Everything you need to understand cannabis — from terpene science to strain genetics.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis (and all plants) their distinctive smells and flavors. More importantly, they shape your experience — influencing whether a strain feels energizing, relaxing, creative, or sedative.
AromaEarthy, musky, herbal
EffectsRelaxation, sedation, pain relief
Also inHops, mangoes, lemongrass, thyme
The most common terpene in cannabis. Responsible for the classic 'couch-lock' effect in indicas. May enhance THC absorption across the blood-brain barrier.
AromaCitrus, lemon, orange
EffectsMood elevation, stress relief, energy
Also inCitrus peels, juniper, peppermint
The second most abundant terpene. Known for its uplifting, anxiety-reducing properties. Studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
AromaPepper, spicy, woody
EffectsPain relief, anti-inflammation, stress relief
Also inBlack pepper, cloves, cinnamon
The only terpene that directly binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors, making it function like a dietary cannabinoid. Powerful anti-inflammatory.
AromaFloral, lavender, sweet
EffectsCalming, sleep aid, anti-anxiety
Also inLavender, birch bark, rosewood
The terpene behind lavender's famous calming scent. Research suggests anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic properties.
AromaPine, fresh, forest
EffectsAlertness, memory retention, focus
Also inPine needles, rosemary, basil
The most widely encountered terpene in nature. May counteract some of THC's memory-impairing effects. Acts as a bronchodilator.
AromaFloral, herbal, fresh
EffectsUplifting, creative, mildly sedative
Also inLilac, tea tree, nutmeg, apples
Found in only about 1 in 10 strains, making it relatively rare. Strains with dominant terpinolene tend to be energetic sativas.
AromaEarthy, hoppy, woody
EffectsAppetite suppression, anti-inflammation
Also inHops, sage, ginseng
Abundant in hops (Humulus lupulus) — cannabis's botanical cousin. Unlike most terpenes that increase appetite, humulene may actually suppress it.
AromaSweet, tropical, herbal
EffectsUplifting, energizing, decongestant
Also inMint, parsley, orchids, basil
Often found in sativa-dominant strains. Research suggests antifungal and antiviral properties.
The entourage effect is one of the most important concepts in cannabis science. It describes how the hundreds of compounds in cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids — work together synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone.
This is why two strains with the same THC percentage can feel completely different. A 25% THC strain dominant in myrcene will feel sedating and body-heavy, while a 25% THC strain dominant in limonene and pinene will feel uplifting and focused.
Research suggests that terpenes can modulate how cannabinoids bind to receptors, influence neurotransmitter activity, and even affect the permeability of cell membranes. Caryophyllene, for example, directly activates CB2 receptors — making it functionally a cannabinoid itself.
Key takeaway: When choosing a strain, look beyond THC percentage. The terpene profile is the best predictor of how a strain will actually make you feel. This is why Encycloweedia puts terpene data front and center.