Terpenes
Terpenes give cannabis its smell, and they are the most reproducible way to find a product you liked before. What they are not — yet — is a proven predictor of effects in humans.
Read this before the terpene pages
A 2024 systematic review concluded that enhancement of cannabinoid effects by terpenes “remains unproven”. Where rodent studies did find effects, they generally required concentrations above 10 micromolar in vitro or 200 mg/kg in vivo — far beyond what any cannabis product delivers. Beta-caryophyllene is the one exception with an established receptor mechanism, and even that has no human trial at realistic doses.
Myrcene
The most common terpene in commercial cannabis, and the single strongest chemical marker of the "indica" label — which is a labelling correlation, not a proven effect.
Limonene
One of the three terpenes that define a major commercial chemotype. Mood and anxiety claims are exploratory only.
Linalool
The lavender terpene. Sedation and anxiolysis claims trace to aromatherapy research and rodent studies, not to cannabis trials.
Beta-caryophyllene
The one cannabis terpene with an established direct cannabinoid-receptor mechanism. It is a selective CB2 agonist — and CB2 activation is not intoxicating.
Alpha-pinene
Common and distinctive. The popular claim that it counteracts THC-induced memory impairment is a hypothesis, not a finding.
Terpinolene
Defines the third major commercial chemotype. Consumer claims about it are contradictory and unsupported.
Humulene
Structurally related to beta-caryophyllene. The appetite-suppression claim has no human evidence behind it.
Ocimene
A minor terpene with a pleasant aroma and essentially no cannabis-specific research.
Bisabolol
Best known from chamomile and widely used in skincare. Topical anti-irritant use is the most defensible application.