Major Cannabis Terpenes and Terpene Chart

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the smell, taste, and even the effects of your cannabis. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD get most of the attention, it's terpenes that define the personality of each strain. From citrusy limonene to earthy myrcene, terpenes play a major role in how cannabis interacts with your body and mind.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common cannabis terpenes, their effects, aroma profiles, and how they work synergistically with cannabinoids to create the entourage effect. Plus, we’ve included a helpful terpene chart to guide your strain selections—whether you’re a grower, breeder, or enthusiast.

What are cannabis terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic oils found in the trichomes of cannabis flowers. They’re also present in many other plants, fruits, herbs, and flowers. In cannabis, terpenes contribute to the unique scent, flavor, and effects of each strain.

More than 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis, and each strain features a unique terpene profile that contributes to its overall character.

Why terpenes matter

Terpenes influence more than just aroma—they interact with cannabinoids to affect:

Mood (relaxing, uplifting, focused)
Therapeutic potential (anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, pain relief)
Flavor and smoking experience
Strain classification (sativa, indica, hybrid perceptions)

This synergy with cannabinoids is known as the entourage effect, and it’s why terpene content is just as important as THC or CBD levels when choosing the right strain.

The major cannabis terpenes and their effects

Here are the most common terpenes found in cannabis and their characteristics:

Terpene	Aroma	Effects	Also Found In
Myrcene	Earthy, musky, cloves	Sedating, relaxing	Mango, thyme, lemongrass
Limonene	Citrus, lemon, orange	Uplifting, stress relief	Citrus rinds, juniper
Pinene	Pine, fresh, woody	Alertness, memory retention	Pine needles, basil
Linalool	Floral, lavender	Calming, anti-anxiety	Lavender, mint
Caryophyllene	Spicy, peppery, woody	Anti-inflammatory, pain relief	Black pepper, cloves
Humulene	Woody, earthy, herbal	Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory	Hops, coriander
Terpinolene	Fruity, floral, herbal	Uplifting, antioxidant	Lilacs, apples, cumin
Ocimene	Sweet, herbal, woody	Antiviral, energizing	Orchids, parsley, mint
Geraniol	Rose, citrus, fruity	Antimicrobial, neuroprotectant	Geraniums, lemons
Bisabolol	Floral, sweet	Skin healing, anti-inflammatory	Chamomile

Cannabis terpene chart

Use this terpene chart to quickly compare aromas and effects when choosing strains:

Terpene	Aroma	Common Effects	Best For
Myrcene	Musky, earthy	Sedation, muscle relaxation	Nighttime use, anxiety relief
Limonene	Citrus, fruity	Mood boost, stress relief	Daytime energy, depression
Pinene	Pine, forest	Focus, memory, bronchodilation	Creativity, studying
Linalool	Floral, lavender	Relaxation, anxiety relief	Sleep, calming nerves
Caryophyllene	Spicy, peppery	Anti-inflammatory, stress	Pain management, inflammation
Humulene	Hoppy, woody	Appetite suppressant	Weight management, energy
Terpinolene	Complex, floral	Uplifting, antioxidant	Mental stimulation, mood lift
Ocimene	Sweet, herbal	Antiviral, energetic	Refreshing, focus
Geraniol	Floral, citrus	Antimicrobial, antioxidant	Skincare, wellness
Bisabolol	Sweet, chamomile	Soothing, healing	Skin irritation, calm mood

How to preserve terpenes in your grow

If you're cultivating cannabis—especially elite seeds like those from Mavericks Genetics USA—preserving terpenes during the grow, harvest, and cure is essential for flavor and effect.

Tips for terpene preservation:

Harvest at peak maturity: Overripe buds can lose terpene content.
Dry slowly: 60°F–70°F with 50–60% RH for 7–10 days.
Cure in glass jars: Store buds in airtight containers, burp regularly.
Avoid excess light and heat: UV and high temps degrade terpenes.
Use whole-plant techniques: Hand-trimmed and slow-cured flower retains the best profile.

Terpenes and strain selection

Every strain has its own terpene fingerprint. When selecting your next grow, consider the terpene profile alongside THC/CBD levels. For example:

Looking for calming and relaxing effects? Choose strains high in myrcene and linalool.
Need an energizing, clear-headed high? Opt for pinene and limonene dominant genetics.
Want to reduce inflammation or pain? Seek strains with caryophyllene and humulene.

Browse our strain catalog for terpene-rich genetics that deliver powerful effects, elite quality, and unmistakable flavor.

Terpenes are the soul of cannabis

Terpenes are much more than scent—they shape your cannabis experience. Whether you're growing at home or selecting the perfect strain to match your needs, understanding terpenes gives you the power to customize your results.

At Mavericks Genetics USA, our feminized seeds are bred for terpene expression, flavor, and potency—so every grow brings out the best your plants have to offer.

Explore our collection and elevate your next harvest with terpene-rich cannabis genetics.