Top 14 Cannabis & Essential Oil Terpenes: Benefits & Uses

Get ready to explore terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give the unique flavours and therapeutic effects to your favourite essential oils and cannabis strains?

Join me as I delve into the reasons behind why plants produce terpenes and uncover the striking similarities between terpenes that are found in cannabis and aromatherapy oils. I’ll cut through the jargon, explore 14 popular terpenes, and even touch on the sweet spot where cannabis and aromatherapy meet.

Whether you are an avid recreational cannabis enthusiast or a newbie exploring the world of essential oils, this guide is exactly what you need. No fluff, just the good stuff. Let’s get to it!

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What Are Terpenes?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of terpenes, particularly their presence and effects in cannabis and as constituents of essential oils. Terpenes are a group of volatile bioactive compounds that are found abundantly in nature. They play a significant role in the aroma and flavour in various plants, including cannabis.

There are hundreds of different terpenes found in plants, and some researchers say that number is in the thousands. Plants create them to protect themselves from predators, and also to attract pollinators. They are responsible for the unique smell and taste of these plants, and also have numerous health benefits.

There are a huge number of aromatic elements in cannabis and cannabis products. In the cannabis industry, there are many strains with a high terpene content. Cannabis compounds and terpenes have a wide range of molecules that contribute to the plant’s distinct smell and taste. They also produce a wide range of therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety or relieving pain.

Although people generally associate them with Cannabis Sativa, Indica or Ruderalis, terpenes are another major component of aromatherapy oils. It’s the combination of these and other aromatics that determines the fragrance of the oil. These compounds are also what give the oils their fragrance and also their therapeutic benefits.

Herbs and spices also contain high levels of terpenes. For example, ginger contains a compound called Zingiberene, which has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Similarly, oregano contains compounds like Carvacrol and Thymol, which have also been shown to reduce inflammation.

Where Do Terpenes Come From?

Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds found in a variety of plants in their flowers, leaves, and stems. They are responsible for the plant’s fragrance and taste. Plants produce them to protect against predators and pests, and other types of plants use them to attract pollinators. They can also be produced through the process of photosynthesis.

There are many cannabis extracts and other compounds to be found in cannabis. These chemicals give marijuana its distinctive smell and taste. Different terpenic profiles very much affect the plant’s effects on the human body. They work together, as well as with other plant compounds, to provide excellent therapeutic results.

Essential oils are concentrated versions of terpenes from the plant source. They’re used in aromatherapy as natural remedies for a variety of ailments. Studies have shown that for many people, they are popular for relieving symptoms with less side effects than those who took some mainstream medications.

Plants that we commonly use as herbs and spices also produce terpenes. These contribute to their smell, taste, and medicinal properties.

Although the source of the terpenes can vary, the therapeutic effects are the same whether they appear in cannabis or aromatherapy oils. Typically, the plant where each specific terpene was first identified lends itself to the name of the terpene. For example, Myrcene is one of the most well known cannabis cultivars, but it was first identified in Myrcia, which is a flowering shrub that is a member of the Myrtle family.

Terpenes and Terpenoids

Terpene and terpenoid are two words that are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two. Terpenes are produced throughout the plant, and there are many terpenes in cannabis in the trichome resin glands.

Terpenes are highly reactive to oxygen, and when cannabis is dried and then cured, they undergo oxygenation, which makes them terpenoids. So, essentially, the main difference is that terpenoids have oxygen atoms attached. Cannabinoids and terpenes are also both a subclass of terpenoids.

Some have been shown to mimic and enhance the actions of cannabinoids that are in cannabis. Using terpenes and cannabinoids concurrently can produce pain-relieving effects greater than using terpenes or cannabinoids on their own. This is why I think using cannabis AND aromatherapy oils in topical skincare products is an amazing way to get results.

This blog post shows you how to make a simple Cannabis Lotion that can utilise terpenes well.

How Do Terpenes Affect The Body?

When it comes to how they affect the body, there are a few key ways. Different types of terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating many important functions in the body, including pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite. They bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and alter their activity. This can lead to changes in perception, mood, pain relief, improved symptoms, and often with fewer side effects.

They may also interact with other systems in the body, such as the nervous system or immune system. This interaction can produce different effects depending on the specific terpene involved. For example, some act as an anti-inflammatory agent while others can promote relaxation.

Do Terpenes Get You High?

The answer is yes and no. While they don’t produce the same psychoactive effect as THC, they can influence your mood and cognitive function.

Another point worth noting is the perception. If you have been suffering from long term chronic pain and anxiety, and you find that a blend of terpenes in aromatherapy oils alleviates the pain and your anxiety reduces, you may well feel “high” in the sense of not suffering. The release from pain can be so liberating that you could be excused for thinking of it as the effects of cannabis alone.

Some research shows that terpenes play a role in increasing the effects of THC and CBD. However, they don’t get you high in the sense that most people who use cannabis understand it.

What Are the Most Popular Terpenes in Cannabis?

One of the most abundant terpenes in essential oils is Linalool. This compound has a floral scent and is used in many fragrances. It’s commonly used to uplift your mood and relieve stress.

Another one in abundance is Limonene. This citrusy-smelling compound is found in many citrus-scented oils, such as Lemon, Orange, Green Mandarin, and Grapefruit. Limonene also has mood-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties with fewer side effects than allopathic medication.

Pinene occurs in a variety of plants, typically the very fragrant, herbal ones such as Cypress, Juniper, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus. They are usually neuroprotective and reduce inflammation and anxiety.

The Medicinal Benefits of Terpenes

I hope you are starting to see how there is an overlap between the terpenes that come from cannabis and the ones that come from aromatherapy oils? This can be a great benefit by blending the two groups. You may choose to make a cannabis-infused oil from a specific strain that is rich in Myrcene because you want a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In the cream or lotion that you make with the infused oil, you can then add some aromatherapy oils that are high in Limonene and Linalool to give a more uplifting result.

Recent studies have shown that certain terpenes help to boost immunity, fight inflammation, and even protect against cancer. They can also be used to improve mental health, improve cognitive function and memory. They’re already known to have antianxiety and antidepressant properties, but there is ongoing research as Big Pharma finally realize what a cash bonanza cannabis can bring them.

Common Terpenes And Their Effects

Cannabis plants contain high concentrations of terpenes, each with their own unique aroma and effect. There are others that are mainly found in aromatherapy oils. Obviously I will not be listing them all here, but here are some of the most often found terpenes and their effects.

A quick note before we get into the individual terpenes: plant chemistry is never fixed. Essential oil composition changes with species, chemotype, growing conditions and distillation, while cannabis terpene profiles can shift by cultivar, grower, harvest, curing and lab test. So treat these plant and cultivar examples as useful pointers, not rigid rules.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the deep, musky terpene often linked with the heavier, more body-led side of cannabis. You’ll also find it in hops, lemongrass and other aromatic plants, where it brings that earthy, clove-like note.

In cannabis, myrcene is often one of the dominant terpenes, and it’s commonly associated with the relaxed, sofa-sinking feeling people sometimes call “couch-lock”. That said, myrcene is not working alone. THC levels, the rest of the terpene profile, the cultivar, dose and your own body chemistry all shape the final effect.

Early research suggests myrcene may have calming, pain-modulating and anti-inflammatory potential, although most of the evidence is still preclinical and human data on myrcene alone remains limited.

• In aromatherapy, myrcene can be found in essential oils such as Black Spruce, Pink Grapefruit, Thyme, Cypress and Spearmint, although levels vary depending on the plant source, chemotype and distillation.
  
• In cannabis, myrcene is often found in cultivars such as Grape Ape, Purple Haze, Blue Dream, Harlequin and OG Kush, but remember that terpene profiles vary by grower, batch, harvest, curing and lab test.

Linalool

Linalool is the soft, floral terpene best known from Lavender, where it helps give the oil its gentle, calming character. It is also found in cannabis, although levels vary widely between cultivars and batches.

In cannabis, linalool is usually associated with a more relaxed, soothing aromatic profile rather than stimulation. Research suggests linalool may have calming, anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating potential, but much of the evidence is still preclinical, and human evidence for isolated linalool remains limited. It is also being explored in early laboratory cancer research.

• In aromatherapy, linalool is strongly associated with Lavender, where it works alongside linalyl acetate to create much of the plant’s soft, floral, calming aroma. You’ll also find linalool in essential oils such as Thyme, Fragonia™, Ylang Ylang and Neroli.
  
• In cannabis, linalool is often reported in cultivars such as OG Shark, Amnesia Haze, Special Kush, Do-Si-Dos and LA Confidential.

Limonene

Limonene is the bright, citrusy terpene that gives lemon, orange and grapefruit peel that fresh, zesty lift. You’ll also find it in cannabis, where it’s often linked with a lighter, brighter aromatic profile rather than the heavy, sofa-sinking feel of something like Myrcene.

In aromatherapy, limonene-rich citrus oils are often used when you want a fresher, more cheerful atmosphere. Research suggests limonene may have mood-supporting, stress-calming, anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating potential, but the human evidence for limonene on its own is still limited, so I’d treat it as promising rather than proven.

• In aromatherapy, limonene is easy to spot in citrus-rich oils such as Lemon, Pink Grapefruit, Neroli, Lemon Verbena and Petitgrain, where it brings that bright, zesty lift.
  
• In cannabis, limonene is often reported in cultivars such as Banana OG, Wedding Cake, Do-Si-Dos, Lemon G and Purple Hindu Kush.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the more interesting cannabis terpenes because it doesn’t just smell warm and peppery. It can also interact with CB2 receptors in the body.

You’ll find Caryophyllene in spicy, resinous plants like Black Pepper, Clove and Copaiba, as well as in cannabis. Because of its CB2 activity, it’s often described as a dietary cannabinoid as well as a terpene.

Research suggests Caryophyllene may have anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating potential, including in arthritis models, which makes it especially interesting for cannabis balms, body oils and topical formulations. But I’d still treat it as promising rather than proven, especially when we’re talking about arthritis in real people rather than lab models.

• In aromatherapy, Caryophyllene is especially at home in warm, spicy and resinous oils such as Black Pepper, Clove, Copaiba, Cinnamon Leaf and Clary Sage.
  
• In cannabis, Caryophyllene often turns up in big-flavoured cultivars such as Gelato, Chemdog, Pineapple Express, Cookies and Cream and Sour Diesel.

Terpinene

Terpinene is not just one terpene, but a small family that includes alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-terpinene. They tend to bring a fresh, herbal, slightly spicy note, the sort of clean aromatic lift you’ll recognise from oils like Tea Tree, Marjoram, Cardamom and some citrus oils.

This group is especially interesting for its antioxidant and antifungal potential, with gamma-terpinene getting a lot of the attention in the research. I wouldn’t call Terpinene a knockout sedative, but it does sit nicely in calming, herbal profiles where the whole plant chemistry is doing the work.

• In aromatherapy, Terpinene turns up in bright, herbal and slightly spicy oils such as Green Mandarin, Tea Tree, Cumin, Petitgrain and Lemon.
  
• In cannabis, Terpinene often shows up in lively, citrus-leaning cultivars such as Blue Dream, Lemon OG Kush, Orange Cookies, Ultra-Sour and Sentinel.

Pinene

Pinene comes in two main forms, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, and together they bring that crisp, pine-forest smell you get from conifers, rosemary and some cannabis cultivars. It feels bright and clearing rather than heavy or sleepy.

Research links Pinene with anti-inflammatory activity and brain chemistry, including acetylcholinesterase activity, which is tied into memory and attention. That is where the old idea comes from that Pinene may help balance some of the foggier edges of THC, although recent human research suggests that effect is not as simple or reliable as cannabis folklore sometimes makes it sound.

In aromatherapy, Pinene fits beautifully into fresh, resinous and forest-like profiles. It gives blends that clean, outdoorsy lift without pushing them into sweet citrus or heavy herbal territory.

• In aromatherapy, Pinene is right at home in fresh, resinous and forest-like oils such as Pine, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Black Spruce and Plai.
  
• In cannabis, Pinene often shows up in bright, aromatic cultivars such as Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat, Bubba Kush and Cannatonic.

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineole, is the fresh, camphoraceous terpene most people recognise from Eucalyptus. It gives that clear, cool, open-air feeling you get from Eucalyptus oils, but it also turns up in other aromatic plants such as Rosemary, Cajeput, Ravintsara and Bay Laurel.

In formulation, Eucalyptol is interesting because research links it with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating activity. That does not make it a stand-alone preservative, but it does explain why it turns up so often in fresh, medicinal-style blends for chest rubs, muscle balms and clearing aromatherapy oils.

• In aromatherapy, Eucalyptol is the star of fresh, clearing oils such as Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Helichrysum, Moroccan Chamomile and Fragonia™.
  
• In cannabis, Eucalyptol often shows up in sharper, fresher cultivars such as Super Silver Haze, Girl Scout Cookies, Dutch Treat, Bubba Kush and Headband.

Humulene

Humulene is the dry, woody terpene found in hops, sage and some cannabis cultivars. It has that old apothecary smell, part herb cupboard, part damp woods, part bitter hop sack.

It is closely related to Caryophyllene, but it does not have the same warm peppery punch. Humulene is cooler, drier and more resinous. Research links it with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, which makes it useful to think about in cannabis topicals, especially when you want a formula to smell more herbal than sweet.

• In aromatherapy, Humulene turns up in dry, resinous and spicy materials such as Hops, Helichrysum, Clove, Lantana and Copaiba Balsam.
  
• In cannabis, Humulene often shows up in bold, earthy cultivars such as Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Pink Kush, Sour Diesel and Sherbet.

Geraniol

One of my favourite terpenes, Geraniol is the rosy, floral terpene that gives oils like Geranium, Rose and Palmarosa that soft, sweet, slightly fruity bloom. It is popular in perfumery and cosmetic formulations because it makes a blend smell more polished, rounded and expensive, even when you are only using a little.

Research links Geraniol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity, which makes it more than just a pretty fragrance molecule. In a cannabis topical, it can help steer the aroma away from heavy herbal or resinous notes and into something softer, brighter and more skin-care friendly.

• In aromatherapy, Geraniol blooms beautifully in soft, rosy oils such as Geranium Bourbon, Rose, Melissa, Thyme, Citronella and Palmarosa.
  
• In cannabis, Geraniol often shows up in sweeter, more floral cultivars such as Great White Shark, Afghani, Master Kush, Harlequin and Island Sweet Skunk.

Valencene

Do you remember that I said earlier that terpenes were often named after the material they were first identified in? No surprise then to learn that Valencene was first identified in Valencia oranges. It’s one of the rarer ones, but as I live in Valencia, I have included it.

In aromatherapy and cosmetic work, Valencene is mostly there for its citrus sparkle rather than as a big proven skin active. The research is still young, but it has been linked with anti-inflammatory activity and early skin-protection work, with some interest around insect-repellent uses too.

• In aromatherapy, Valencene brings that sweet orange-peel sparkle to citrus-rich oils such as Sweet Orange, Blood Orange and Grapefruit, with Cardamom and Cypriol adding a warmer, spicier edge.
  
• In cannabis, Valencene often shows up in bright, orange-leaning cultivars such as Agent Orange, Sour Diesel, Jilly Bean, Jack Frost and Tangie.

Borneol

Borneol is a cool, camphoraceous terpene with a crisp, medicinal edge, the sort of note you find in Camphor, Rosemary and some traditional Asian aromatic materials. It has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is often used as a “guide” compound to help other actives move deeper into the body.

What makes Borneol especially interesting is its relationship with the blood-brain barrier. Research suggests it can influence how compounds move into the brain, which is why it turns up in studies around drug delivery, stroke models and neuroprotection. That does not make Borneol a stroke treatment, but it does make it one of the more unusual terpenes in this list.

Topically, Borneol has also been studied for pain. One human study found that topical Borneol gave better pain relief than placebo in people with post-operative pain, which makes it especially interesting for cooling balms, massage blends and cannabis topicals.

• In aromatherapy oils, you’ll find it in Rosemary Verbenone, Thyme, Elecampane, Lavandin, and Spanish Sage.
  
• In marijuana, you’ll find it in Golden Haze, Amnesia Haze OG Kush, Easy Haze, and K13 Haze.

Camphene

Camphene is a sharp, fresh terpene with a piney, camphor-like edge. It turns up in oils such as Camphor, Cypress, Nutmeg and some conifer oils, where it adds that crisp, clean, slightly medicinal note.

Research links Camphene with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-modulating potential, so it fits naturally with the brighter, clearing terpenes like Pinene and Eucalyptol. For cannabis and topical work, Camphene is more of a supporting note than the main event, bringing that fresh, resinous, slightly medicinal smell.

• In aromatherapy, Camphene turns up in fresh, resinous oils such as Sage, Yarrow, Scots Pine, Rosemary Verbenone and Black Spruce.
  
• In cannabis, Camphene often shows up in bright, slightly earthy cultivars such as Strawberry Banana, Mendocino Purps, Ghost OG, Banana Kush and ACDC.

Delta-3-Carene

Delta-3-Carene is a sweet, dry, woody terpene with a smell that sits somewhere between Cypress, Rosemary and fresh-cut timber. It turns up in conifers, herbs and some cannabis cultivars, where it brings a clean, slightly resinous edge.

What makes Delta-3-Carene interesting is the bone research. One study found that low concentrations of 3-carene stimulated the differentiation of mouse osteoblast cells, the cells involved in building bone. That does not make it an osteoporosis treatment, but it does explain why this terpene often gets talked about in relation to bone health. Research has also explored anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating activity, so there is more to Delta-3-Carene than just a nice woody smell.

• In aromatherapy, Delta-3-Carene turns up in dry, woody and resinous oils such as Cypress, Myrtle, Black Pepper, Black Spruce and Frankincense Sacra.
  
• In cannabis, Delta-3-Carene often shows up in sharp, classic cultivars such as Jack Herer, AK-47, OG Kush, Skunk and Super Lemon Haze.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is one of my favourite soothing terpenes for cosmetic formulations. It is best known from Chamomile, where it brings a soft, warm, slightly floral note along with its skin-calming reputation. In creams and balms, it helps soften the feel of a formula, while in lip and hair products it can add a glossy shine.

Research links alpha-Bisabolol with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and pain-modulating activity, which explains why it turns up so often in products for sensitive or irritated skin. It is not just there for the smell. In cannabis topicals, Bisabolol fits beautifully when you want a softer, calmer finish rather than something sharp, camphoraceous or medicinal.

• In aromatherapy, Bisabolol is most at home in soft, skin-soothing materials such as German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile CO2 Extract, Sandalwood and Poplar Balsam.
  
• In cannabis, Bisabolol often shows up in softer, more calming cultivars such as ACDC, Pink Kush, Dolato, Ice Cream Cake and OG Shark.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is a phenomenon that is commonly associated with cannabis. It occurs when the different elements in cannabis work together to produce a more beneficial effect than any one of those elements can produce on its own. However, naturopaths, herbalists, and aromatherapists have also known about this effect for much longer, but have not used the same term. They refer to a more general holistic approach, being aware that the whole plant can offer more protection than single isolated parts can.

The term was first described in 1998 by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam and is a term used to describe the synergistic effect of all the compounds in cannabis working together. This includes the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other molecules found in the plant. This is what makes cannabis and aromatherapy, more than just the sum of their parts.

Contraindications for Essential Oils

Just because essential oils are a natural product, it is wrong to assume they are 100% safe for everyone. If you are in any doubt, do more research and contact your health advisor. Here are a few contraindications to be aware of:

• They should not be used on broken skin. If you have a cut or abrasion, wait until it is completely healed before using.
  
• Do not use them near your eyes. If you get any in your eye, flush the area with a carrier oil or milk. Do not rub the area, as this could further irritate the eye.
  
• Do not take them internally unless you are working with a qualified practitioner. Some oils can be very toxic if taken internally.
  
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your healthcare provider before using them.
  
• Check first with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.
  
• Very few oils can be used safely on small children and babies, so check first with a qualified aromatherapist.

Conclusion

Cannabis and aromatherapy oils clearly have a lot in common. They both contain terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that have different effects on the body. Terpenes are found in many plants, and each one has its own unique smell and properties. Using a combination of terpenes from aromatherapy oils and terpenes from cannabis can give really effective results.

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