How to Find Weed Strains with Specific Terpenes?

Flavor and aromas in cannabis are created by terpenes. Terpenes also offer potential health benefits and shape the psychoactive effects of cannabis - a role known as the "entourage effect".

Every strain has it’s own individual terpene profile, while there are over 100 different terpines in Cannabis.

Different terpenes can produce different effects, ranging from relaxation to focus and everything in between.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your cannabis experience, it’s important to know a little bit about these powerful compounds.

In this guide, we’ll tell you all about terpenes, how they work, what they do, and how to find weed strains with specific terpenes.

What are Terpenes? and Why are they Important?

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They’re generally the sticky resinous oils of plants that release the scent of the plant, which often act as natural pesticides.

In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others.

In cannabis plants, terpenes are primarily found in trichomes, the small, sticky structures visible on the surface of the flowers, and to a lesser extent on the leaves and stems.

There are over 100 different terpines in Cannabis. Each act on various neurological receptors responsible for inhibiting inflamation, depression, pain, tumors, and epileptic seizures to name a few.

Terpenoids are activated by CYT-450, a liver enzyme that is responsible for hormonal regulation, production of cholesterol, removing toxins and activating most drugs.

Terpenes are just as varied as the strains they’re found in, with some credited as relieving stress, while others have shown to increase focus and acuity.

Myrcene, for example, induces a sleepy, tired attitude, while limonene can make the consumer feel happy.

Others contain imperceptible effects, such as caryophyllene’s gastro-protective properties.

Additionally, Terpene compounds synergies with the THC or CBD compounds and enhances the therapeutic potential of the strain, creating an ‘entourage effect.’

How to Find Weed Strains with Specific Terpenes?

The feeling a strain gives varies by the amount of THC and the THC:CBD ratio, and lastly terpenes.

Fortunately, Thanks to the growing legalization and regulation of cannabis, many dispensaries now offer lab tested strains with detailed terpene profiles.

This allows consumers to select strains based not just on THC or CBD content but also on the terpenes present. So when shopping for cannabis, ask the dispensary for a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

If there is no terpenes information on their product labels, you may be able to determine the terpenes in your cannabis strain by using your sense of smell.

Many dispensaries will allow you to look at and smell the cannabis flower before you purchase it. By doing so, the scent can help you determine the terpenes that might be in that strain, as well as the effects you can expect.

However, this requires you to be a weed professional and be particularly familiar with the smell of terpenes.

You can also ask a professional, a cannabis planter, or your budtender at Dispensary for help finding the right strain for you. The staff is always happy to help you find the perfect cannabis product for your needs.

Most online resources such as Blimburn Seeds, Leafly, leafwell, allbud, wayoleaf, hytiva etc. They all have different info on certain strains and their specific terpenes, so consumers can find, pick and choose the corresponding strains.

The last good way to find the right strain with high levels of the specific terpene you’re interested in is by google keyword search. For example, if you’re looking for a strain that’s high in myrcene, you might search for “strains high in myrcene.”

10 Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis and Their Effects

We culled a few of the top go-to Terpenes, therir effects and the Main strains found in high amounts to help you navigate this unique world of healing aromas.

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in modern cannabis cultivars, serving as the dominant one in almost 50% of strain profiles, such as Sour Diesel, Sirius Black and Blue Dream.

It is known for its earthy aroma and therapeutic benefits. It offers relaxation, sedation, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Limonene

As one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, limonene is famous for its aromatic and flavorful citrus profile and its ability to act as a potent therapeutic agent.

It is also known to be an antioxidant and have anti-inflammatory agents that suppress anxiety, stress, and even appetite.

Limonene appears in a number of popular marijuana strains, including all-time favorites Lemon Kush, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, and Tangie.

3. Pinene

Pinene is an aromatic terpene found in certain strains that holds a refreshing, sweet and distinct piney aroma.

It could potentially provide relief from a number of ailments, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

You can find it in strains like Pineapple, Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Double Grape, Gelato, White Cherry Gelato, and more.

4. Linalool

Linalool, with its rich floral and spicy notes, is the terpene that gives lavender its relaxing signature scent.

It is a key player in the calming qualities of certain cannabis strains like Fire OG, Kosher Kush, Casino Kush, and Do-Si-Dos.

5. Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), also known as the “pepper terpene,” is a chemical responsible for cannabis strains with a warm, woody, and spicy aroma similar to black pepper and cloves.

It has anti-inflammatory effects, and could be useful for a range of conditions like arthritis and nerve pain.

This terpene is present in plenty of cannabis strains such as Chemdawg, Gorilla Glue, OG Kush, Gelato, Bubba Kush, Northern Lights, and more.

6. Humulene

A prominent terpene in cannabis, humulene is distinctive for its association with the hops in beer and has shown potential in treating allergies, tumors, and particularly inflammation.

It's partially responsible for giving the plant its distinct spicy, herbaceous, and subtly floral bouquet of aromas.

Cannabis strains with notably high levels of humulene include GSC (fka Girl Scout Cookies), Headband, White Widow, Pink Kush, Bubba Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, etc.

7. Ocimene

Ocimene is the terpene responsible for the sweet, woody, herbal smell of some cannabis strains (cultivars).

It offers strains potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-viral, anti-seizure, and anti-inflammation.

Strains that are often high in Ocimene are White Fire OG, Chocolope, Dutch Treat, Super Lemon Haze, Purple Haze, Arjan's Haze, Amnesia, Strawberry Cough, Golden Goat, Space Queen, or Himalayan Gold.

8. Terpinolene

Terpinolene is one of cannabis' most interesting and rarest terpenes. It has a pleasant, fresh fragrance that has hints of woodsy pine.

Terpinolene has a role as a sedative, an insect repellent, a plant metabolite, and a volatile oil component.

Terpinolene-dominant marijuana strains are hard to find, Exceptions include Dutch Treat, XJ-13, and Golden Pineapple.

9. Geraniol

Known for its sweet, citric, and fruity floral aroma, geraniol have multi benefits including pain reduction, and anti-inflammatory and antifungal.

Geraniol has exciting implications for cannabis topicals, as it can enhance the skin's ability to absorb cannabinoids.

Cannabis strains containing geraniol include Afghan, Skunk Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, Afghani, Lavender, and Amnesia Haze.

10. Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is an aromatic compound that has a refreshing, slightly woody scent.

The eucalyptol terpene known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is also used to enhance focus and mental clarity.

It is found in high amounts in cannabis strains like Dutch Treat, Girl Scout Cookies, and Super Silver Haze.

Conclusion

Terpenes are the parts that give cannabis it’s smell and taste but they can be even more important than the cannabinoid content (THC, CBD, etc).

As consumers become more educated about cannabis, terpenes are taking center stage in the decision making process.

By understanding the different terpenes and their effects, you can find the strain that works best for your specific needs.

Don't think of one terpene as the target. Think of terpenes in combinations as that’s how they are delivered by the plant to you the user.

Remember that determining cannabis strains will take a while, much like piecing a puzzle together. Even if you don’t find the exact strain you’re looking for, you may find others that you can also enjoy.

With more observation and practice, you’ll be able to develop your knowledge and tell strains and terpenes apart from one another.