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Overview

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by the cannabis plant (and many other plants) that shape the smell, flavor, and — critically — the effects of each strain. While THC and CBD get the headlines, terpenes are the reason two strains with identical THC percentages can produce wildly different experiences. Cannabis science has identified over 200 terpenes in the plant, but 17 major terpenes appear frequently enough and in high enough concentrations to meaningfully influence the experience. High IQ tracks all 17 across its strain database, using 2025 peer-reviewed research data.
The entourage effect is the theory that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds create synergistic effects that enhance therapeutic benefits. For example, a 2024 clinical trial showed that vaporizing just 1-5mg of limonene with THC significantly reduced THC-induced anxiety without diminishing therapeutic effects.

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The Top 8 Major Terpenes

These are the most abundant and most studied terpenes in cannabis. You will encounter them on nearly every strain profile.

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Myrcene

PropertyDetail
PronunciationMER-seen
AromaEarthy, musky, fruity
Concentration0.1-0.5% (can reach 1-2%)
EffectsSedating, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Found inMangoes, hops, lemongrass, thyme
Key strainsBlue Dream, OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes
The most abundant terpene in cannabis. Myrcene is lipophilic and crosses the blood-brain barrier, contributing to sedative and analgesic properties — the so-called “couch-lock” effect. It activates TRPV1 channels and engages opioid receptors.

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Limonene

PropertyDetail
PronunciationLIM-oh-neen
AromaCitrus, lemon, orange
Concentration0.1-0.3% (can exceed 0.5%)
EffectsAnxiety reduction, mood elevation, stress relief, GABA enhancement
Found inCitrus fruits, rosemary, peppermint, juniper
Key strainsSuper Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, Jack Herer
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes
The second most abundant terpene. Limonene modulates adenosine A2A receptors and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1B). A 2024 cross-over study confirmed that vaporizing limonene with THC significantly reduced THC-induced anxiety without diminishing therapeutic effects.

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Pinene

PropertyDetail
PronunciationPIE-neen
AromaPine, fresh forest
Concentration0.1-0.5% (some reach ~1%)
EffectsAlertness, memory retention, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory
Found inPine trees, basil, dill, rosemary
Key strainsJack Herer, Blue Dream, Island Sweet Skunk
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes (within 30 minutes)
The most common terpene in nature. Pinene inhibits acetylcholinesterase and may counteract THC-induced memory impairment while promoting alertness and mental clarity.

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Linalool

PropertyDetail
Pronunciationlin-ah-LOOL
AromaFloral, lavender, sweet
Concentration0.01-0.5%
EffectsCalming, anti-anxiety, sedative, anti-epileptic
Found inLavender, coriander, cinnamon, birch
Key strainsLavender, LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes
Known for its calming lavender aroma. Linalool modulates NMDA receptors and ion channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmission. Its sedative and anxiolytic effects are partly reversed by naloxone, suggesting opioid-system involvement.

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Caryophyllene

PropertyDetail
Pronunciationcarry-OFF-ill-een
AromaSpicy, peppery, woody
Concentration0.1-0.5%
EffectsAnti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective
Found inBlack pepper, cloves, rosemary, hops
Key strainsGirl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, Bubba Kush
Crosses blood-brain barrierNo
The only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) selectively activates CB2 receptors, triggering anti-inflammatory pathways without psychotropic side effects. It also interacts with PPAR receptors for immunomodulation.

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Humulene

PropertyDetail
PronunciationHYOO-muh-leen
AromaHoppy, woody, earthy
Concentration0.03-0.4%
EffectsAppetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
Found inHops, sage, ginger
Key strainsWhite Widow, Headband, Pink Kush
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes
Found in hops and cannabis. Research shows humulene increases IL-8 levels, which reduces appetite by decreasing meal size without affecting meal frequency. It peaks in blood within 30 minutes and clears within approximately 2 hours.

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Terpinolene

PropertyDetail
Pronunciationter-PIN-oh-leen
AromaFresh, piney, floral, citrus
Concentration0.01-0.3%
EffectsUplifting, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
Found inNutmeg, tea tree, apples, lilacs
Key strainsJack Herer, Ghost Train Haze, XJ-13
Crosses blood-brain barrierYes
Less common but provides distinctly uplifting and energetic effects. Terpinolene inhibits NF-kB activation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also decreases lipid peroxidation and increases antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels.

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Ocimene

PropertyDetail
Pronunciationoh-SIM-een
AromaSweet, herbaceous, woody
Concentration0.01-0.2%
EffectsAntiviral, antifungal, decongestant, antimicrobial
Found inMint, parsley, orchids, basil
Key strainsGolden Goat, Strawberry Cough, Chernobyl
Crosses blood-brain barrierNo
Known for its sweet aroma and potential antiviral properties. Studies show antimicrobial and anti-decay fungal activity, and essential oils containing beta-ocimene demonstrate antiviral activity against SARS-CoV in vitro.

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Secondary Terpenes (9 More)

These terpenes appear in lower concentrations but contribute meaningfully to the entourage effect and individual strain character.

Nerolidol

Aroma: Woody, fresh bark, floral. Modulates GABAergic transmission and enhances skin penetration of other compounds. Sedating with anti-parasitic and antifungal properties. Found in ginger, jasmine, and tea tree.

Bisabolol

Aroma: Sweet, floral, honey. Found abundantly in chamomile. Soothing anti-inflammatory properties ideal for topical applications. Promotes wound healing and has antimicrobial effects.

Valencene

Aroma: Sweet, citrus, orange. Named after Valencia oranges. Anti-inflammatory and skin-protectant properties. Also acts as a natural insect repellent. Found in grapefruits and tangerines.

Eucalyptol

Aroma: Mint, cool, refreshing. Also called cineole. Provides a cooling sensation via TRPM8 receptors. Anti-inflammatory with potential cognitive enhancement properties. Found in eucalyptus and sage.

Fenchol

Aroma: Fresh, lemon, pine. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties. May support immune function. Found in basil, nutmeg, and lime.

Camphene

Aroma: Damp woodlands, fir needles. May support cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism. Antioxidant with potential lipid-lowering effects. Found in fir needles and cypress.

Borneol

Aroma: Camphor, mint, metallic. May help other compounds cross the blood-brain barrier, enhancing permeability across biological membranes. Sedative and anti-inflammatory. Found in rosemary and mint.

Guaiol

Aroma: Pine, woody, rose. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. May support respiratory function and act as a cough suppressant. Found in guaiacum and cypress pine.

Phytol

Aroma: Floral, balsamic, green tea. A breakdown product of chlorophyll. Modulates GABA activity, contributing to relaxation and anti-anxiety effects. Antioxidant properties. Found in green tea.

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Blood-Brain Barrier: Why It Matters

Of the 17 major terpenes, 10 can cross the blood-brain barrier — meaning they reach the brain directly and influence cognition, mood, and perception. This is a key factor in how terpenes shape your experience:

Crosses BBB (10 terpenes)

Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, Linalool, Humulene, Terpinolene, Nerolidol, Eucalyptol, Borneol, PhytolThese terpenes directly modulate brain receptors (GABA, serotonin, NMDA, opioid) and contribute to the “head high” experience.

Does Not Cross BBB (7 terpenes)

Caryophyllene, Ocimene, Bisabolol, Valencene, Fenchol, Camphene, GuaiolThese terpenes work peripherally — on immune cells, skin, gut, and peripheral nerves. Caryophyllene is notable for activating CB2 receptors on immune cells for anti-inflammatory effects without psychotropic action.

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Key Entourage Effect Combinations

Terpenes do not work in isolation. The most impactful combinations documented by research include:
CombinationEffectEvidence
THC + LimoneneLimonene reduces THC-induced anxiety without diminishing therapeutic effects2024 clinical trial (1-5mg limonene vaporized with THC)
THC + PinenePinene may counteract THC-induced memory impairmentPreclinical studies on acetylcholinesterase inhibition
THC + CBDCBD modulates THC effects, reducing anxiety and paranoiaMultiple clinical trials showing allosteric CB1 modulation
CBD + LinaloolEnhanced anti-anxiety and sedative effects through complementary mechanismsSynergistic anxiolytic activity in preclinical models
Caryophyllene + CBDDual anti-inflammatory action for enhanced pain reliefCombined CB2 agonism and cannabinoid signaling modulation
When browsing strains on High IQ or thisiswhyimhigh.com, pay attention to the terpene profile as much as the THC percentage. Two strains at 25% THC can feel completely different depending on their terpene composition.