Terpenes give hemp its unique aromatic character and a range of therapeutic benefits that add depth and richness to its profile.
While there is a vast list of terpenes in hemp, we have selected the top 10, highlighting their scent, flavor, effects, natural sources, and the industries where they’re commonly used. That way, you can get a little bit more familiar with it.
1. Myrcene
- Aroma & Flavor: Earthy and musky, with hints of cloves and damp soil
- Effects: Myrcene is known for its calming effects, making it popular for those looking for relaxation. It’s often cited as a terpene that promotes a state of tranquility and serenity
- Found In: Mango, hops, thyme, lemongrass
- Common Uses: In addition to its role in cannabis products for its relaxing and sedative qualities, myrcene is used in perfumes and aromatherapy for a grounding and calming scent. Body care products also benefit from myrcene’s earthy aroma, enhancing a sense of warmth and relaxation.
Myrcene’s often the terpene behind that “couch-lock” effect in some strains, making it a favorite for people looking to fully unwind.
2. Limonene
- Aroma & Flavor: Bright, zesty, and citrusy, very similar to fresh lemon or orange peel
- Effects: Known for its mood-boosting and anti-anxiety properties, limonene adds a refreshing, uplifting quality, often improving alertness.
- Found In: Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, as well as juniper and peppermint
- Common Uses: Limonene is a cleaning product hero thanks to its antifungal properties and fresh scent. It’s also popular in cannabis formulations designed to promote a clear head and focus.
In hemp products, limonene’s effects are harnessed for its potential to ease stress and elevate mood, making it ideal for daytime use.
3. Caryophyllene
- Aroma & Flavor: Spicy and peppery with subtle woody undertones
- Effects: Uniquely, caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors in the body, contributing to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
- Found In: Black pepper, cloves, hops, basil
- Common Uses: You’ll find caryophyllene in topicals for pain, cannabis products, and food flavorings thanks to its spicy, peppery aroma
Caryophyllene is all about wellness and relief, so it’s popular for products to relieve inflammation or relieve discomfort.
4. Pinene
- Aroma & Flavor: Fresh pine, herbal, and slightly sharp
- Effects: Pinene is known to improve focus and memory. It also acts as a bronchodilator, which helps open up the airways
- Found In: Pine trees, rosemary, basil, dill
- Common Uses: It’s commonly used in skincare, outdoor products, and perfumes for its crisp, woodsy aroma, and it’s included in cannabis products that emphasize focus and mental clarity.
Pinene can counteract some of the memory-impairing effects of THC, making it an excellent choice for those looking for mental clarity without too much relaxation.
5. Linalool
- Aroma & Flavor: Floral, lavender-like, with a hint of spice
- Effects: Linalool is a relaxation powerhouse, making it a natural choice for stress and anxiety relief
- Found In: Lavender, coriander, mint, cinnamon
- Common Uses: Widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and body care for its calming qualities. It’s also a natural add-on in cannabis products designed to relieve stress.
Linalool gives lavender its soothing quality, which is why it’s so popular in sleep and relaxation products. When combined with calming cannabinoids, it can be incredibly potent for winding down after a long day.
6. Terpinolene
- Aroma & Flavor: A complex mix of woodiness with floral and citrus undertones
- Effects: Terpinolene offers a mild, uplifting experience and is often used to enhance relaxation without knocking you out
- Found In: Apples, lilacs, cumin, tea tree
- Common Uses: You’ll find terpinolene in perfumes and cosmetics for its balanced, refreshing scent. It’s also used in cannabis products that are designed for a gentle, relaxing vibe effects
Terpinolene adds complexity to blends with its layered aroma. It’s great for folks looking for a mellow, enjoyable high without feeling overly sleepy.
7. Humulene
- Aroma & Flavor: Earthy, woody, and subtly hoppy
- Effects: Known for its anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressing qualities, humulene is a popular choice in wellness products
- Found In: Hops, basil, cloves, sage
- Common Uses: Humulene shows up in anti-inflammatory creams, cosmetics, and cannabis products focused on wellness
Humulene is all about balance. It’s used in products aiming to support wellness without overpowering with fragrance. Plus, its earthy notes add a grounded feel to any mix.
8. Ocimene
- Aroma & Flavor: Sweet, herbaceous with light citrus notes
- Effects: Ocimene can provide a nice pick-me-up feeling, offering light stimulation and energy-boosting effects. It’s also thought to have decongestant and antifungal properties
- Found In: Mint, parsley, orchids, basil
- Common Uses: Ocimene is a common choice for perfumes with a sweet, lively scent, as well as in cannabis products geared toward daytime use
Ocimene’s sweetness pairs well with other light, fruity terpenes and is excellent for creating balanced, energetic effects in cannabis products.
9. Fenchol
- Aroma & Flavor: Earthy and woody, with a light hint of lemon
- Effects: Known for its antimicrobial effects, fenchol can also add a calming layer to products.
- Found In: Basil, aster flowers, camphor
- Common Uses: You’ll see fenchol in cleaning products and skincare for its antimicrobial benefits. It’s also used in cannabis products’ formulations aimed at enhancing relaxation and providing mental clarity
Fenchol is often used in cleaning and wellness products for its fresh, grounding aroma and is particularly effective in products that aim to create a calming environment.
10. Camphene
- Aroma & Flavor: Sharp, woody, with a slight cooling quality similar to camphor
- Effects: Camphene is valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great addition to products aimed at wellness
- Found In: Camphor trees, rosemary, sage, nutmeg
- Common Uses: Camphene is a regular in topical ointments for inflammation and cosmetics with antioxidant properties
Camphene brings a refreshing, earthy profile to blends and is a favorite in products focused on skincare and inflammation relief.
Going Beyond the Top 10: Terpene Belt Farms’ Extensive Testing
At Terpene Belt Farms, we go well beyond the top 10 terpenes to deliver a comprehensive terpene profile that lets our customers explore every nuance of hemp’s aroma and therapeutic potential. Each of our products undergoes rigorous testing to identify over 150 compounds, including 60 different terpenes.
Our transparency means that every product page offers a detailed breakdown of the terpene content, so you know exactly what aromatic and therapeutic qualities to expect. This level of detail enables our customers to create highly tailored products.
The terpene profiles in Terpene Belt Farms products aren’t just for the cannabis industry—they can be applied across various sectors, including wellness, cosmetics, body care, and more. With the power of terpene-rich profiles, our products bring versatility, depth, and a touch of nature’s complexity to any formulation.
When you’re ready to explore the full spectrum of terpenes and create unique products with consistency and reliability, Terpene Belt Farms is here to support your vision. Reach out to our team for expert guidance on selecting the best terpene profiles for your needs and experience firsthand the benefits of thoroughly tested terpene-rich formulations.