Cannabis consumers know that beyond the cannabinoids, it’s the terpenes that bring each strain to life. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that provide flavor and scent and shape the overall experience by influencing how cannabinoids interact with the body (have you heard about the entourage effect?). Whether you’re looking for relaxation, focus, or an uplifting mood, terpene-rich strains offer diverse benefits based on their unique profiles.
Let’s look into 20 popular cannabis strains known for their rich terpene profile and break down the terpenes responsible for their distinct characteristics.
1. Sour Diesel Strain
Known for its energizing effects, Sour Diesel is a favorite for daytime use. Its terpene profile is dominated by limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene, giving it a pungent, diesel-like aroma with citrus and earthy undertones. The invigorating effect of limonene pairs perfectly with the anti-inflammatory properties of caryophyllene, making it a go-to strain for those needing a burst of creativity or energy.
- Sour Diesel on Leafly
2. Blue Dream Strain
A true hybrid, Blue Dream is popular for its balanced effects, offering both relaxation and cerebral stimulation. The dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, creating a sweet berry aroma with hints of pine. The relaxing nature of myrcene and the uplifting qualities of pinene can make this a perfect strain for consumers looking for stress relief while staying functional (aka, not being couch-locked).
- Blue Dream on AllBud
3. Gelato Strain
Gelato is a strain prized for its sweet, dessert-like aroma, thanks to its terpene profile rich in limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool. The sweet citrus and fruity notes come from limonene, while linalool provides a subtle lavender twist. Gelato is known for offering a euphoric high that doesn’t leave consumers sedated, making it an ideal choice for social settings.
- Gelato on Weedmaps
4. Wedding Cake Strain
Sometimes referred to as Triangle Mints #23, Wedding Cake is beloved by many for its relaxing yet euphoric effects. The primary terpenes here are caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, giving this strain a complex profile of earthy pepper, sweet vanilla, and a touch of fruitiness. Caryophyllene’s interaction with the CB2 receptors makes it an excellent choice for those looking for some pain and inflammation relief, without the snoozing effects.
- Wedding Cake on Leafly
5. Super Lemon Haze Strain
Super Lemon Haze is a zesty sativa with a perky aroma dominated by limonene and terpinolene, creating a tart, citrusy scent. Known for its bright and uplifting effects, Super Lemon Haze may offer energy and focus, making it a favorite for consumers looking to stay productive while enjoying a clear-headed experience.
- Super Lemon Haze on Leafly
6. Northern Lights Strain
A classic strain, Northern Lights is known for its deeply relaxing effects. The dominant terpenes in Northern Lights include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, providing a sweet, spicy, and earthy aroma. Myrcene enhances the Northern Lights strain’s sedative properties, making it a good pick for nighttime use – especially for those seeking relief from insomnia or chronic pain.
- Northern Lights on AllBud
7. Strawberry Cough Strain
With a strong fruity flavor, Strawberry Cough is famous for its heavy sativa effects, giving consumers an uplifting and focused high. This strain’s terpene profile is led by myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, creating a sweet strawberry aroma with earthy undertones. Strawberry Cough can be a great choice for those looking for a mental boost without feeling jittery.
- Strawberry Cough on Weedmaps
8. Granddaddy Purple Strain
Granddaddy Purple, also known as GDP, is a legendary indica strain known for its relaxing and euphoric effects. The dominant terpenes, myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, produce a rich, grape-like aroma with earthy pine undertones. Myrcene drives the sedative qualities of GDP, making it an excellent strain choice for winding down after a long day.
- Granddaddy Purple on Allbud
9. OG Kush Strain
A staple in the cannabis world, OG Kush is known for its potent effects and iconic aroma. The terpene profile includes caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, giving it a complex mix of earthy, pine, and lemon scents. OG Kush may give some deep relaxation without being overly sedative, making it perfect for late afternoon or evening consumption.
- OG Kush on Weedmaps
10. Pineapple Express Strain
Made famous in pop culture, Pineapple Express offers an energizing and uplifting experience. Its terpene profile features limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene, giving it a sweet, tropical profile with pine and earthy notes – a true vacation feeling. The combination of limonene and pinene makes it a great choice for daytime use, especially for boosting creativity.
- Pineapple Express on Leafly
11. Bubba Kush Strain
Bubba Kush is a favorite for those who look for a deeply relaxing body high. The dominant terpenes on Bubba Kush are myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, creating a spicy mix of earthy, coffee-like scents with hints of citrus. Myrcene’s soothing properties make this strain a perfect alternative for stress relief and unwinding before bed.
- Bubba Kush on Weedmaps
12. Durban Poison Strain
A pure sativa, Durban Poison is known for its bright, energetic, and uplifting effects. Its terpene profile is rich in terpinolene, myrcene, and ocimene, giving it a sweet, spicy aroma with hints of citrus. The combination of terpinolene and ocimene makes this strain good for daytime use, helping consumers stay focused and motivated.
- Durban Poison on Leafly
13. GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) Strain
GSC, or Girl Scout Cookies, is a hybrid strain that balances a strong euphoria with full-body relaxation. Caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool terpenes create a complex mix of sweet, earthy, and floral aromas. GSC can relieve pain, stress, and appetite loss, and it can be great for both daytime and evening use.
- GSC on Leafly
14. Zkittlez (The Original Z) Strain
For those who love sweet strains, Zkittlez (also called The Original Z) offers a candy-like aroma with notes of berry and tropical fruit. The dominant terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene, and humulene, providing a well-rounded experience that starts with relaxation and slowly builds into a focused high. Zkittlez is a great option for easing stress while staying clear-headed.
- Zkittlez on Leafly
15. Chemdawg Strain
With its potent cerebral effects (aka “head-high), Chemdawg is a powerful and versatile strain. Its terpene profile, rich in caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, produces a pungent, diesel-like aroma. Chemdawg’s high THC content, combined with its terpene profile, makes it a favorite for consumers looking to relieve stress while boosting creativity.
- Chemdawg on AllBud
16. Jack Herer Strain
Named after the cannabis activist, Jack Herer is a balanced hybrid known for its uplifting and creative effects. Terpinolene, pinene, and caryophyllene lead the terpene profile, creating a floral, earthy aroma with hints of pine. It can be a good choice for those seeking focus and motivation throughout the day.
- Jack Herer on Leafly
17. AK-47 Strain
Despite its intense name, the AK-47 delivers a relaxing yet uplifting experience. The main terpenes, myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, give it a sweet, earthy aroma with floral and citrus notes. Its balanced effects make it a good pick for day and evening use.
- AK-47 on Allbud
18. Mimosa Strain
Mimosa is a citrusy, sativa-leaning hybrid strain that can offer an energetic and uplifting experience. Its terpene profile, dominated by limonene, beta-pinene, and linalool, produces a sweet, citrus aroma with a hint of floral undertones. Mimosa could be ideal for those looking for a strain to enjoy during social gatherings or while engaging in creative activities.
- Mimosa on Weedmaps
19. Purple Punch Strain
Purple Punch is a cross between two potent strains, Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple, and it can deliver a potent, relaxing body high – so if you are not in the mood for being couch-locked, skip this one! The dominant terpenes—myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene—create a sweet, grape-like aroma with hints of vanilla. Known for its sedative effects, Purple Punch can be a go-to strain for those seeking relief from stress or insomnia.
- Purple Punch on Leafly
20. Runtz Strain
Runtz is a sweet, fruity hybrid strain known for its balanced effects. Its terpene profile features caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, creating a candy-like aroma with tropical and citrus notes. Runtz can offer a euphoric and relaxing high, making it a perfect choice for consumers looking to destress and unwind without being completely sedated.
- Runtz on Leafly
Understanding Terpenes and Choosing the Right Strains
Choosing cannabis strains isn’t just about looking at the cannabinoid content; it’s important to get to know the terpene profile too. Terpenes play a big role in shaping a strain’s aroma and flavor, while also enhancing its effects for a personalized experience. Whether you’re after relaxation, a burst of energy, or a creative boost, terpene-rich strains have something for everyone’s taste.