Terpenes are natural, oily, and aromatic compounds produced by the cannabis plant—and many other types of plants. These compounds are responsible for the rich aromatic smells associated with cannabis. Many people believe terpenes are powerful modulators, or influencers, of the cannabis high.
Terpenes themselves have physical effects on the body and are produced from the same plant glands that produce cannabinoids. If you've ever grown Orange Bud and rubbed your fingers on the buds, you’ll notice a zesty citrus smell that often lingers even after other scents have faded. That’s because Orange Bud contains high levels of Limonene.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
There are over 100 terpenes, each with its own scent, flavor, and medicinal effects. They contribute to the unique aromas of our favorite cannabis varieties. Terpenes are also found in other plants - from tree leaves to flower petals - and even in fungi, algae, and bacteria. These natural compounds are responsible for the refreshing and calming scents you notice in a forest or garden.
How Cannabis Terpenes Work
Terpenes are widely used in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and cosmetic industries. They form a diverse group of chemical compounds, ranging from simple to complex structures. Terpenes are delicate and can be lost if buds are exposed to high temperatures or over-dried and poorly cured.
Many cannabis terpenes are already well known for their presence in flowers, fruits, spices, and other natural sources. Aromatherapists have used them for years due to their distinct aromas and effects.
The Most Important Terpenes in Cannabis
Linalool
Linalool gives cannabis a floral scent. It’s found in lavender and has traditionally been used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is valued for its sedative and mood-enhancing properties.
Vaporizes at: 388ºF (198ºC)
High-linalool cannabis seeds: Kerosene Krash, Mokum's Tulip
Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-Pinene is responsible for the pine scent in buds. It’s found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill. Herbalists have used it for asthma, pain, ulcers, and anxiety. It may improve alertness.
Vaporizes at: 311ºF (155ºC)
High-alpha-pinene cannabis seeds: CBD Skunk Haze, Banana Blaze, Blue Auto Mazar
Myrcene
Myrcene has an earthy, musky scent similar to cloves or cardamom. Found in mango, lemongrass, thyme, and hops, it offers a relaxing and sedating effect.
Vaporizes at: 332ºF (167ºC)
High-myrcene cannabis seeds: Auto SFV OG, Auto Kerosene Krash
Limonene
Limonene has a fresh, zesty citrus aroma. Found in citrus rinds, peppermint, rosemary, and juniper. It is used to treat anxiety, depression, inflammation, and pain. It also promotes mood elevation and stress relief.
Vaporizes at: 348ºF (176ºC)
High-limonene cannabis seeds: Auto Daiquiri Lime, Sugar Bomb Punch, Auto Orange Bud
Beta-Caryophyllene
This terpene gives buds a spicy, woody aroma similar to cloves and pepper. Found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, it’s used to treat pain, anxiety, and ulcers.
Vaporizes at: 266ºF (130ºC)
High-beta-caryophyllene cannabis seeds: Frisian Dew, Power Plant, Glueberry OG, Auto MAC #1
Humulene
With a woody, earthy aroma reminiscent of hops, humulene is found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil. It is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vaporizes at: 222ºF (106ºC)
High-humulene cannabis seeds: CBD Auto Charlotte's Angel, Meringue, Think Fast
Ocimene
Ocimene has a sweet, herbal, and woody aroma. Found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats, it may offer antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, decongestant, and antibiotic properties.
Vaporizes at: 212ºF (100ºC)
High-ocimene cannabis seeds: Auto Duck, Auto SFV OG, Auto Daiquiri Lime
Terpinolene
Terpinolene smells floral and herbal with a piney twist. Found in nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin, and lilacs, it’s believed to be antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and sedative.
Vaporizes at: 366ºF (186ºC)
High-terpinolene cannabis seeds: Auto Banana Blaze, Blueberry, Auto Lemon Kix
Beta-Pinene
This terpene has a strong woody pine aroma and is one of the most common in nature. Found in pine trees, cumin, hops, and cannabis.
Vaporizes at: 331ºF (166ºC)
High-beta-pinene cannabis seeds: Banana Blaze, Durban Poison
Camphene
Camphene has a pungent scent, found in turpentine, cypress oil, camphor oil, citronella oil, and others. Smells of fir needles and damp earth. Believed useful against bacterial and fungal infections.
Vaporizes at: 318ºF (159ºC)
3-Carene
This terpene has a sweet, pungent aroma of damp pine forest. Can make up 40% of turpentine oil.
Vaporizes at: 340ºF (171ºC)
Terpinene
There are four types - alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. All are colorless liquids with a turpentine-like aroma.
Vaporizes at: ~347ºF (175ºC)
p-Cymene
Found in cumin and thyme oils.
Vaporizes at: 351ºF (177ºC)
Eucalyptol
Found in eucalyptus (up to 90%), basil, rosemary, sage, and bay leaves. Has a minty smell and a soothing effect.
Vaporizes at: 349ºF (176ºC)
Geraniol
With a sweet, rose-like scent, geraniol is used in perfumes and is found in rose oil, citronella oil, and palmarosa oil. It may promote relaxation.
Vaporizes at: 446ºF (230ºC)
Nerolidol
Present in ginger, jasmine, tea tree, and lavender. Has a woody, bark-like aroma.
Vaporizes at: 252ºF (122ºC)
Guaiol
Found in Cypress Pine, Guaiacum, and cannabis. It melts at 198ºF (92ºC) and may have anti-anxiety effects.
Bisabolol
This terpene has a sweet floral aroma and is the main component of German chamomile oil. Believed to have skin-healing, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Vaporizes at: 307ºF (153ºC)
All of these terpene effects are fascinating individually, but the subject becomes even more intriguing when considering their entourage effect—how terpenes may synergize with each other and with cannabinoids. For example, could some terpenes amplify the effects of THC or CBD? Many cannabis connoisseurs believe so.
Sometimes, a specific strain just hits the sweet spot for your endocannabinoid system. This could be due to the perfect genetic match and ideal growing conditions that create a complementary blend of cannabinoids and terpenes.
How to Enhance Cannabis Terpenes with LED Grow Lights
For many legal growers in the U.S., LED grow lights have become essential for producing "Grade A" top-shelf buds. While the best LED lights come at a premium, they are proven to increase cannabinoid levels and terpene content—something you wouldn’t invest in if it didn’t work. This improvement is mainly due to lower heat stress and a spectrum optimized for cannabis cultivation.
Traditional HPS (high-pressure sodium) lights were never designed with cannabis in mind. They emit excess heat, contain mercury, and are energy-inefficient. In contrast, modern LED grow lights offer tailored wavelengths that improve quality yields—making them a smart one-time investment that permanently boosts your grow quality.
Blue Light Treatment Before Harvest to Enhance Terpenes
Adjustable-spectrum LED lights like those from California Lightworks or Growspec Sunray allow for innovative techniques. One such method is removing red light during the final 2–4 days before harvest and providing only blue light. Growers have observed a noticeable increase in terpene production using this technique.
While theories differ on why this works, the idea is that eliminating red light right before harvest doesn’t affect yield but instead shifts the plant’s energy toward terpene production rather than biomass. Red light drives flower development, but once buds have matured, blue light may boost terpene synthesis.
Terpenes in Dutch Passion Cannabis Varieties
Ever wondered what terpenes are present in your favorite cannabis strain? The chart below features a recent terpene analysis of Dutch Passion’s Auto Mimosa Punch. The results are impressive and reveal just how complex cannabis really is. Each strain has a unique terpene profile, and much also depends on how the plant is grown and cured.
