CBD: 20 Popular Terpenes Explained

CBD terpenes, also known as CBD terpenoids or CBD essential oils, are organic compounds found in the cannabis plant that give the plant its characteristic aroma and flavor. Terpenes are not unique to the cannabis plant, as they are also found in many other plants and fruits. However, they are particularly abundant in the cannabis plant and are believed to have potential therapeutic properties when combined with cannabinoids like CBD. Terpenes are often used in aromatherapy, as they are thought to have relaxing and soothing effects on the mind and body. CBD terpenes may also enhance the effects of CBD by working in synergy with it, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” Some common terpenes found in CBD products include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool.

Here are 20 CBD Terpenes defined:

1. Myrcene: Myrcene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as hops, lemongrass, and thyme. It has a musky, earthy aroma that is often described as similar to cloves or ripe mangoes. Myrcene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Myrcene is believed to have a relaxing and calming effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Myrcene is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from indica strains of cannabis.
2. Limonene: Limonene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as citrus fruits, peppermint, and juniper. It has a strong, citrusy aroma that is often described as similar to lemons or oranges. Limonene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Limonene is believed to have a stimulating and uplifting effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Limonene is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from sativa strains of cannabis.
3. Pinene: Pinene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as pine trees, rosemary, and basil. It has a distinctive aroma that is often described as similar to pine needles or fresh herbs. Pinene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and antibacterial properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Pinene is believed to have a stimulating and energizing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with fatigue, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Pinene is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from sativa strains of cannabis.
4. Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. It has a spicy, peppery aroma that is often described as similar to black pepper or cloves. Caryophyllene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Unlike other terpenes, caryophyllene can bind to the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which makes it a unique compound that may have potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Caryophyllene is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from indica strains of cannabis.
5. Linalool: Linalool is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as lavender, mint, and cinnamon. It has a floral, sweet aroma that is often described as similar to lavender or lilies. Linalool is known to have potential sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Linalool is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Linalool is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from hybrid strains of cannabis.
6. Humulene: Humulene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as hops, coriander, and cloves. It has an earthy, woody aroma that is often described as similar to hops or sage. Humulene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and appetite suppressant properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Humulene is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with pain, inflammation, and appetite issues. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Humulene is a common terpene found in many CBD products, particularly those made from sativa strains of cannabis.
7. Terpinolene: Terpinolene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as sage, rosemary, and tea tree. It has a fresh, herbal aroma that is often described as similar to pine or lilac. Terpinolene is known to have potential sedative, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Terpinolene is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Terpinolene is a less common terpene found in CBD products, but it can be found in some strains of cannabis and hemp.
8. Ocimene: Ocimene is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as mint, parsley, and basil. It has a sweet, herbal aroma that is often described as similar to flowers or fruits. Ocimene is known to have potential antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Ocimene is believed to have a uplifting and energizing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with fatigue, depression, and anxiety. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Ocimene is a less common terpene found in CBD products, but it can be found in some strains of cannabis and hemp.
9. Geraniol: Geraniol is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as roses, lemons, and citronella. It has a sweet, floral aroma that is often described as similar to roses. Geraniol is known to have potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Geraniol is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Geraniol is a less common terpene found in CBD products, but it can be found in some strains of cannabis and hemp.
10. Nerolidol: Nerolidol is a terpene commonly found in many strains of cannabis as well as other plants, such as jasmine, tea tree, and ginger. It has a woody, floral aroma that is often described as similar to fresh bark. Nerolidol is known to have potential antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties, and may also enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. Nerolidol is believed to have a sedative and relaxing effect on the mind and body, and may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Nerolidol is a less common terpene found in CBD products, but it can be found in some strains of cannabis and hemp.
11. Phytol: Phytol is a terpene alcohol that is commonly found in many plants, including cannabis and green tea. It is a precursor to both vitamin E and vitamin K, and is also known to have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its potential health benefits, phytol is also used in the fragrance industry due to its sweet, floral scent. It may also enhance the effects of other cannabinoids by working in synergy with them. While phytol is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process.
12. Bisabolol: Bisabolol is a terpene commonly found in chamomile, but it is also present in some strains of cannabis. It has a delicate floral aroma and is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Bisabolol is often used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its potential benefits for the skin, including reducing redness and inflammation. It may also have a calming effect on the mind and body and could be helpful for people dealing with anxiety or stress. Bisabolol may also enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. While bisabolol is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process.
13. Farnesene: Farnesene is a sesquiterpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a sweet, earthy aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Farnesene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, farnesene may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.
14. Guaiol: Guaiol is a sesquiterpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a woody, piney aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Guaiol is known to have potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, guaiol may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.
15. Sabinene: Sabinene is a monoterpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a spicy, woody aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Sabinene is known to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, sabinene may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.
16. Eucalyptol: Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is a monoterpene that is found in many plants, including eucalyptus, bay leaves, and cannabis. It has a minty, camphor-like aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Eucalyptol is known to have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties and may also have a stimulating effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, eucalyptol may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.
17. Camphene: Camphene is a monoterpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a musky, earthy aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Camphene is known to have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, camphene may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.
18. Pulegone: Pulegone is a monoterpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a strong minty aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Pulegone is known to have potential antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties, and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, pulegone may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. However, it is important to note that high doses of pulegone may be toxic and should be used with caution.
19. Isopulegol: Isopulegol is a terpene that is found in many plants, including cannabis. It has a minty aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Isopulegol is known to have potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties, and may also have a calming effect on the mind and body. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, isopulegol may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them. However, it is important to note that high doses of isopulegol may be toxic and should be used with caution.
20. Valencene: Valencene is a terpene that is commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. It has a sweet, citrusy aroma and is often used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Valencene is also found in smaller amounts in some strains of cannabis and has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Some studies have suggested that valencene may also have a calming effect on the mind and body and may help to alleviate stress and anxiety. While it is not commonly found in CBD products on its own, it may be present in small amounts as a component of other terpenes or as a result of the extraction process. In addition to its potential health benefits, valencene may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD by working in synergy with them.

It’s important to note that different strains of cannabis can have varying combinations and levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, which can contribute to their unique effects and aromas.