What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are active compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that helps regulate pain, mood, inflammation, appetite, sleep, and more. While THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, many of which are non-intoxicating but still profoundly therapeutic.
These compounds don’t work in isolation. Thanks to what’s known as the entourage effect, cannabinoids like CBD can actually soften or enhance the effects of THC. For example, CBD may reduce the anxiety or paranoia sometimes caused by THC, while CBN can deepen its calming effects.
Meet the Cannabinoids
THC is the compound most associated with the “high.” It may also help with pain, nausea, appetite, and muscle spasms.
Main effects: Intoxicating (“high”), pain relief, appetite stimulation
Also helps with: Sleep, nausea, inflammation, muscle spasms
Note: Effects vary between individuals; start low and go slow
CBD is non-intoxicating. It is being studied for effects on anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and mood.
Main effects: Calming, non-intoxicating
Also helps with: Anxiety, pain, seizures, inflammation
Note: Responses vary by individual
CBG is sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s a precursor to THC and CBD. It has been studied for antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects.
Main effects: Mood support, anti-inflammatory
Also helps with: Depression, skin issues, microbial infections (e.g., MRSA)
CBN forms when THC ages. It’s mildly psychoactive but is often used in combination with other compounds in sleep formulas.
Main effects: Mild sedation (especially when combined with THC)
Also helps with: Pain, appetite, rest
This is THC’s raw, unheated form. It’s non-intoxicating but shows promise in early medical studies.
Found in: Raw cannabis (before heating)
Not intoxicating
May help with: Inflammation, nausea, seizures
The precursor to CBD, found in raw flower. It may have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits.
Found in: Raw cannabis
Not intoxicating
May help with: Anxiety, nausea, inflammation
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid related to CBD. Being studied for seizure disorders and nerve pain.
Main effects: Seizure reduction
Also helps with: Nerve pain, inflammation
Structurally similar to THC but may feel quite different. It has been studied for appetite suppression, energy, and seizure control.
Main effects: Appetite suppression, blood sugar regulation
Also helps with: Seizures, inflammation, alertness
Non-intoxicating and often overlooked, CBC may contribute to anti-inflammatory and mood-related effects. Some research suggests it enhances the impact of THC or CBN.
Main effects: Anti-inflammatory, mood-lifting
Also helps with: Pain, acne, fungal infections
Similar in structure to THC but often described as milder in effect. Some people report relaxation and appetite support.
A less intense form of THC (individual responses vary)
Main effects: Relaxation, appetite, nausea relief
Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its smell and flavor. They may also influence how a cannabis product makes someone feel. Some terpenes are linked to calming effects, while others may promote focus or uplift mood. When combined with cannabinoids, terpenes may contribute to the entourage effect, influencing intensity, duration, and character of the experience.
Knowing a product’s terpene profile may help you better understand how it might feel and whether it’s a good match for your goals. Some terpenes may promote relaxation, while others might support focus or energy. Keeping track of what works best for you can help guide future product choices.
Common Cannabis Terpenes
Beta-myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis and is known for its earthy, musky aroma with hints of ripe fruit. Often associated with deeply relaxing and sedating effects, myrcene is frequently found in strains used for pain relief, stress, and sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and muscle-relaxant properties. Some researchers believe its presence may be key in promoting the classic “couch-lock” sensation.
Aroma: Musky, earthy, with hints of ripe fruit or red grapes
Effects: Sedating, relaxing, pain-relieving
Also found in: Hops, lemongrass, mango
Limonene gives cannabis its bright citrus scent and is also found in the rinds of lemons, oranges, and other fruits. Known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing effects, limonene may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also has antifungal, antibacterial, and potential anticancer properties. Limonene is often found in strains associated with mental clarity, energy, and a sense of well-being.
Aroma: Bright citrus, lemon peel
Effects: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, stress-relieving
Also found in: Citrus rinds, rosemary, peppermint
Beta-caryophyllene stands out from other terpenes because of its cannabinoid-like effects. It has a peppery, spicy aroma and is commonly found in black peppers, cloves, and oregano. Known for its strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, beta-caryophyllene may also support immune function and has shown promise in managing anxiety and addiction.
Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, calming, immune-supportive
Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, oregano
Alpha-pinene has a sharp, pine-like aroma and is one of the most common terpenes in nature, found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil. It’s known for promoting alertness and supporting memory function. In addition to its cognitive benefits, alpha-pinene has bronchodilating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often found in strains associated with focus, creativity, and clear-headed effects.
Aroma: Pine needles, forest air
Effects: Alertness, memory support, anti-inflammatory
Also found in: Pine trees, rosemary, basil
Beta-pinene shares its sharp, pine-like aroma with its sibling alpha-pinene but tends to have a slightly more herbal, woody scent. It’s found in many of the same plants, like rosemary, parsley, and basil, and is often present in cannabis alongside alpha-pinene. Beta-pinene has strong antimicrobial properties and may also support cognitive function and memory. It’s believed to help offset some of the short-term memory loss associated with high-THC cannabis strains and is a useful terpene for those seeking mental clarity and focus.
Aroma: Piney, herbal, woody
Effects: Mental clarity, antimicrobial, memory-supportive
Also found in: Rosemary, parsley, basil
Linalool carries a soft, floral scent reminiscent of lavender and is well-known for its calming and sedative effects. Found in lavender, mint, and rosewood, linalool is often used for stress, anxiety, and sleep support. It also shows anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory potential and may help modulate the body’s response to pain. Strains with linalool are often sought after for relaxation and emotional balance.
Aroma: Lavender, floral, sweet
Effects: Calming, anticonvulsant, sedating
Also found in: Lavender, mint, cinnamon, coriander
Humulene has an earthy, woody aroma that’s often associated with hops, the same plant used to flavor beer. Found in cannabis, cloves, and basil, humulene is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It may also suppress appetite, making it an interesting contrast to other cannabis compounds that increase hunger. Humulene is often found in strains that promote a calm body without strong sedation.
Aroma: Earthy, woody, hops-like
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressing
Also found in: Hops, basil, cloves
Ocimene is a sweet, herbaceous terpene found in basil, mint, and mango. Often linked to uplifting and energizing effects, ocimene may help enhance creativity or focus. Although research is still emerging, ocimene has demonstrated antiviral, antifungal, and anticonvulsant activity in essential oil studies. It also contributes to a plant’s natural defense system, helping repel pests.
Aroma: Sweet, herbal, woody
Effects: Energizing, uplifting
Also found in: Basil, mint, mango
Terpinolene is a terpene with a complex aroma, a mix of pine, citrus, and floral notes. Unlike more sedative terpenes, terpinolene is often associated with alertness or mental clarity in people, despite showing calming effects in animal models. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and early studies suggest potential anticancer activity. It’s commonly found in "sativa-dominant" cannabis strains.
Aroma: Piney, floral, herbal with citrus notes
Effects: Mildly sedative, calming? (Energizing for many people)
Also found in: Parsnips, nutmeg, tea tree
Alpha-bisabolol, also found in chamomile, has a delicate floral aroma and is well known for its soothing properties. It’s commonly used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing benefits. In cannabis, alpha-bisabolol is associated with gentle, calming effects and may help reduce irritation, inflammation, or discomfort.
Aroma: Floral, sweet, chamomile-like
Effects: Soothing, skin-healing, anti-inflammatory
Also found in: Chamomile, candeia tree
Eucalyptol has a fresh, minty scent and is the main terpene found in eucalyptus trees. Though present in small amounts in cannabis, it offers big benefits. Eucalyptol is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. It may also support memory and cognitive function, and is being studied for potential roles in treating Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll find it in strains with crisp, cooling aromas.
Aroma: Minty, cool, refreshing
Effects: Pain-relieving, clarifying
Also found in: Eucalyptus, rosemary, bay leaves
Nerolidol has a soft floral and citrusy aroma and is found in jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree. This terpene is known for its relaxing, sedative effects and is often used to support sleep or stress relief. It also shows promise as an antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial compound.
Aroma: Floral, citrusy, woody
Effects: Sedating, relaxing, antimicrobial
Also found in: Jasmine, lemongrass, tea tree
Beta-caryophyllene oxide is the oxidized version of beta-caryophyllene and carries a spicy, herbal scent with earthy undertones. It's found in lemon balm, cloves, and eucalyptus, and is notably one of the compounds that drug-sniffing dogs are trained to detect. Like beta-caryophyllene, it shows anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity, particularly in treating fungal nail infections. Recent studies suggest it may be even more effective than beta-caryophyllene in reducing alcohol consumption.
Aroma: Spicy, herbal, woody
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antifungal
Also found in: Lemon balm, eucalyptus
Delta-3-carene has a sweet, cedar-like aroma and is found in rosemary, basil, and pine. This terpene is being studied for its role in bone health and inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. It may also support memory retention and cognitive function, with potential applications in neurodegenerative disorders. Though more research is needed, carene shows exciting promise for both body and mind.
Aroma: Sweet, cypress, piney
Effects: Memory-supportive, anti-inflammatory
Also found in: Rosemary, cedar, basil
Camphene smells like fir needles and damp woodlands. It’s commonly used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, especially when paired with vitamin C. Camphene has shown potential for supporting cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It’s also used topically to ease skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, offering soothing and protective benefits.
Aroma: Fir, damp wood, musky
Effects: Antioxidant, skin-soothing
Also found in: Fir needles, nutmeg, ginger
Borneol has a cool, minty-herbal aroma and is found in plants like mint, rosemary, and camphor. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, it has natural insect-repellent properties and is currently being studied for its anticancer effects. Borneol may also help other compounds cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cannabinoids and other plant compounds.
Aroma: Herbal, menthol-like, camphor
Effects: Refreshing, insect-repelling
Also found in: Mint, rosemary, camphor
Terpineol has a floral, lilac-like aroma with subtle citrus and mint notes. Known for its relaxing effects, this terpene is thought to contribute to the "couch-lock" sensation in some cannabis strains. Terpineol also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s widely used in perfumes and cosmetics for both its scent and skin-friendly benefits.
Aroma: Lilac, apple blossom, citrusy mint
Effects: Relaxing, calming
Also found in: Tea tree, pine, lilacs
Valencene brings a sweet, citrusy scent to the cannabis aroma profile and is named after Valencia oranges. Known for its mood-lifting and energizing effects, valencene also acts as a natural insect repellent. It may have anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties as well. It’s a popular terpene in strains that feel bright or uplifting.
Aroma: Sweet orange, tangy citrus
Effects: Uplifting, insect-repelling
Also found in: Valencia oranges, grapefruits
Geraniol smells like roses, peaches, and plums. It’s found in lemongrass, tobacco, and many fragrant herbs. In addition to its sweet, floral fragrance, geraniol may offer antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy, bath products, and lotions, and may help fight oxidative stress and support brain health.
Aroma: Rose, fruity, floral
Effects: Neuroprotective, calming
Also found in: Lemons, roses, tobacco
Phytol has a mild, grassy scent and is more abundant in green tea than cannabis, though it appears in trace amounts in some strains. It’s used industrially in the production of vitamins E and K1 and has shown potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor agent. Phytol may also help reduce anxiety and act as a gentle sedative, supporting relaxation and stress relief.
Aroma: Grassy, earthy
Effects: Sedating, antioxidant, anti-anxiety
Also found in: Green tea, chlorophyll