The Ultimate Terpenes Chart:
Cannabis Aromas, Effects, and
Strains Explained
If you’ve ever wondered why different cannabis strains feel—and smell—so different, this terpene chart is your new best friend. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the wide range of scents and flavors in cannabis. But they do far more than just add a pleasant aroma to your flower. From lifting your mood to promoting deep relaxation, terpenes in weed play a major role in how different strains affect your body and mind. Whether you’re exploring craft flower, high-terpene extracts, or cannabis concentrates, understanding terpenes can help you choose products that align with your goals.
There are over 100 known cannabis terpenes, but only a handful appear in high enough concentrations to meaningfully impact your experience. These are often referred to as cannabis-derived terpenes, and they’re what you’ll find listed on third-party lab reports and in terpene-forward strain breakdowns. Our chart focuses on the most common and impactful terpenes found in today’s top strains.
LET’S TALK CANNABIS DERIVED TERPENES & THEIR EFFECTS
Let’s explore limonene terpene effects. Limonene is known for its bright, citrusy aroma and its uplifting, stress-relieving properties. It’s often associated with mood enhancement, making it a go-to for daytime strains and energetic experiences. Another terpene found in many fruit-forward strains is linalool. When people search for linalool terpene effects, they’re often seeking out calming, soothing benefits—similar to the floral aroma of lavender, which also contains linalool.
One of the most common terpenes in weed is myrcene, and its reputation is well earned. Known for its earthy, musky scent, myrcene contributes to the “couch-lock” sensation associated with some strains. Myrcene terpene effects tend to be deeply relaxing, making it a favorite for evening use and full-body relief.
Then there’s caryophyllene, a peppery, spicy terpene that’s found in black pepper and cloves as well as cannabis. What makes caryophyllene terpene effects so unique is its ability to interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system (specifically, the CB2 receptor) which makes it a popular component in wellness-forward strains.
Another standout terpene is pinene, which delivers the sharp, resinous aroma of pine needles. As one of the most widespread terpenes in nature, pinene terpene effects include improved alertness, better airflow, and even memory retention—making it a great option for those who want to stay clear-headed and functional.
For something a little more rare and complex, humulene deserves mention. This terpene, often found in hops, has a bitter, hoppy profile and is believed to support appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory effects. If you’re looking up humulene terpene effects, you’re likely interested in therapeutic or less-stimulating strains.
Ocimene, while less discussed, offers a sweet, herbaceous aroma with subtle citrus notes. Ocimene terpene effects include uplifting mood changes and antifungal properties, although it tends to appear in smaller concentrations than more dominant terpenes.
And finally, we can’t overlook terpinolene—a terpene known for its multidimensional aroma, blending floral, pine, and citrus tones into one. Terpinolene terpene effects are typically uplifting, with subtle relaxing undertones, making it one of the more complex and less predictable players in the terpene lineup.
FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE
Designed to help you demystify the experience and better understand how these aromatic compounds shape both the flavor and the feel of a given strain, use this guide to seriously amp your hemp game. Whether you’re looking for a list of terpenes and effects, a breakdown of terpenes in weed, or just an easy reference for making informed decisions about your favorite strains, this cannabis terpene chart lays it all out. Scroll down to explore the terpene chart and see how your favorite strains stack up when it comes to aroma, flavor, and effect.
List of terpenes and effects
Description
Zesty and citrus-forward with pronounced tart lemon aromas. Energizing and clear-headed.
Terpenes
TERPINOLENELIMONENE
Description
Pungent, diesel-like aroma with invigorating and fast-acting euphoric effects.
Terpenes
LIMONENECARYOPHYLLENE
Description
Sweet berry-rich profile with warm baked goods notes. Uplifting and socially engaging.
Terpenes
LIMONENECARYOPHYLLENE
Description
Tropical, with pineapple, cedar, and citrus flavors, offering a smooth and balanced experience.
Terpenes
LIMONENEOCIMENE
Description
Juicy sweet melon and floral bouquet with smooth cerebral stimulation.
Terpenes
LIMONENEOCIMENE
Description
Bursting candy and tropical fruit aroma, delivering bold calm and physical ease.
Terpenes
CARYOPHYLLENE
Description
Spicy, earthy pine aroma renowned worldwide for balanced euphoria and soothing relaxation.
Terpenes
CARYOPHYLLENEMYRCENE
Description
Creamy dessert and sherbet citrus notes that promote total stress release and tranquil rest.
Terpenes
LIMONENECARYOPHYLLENE
Description
Sweet ripe blueberries and musk, delivering legendary full-body relaxation and couch comfort.
Terpenes
PINENEMYRCENE
Description
Refreshing melon flavor and citrus, ideal for washing away daily fatigue.
Terpenes
LIMONENEPINENE
Description
Dense candied grape and lavender notes, offering deep physical nighttime unwind.
Terpenes
MYRCENELINALOOL
Description
Classic earthy pine and fuel aroma with deep body relaxation and mental calm.
Terpenes
CARYOPHYLLENE
Choose your strain by it’s terpenes
| MOST ENERGIZING | SEDATING | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terpinolene Complex + Fresh | Limonene Sweet + Citrusy | Pinene Resinous + Piney | Ocimene Herby + Sweet | Camphene Musky + Woody | Humulene Hoppy + Herbaceous | Caryophyllene Peppery + Spicy | Bisabolol Sweet + Floral | Myrcene Fruity + Earthy | Linalool Spicy + Floral | |
| Super Lemon Haze Zesty + Citrus | ||||||||||
| Sour Diesel Hits Hard + Lingers | ||||||||||
| Strawberry Shortcake Boosted + Warm Berries | ||||||||||
| Pineapple Express Balanced + Tropical | ||||||||||
| Cantaloupe Haze Juicy + Floral | ||||||||||
| Zkittlez Fruity + Boldly Uplifting | ||||||||||
| White Widow Spicy + Euphoric | ||||||||||
| Gelato Creamy Citrus + Calming | ||||||||||
| Blueberry Berry-Forward + Easing | ||||||||||
| Watermelon OG Citrus Summer + Relaxation | ||||||||||
| Grape Ape Earthy Grape + Releasing | ||||||||||
| OG Kush Sour + Earthy Sedative |
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