, tansy, vetiver, and Eucalyptus smithii, it has a woody-sweet aroma.
Boiling Point: 574ºF (301ºC)
Reported to help with: antioxidant, antimicrobial, appetite stimulation, gastrointestinal disorders
Farnesene (Alpha-, Beta-Farnesene)
An aroma of green apples and commonly found in the skins or rinds of apples, pears and other fruits. It is often used as a pest repellent.
Boiling Point: 523ºF (273ºC)
Reported to help with: anxiety, inflammation, antimicrobial, seizures and spasms, tumors, pain, gastrointestinal disorders, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Fenchol (Fenchyl Alcohol, Endo-Fenchol)
A lemon-lime, piney, and camphor aroma, it is also found in basil and some aster flower species.
Boiling Point: 397ºF (203ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, neurological disorders, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant
Geraniol
A sweet, floral, fruity aroma, it is also found in roses, lemongrass, and citronella.
Boiling Point: 446ºF (230ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, depression, blood sugar, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, seizures and spasms, tumors, neurological disorders
Geranyl (Geranyl Acetate)
Lemongrass, coriander, sassafras, and geraniums contain geranyl; it has a sweet floral aroma, and exudes notes of pear and calendar.
Boiling Point: 468ºF (242ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, inflammation, antimicrobial, tumors
Guaiene (Alpha-, Beta-Guaiene)
A sweet, woody, earthy, and spicy aroma and found in the Palo Santo tree.
Boiling Point: 455ºF (235ºC)
Reported to help with: inflammation
Guaiol (Champacol, Champaca camphor)
Also found in cypress pines, subtropical conifers, and the tropical guaiacum plant, it has a piney, woody, and rose-like aroma.
Boiling Point: 550ºF (288ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, anti-parasitic, blood pressure, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, tumors, gastrointestinal disorders
Hashishene (monoterpene: 5,5-dimethyl-1-vinylbicyclo[2.1.1]hexane)
Also found in Scotch spearmint in small amounts, it has a unique earthy and floral flavor. We know very little about it since it has not been studied much. We know it is present in Moroccan and Lebanese hashish, but NOT in flower. It comes from oxidized Myrcene, so it's effects may be similar, but we just don't have enough research.
Boiling Point: unknown
Reported Benefits: unknown
Isoborneol (Borneol)
A woody-sweet and spicy aroma, it is also found in common valerian, sage, and thyme.
Boiling Point: 414ºF (212ºC)
Reported to help with: inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, tumors, antiviral, neurological disorders
Nerolidol (Cis- & Trans-Nerolidol, Peruviol and Penetrol)
An aroma that is a faint woody bark, waxy, and somewhat floral, it is also found in neroli, ginger, jasmine, lemon grass, and lavender.
Boiling Point: 529ºF (276ºC)
Reported to help with: anxiety, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, tumors, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Phellandrene (Alpha- & Beta-Phellandrene)
Also found in several eucalyptus species, dill, and water fennel, it has a citrusy, peppermint aroma. Some recent research is here.
Boiling Point: 342ºF (172ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, depression, inflammation, antimicrobial, tumors, gastrointestinal disorders
Phytol
Has a milder grassy aroma, and is found in most types of green tea.
Boiling Point: 637ºF (336ºC)
Reported to help with: anxiety, inflammation, antioxidant, seizures and spasms, tumors, mild sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Pulegone
A resinous, minty-camphor aroma and found in catnip, pennyroyal, rosemary, and creeping Charlie plants.
Boiling Point: 435ºF (224ºC)
Reported to help with: pain, anxiety, seizures and spasms, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Sabinene (Sabinene Hydrate, Thujanol)
With a woodsy, spicy aroma, it is found in Norway Spruce trees, holm oak, & nutmeg.
Boiling Point: 396ºF (202ºC)
Reported to help with: inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastrointestinal disorders
Terpinene (Alpha- & Gamma-Terpinene)
Alpha-Terpinene: A piney, smokey, herbaceous aroma that is also found in tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and marjoram.
Boiling Point: 343ºF (173ºC)
Gamma-Terpinene: Aroma of lime and tropical fruits, and is found in citrus fruits and laurel bay leaves.
Boiling Point: 362ºF (183ºC)
Reported to help with: THC agonist (helper), inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, tumors, blood sugar, neurological disorders
Terpineol (Alpha-Terpineol)
An aroma of lilac and flower blossoms, it is also found in cajuput oil, pine oil, and petitgrain oil.
Boiling Point: 430ºF (221ºC)
Reported to help with: anxiety, inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, seizures and spasms, tumors, antiviral, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, sedation (relaxant or sleep aid)
Valencene
Its most famous source is valencia oranges, and contributes to their sweet, fresh, citrus aroma and taste.
Boiling Point: 520ºF (271ºC)
Reported to help with: alertness/focus, allergies, inflammation, bronchodilation
We also organized these terpenes into general, very basic "flavor groups" based on their dominant aroma and taste on the Terpene Flavor Groups page.