Hemp Terpene Glossary

Welcome to Avida CBD’s Terpene Glossary, your comprehensive guide to terpenes in hemp.

In this glossary, you’ll discover the natural compounds that give our CBD products their unique fragrance and their potential therapeutic properties. Understanding how terps work and its potential uses enhances your appreciation of CBD.

Dive right in or select a terp from our drop-down list to get started.

We also recommend you read our Hemp Glossary or Cannabinoid Glossary to discover new cannabinoids that may work for you. 

Bergamotene

– An energizing terpene with a citrusy, spicy scent found in bergamot oranges. Bergamotene is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, while invigorating the body and mind to deliver effects simultaneously calming and uplifting effects.
Bisabolene – Bisabolene creates a gentle, sweet aroma, and researchers are continuing to investigate its promising anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.

Bisabolene

Bisabolene is found in cyprus and black pepper, and is often added to CBD vaporizer products to improve flavor, while promoting mental balance and relaxation to enhance CBD’s stress reducing effects.

Bisabolol (α-Bisabolol)

Bisabolol is the primary component in chamomile oil, and is known for its soothing, stress-reducing, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Borneol

Borneol is a minty terpene that is suggested to relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation.

Bornyl Acetate

Bornyl Acetate is found in plants with a pine scent, and carries naturally soothing, relaxing effects. This terpene is also believed to fight fatigue and enhance mental clarity.

Cadinene

This calming terpene is found in the chamomile and Cade Juniper plants, and carries a spicy, pine scent. Cadinene is often used in anti-inflammatory essential oils, and delivers calming, balancing effects to enhance overall wellbeing in body and mind.

Camphene

Found in fir needles, camphene is a common hemp terpene known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Campholenic Aldehyde

A piney, subtly citrusy aroma often found in lavender and rosemary. This terpene is believed to reduce stress, and is associated with feelings of comfort and contentness.

Camphor

Camphor is believed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits that make this terpene a popular ingredient in therapeutic vapor rubs and balms. Camphor has stress-reducing, mood boosting effects, and is often used topically to treat skin conditions, reduce wrinkles, and boost collagen production. In essential oils, camphor is also used to manage respiratory issues; to relieve pain; and to boost mood and reduce stress, offering calming yet refreshing effects for body and mind.

Caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5-alpha-ol

This terpene gives pepper its signature aroma and flavor, and amplifies the effects of CBD alongside other “entourage compounds” combined in broad and full spectrum products.

Caryophyllene (α-Caryophyllene)

Caryophyllene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes, known for a spicy, peppery aroma. Like cannabinoids, caryophyllene binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, and delivers a wide variety of benefits as a result. This terpene is especially beneficial for mental health, and has been shown to balance mood and reduce anxiety by altering the way that the brain responds to stress. Like many other hemp terpenes, caryophyllene is an antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory potential.

Caryophyllene (β-Caryophyllene)

Caryophyllene is abundant in the hemp plant, and is also found in pepper and other plants with spicy scents. Caryophyllene is unique in that it binds with the same receptors that cannabinoids engage in the ECS, including CB2 receptors. Through this mechanism of action, caryophyllene reduces inflammation and pain, while offering antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.

Caryophyllene Oxide

Caryophyllene oxide offers relaxing, stress-reducing properties that may be especially beneficial for mental health. This terpene has a spicy, woody aroma, and is believed to offer antifungal properties when applied in topical format.

Cedrene

Found in hemp and cedarwood oil, cedrene is known to soothe skin while reducing inflammation and irritation, making it a desirable component of full-spectrum CBD topicals.

Citronellol

Citronellol is often used in insect repellents that work by harnessing its potent, geranium and rose scent. In CBD formulations, citronellol offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while regulating immune system responses.

Copaene

This little-studied terpene is associated with a spicy, woody aroma, and is found in ginger and pepper oils.

Cubebene

This peppery, woody ace contributes to anti-inflammatory effects and digestive health. Cubebene has a variety of benefits, ranging from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to its ability to reduce pain and support respiratory health. In addition, cubebene is believed to benefit digestion and may help in the management of gastrointestinal issues. Like many of the terpenes in our glossary, cubebene’s therapeutic properties have long been harnessed in traditional Chinese medicine for many of the aforementioned benefits.

Cymene (p-Cymene)

A soft, citrusy terpene found in cumin and thyme. Researchers suggest that thymene offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while boosting CBD’s therapeutic potential.

Delta-3-Carene

With a sweet, pungent cypress-like aroma, delta-3-carene can help reduce the overproduction of fluids, while reducing inflammation through complex mechanisms of action exclusive to this unique hemp compound.

Elemene (β-Elemene)

This aromatic terpene is found in hemp, celery, and sage, and is believed to support the synergy of hemp compounds that contributes to the entourage effect associated with broad and full spectrum formulations.

Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole)

Eucalyptol is the dominant terpene in the eucalyptus plant, and is often harnessed in OTC cough suppressants, essential oils, and other aids for its ability to reduce inflammation while improving respiratory health.

Eugenol

Eugenol is a compound found in cinnamon, basil, and bay leaves, with a rich, spicy clove aroma. This terpene is believed to relieve pain, while reducing inflammation and aiding healthy digestion. Eugenol is an antioxidant with antimicrobial effects, and can aid respiratory health while supporting healthy skin by reducing redness and irritation.

Farnesene

Farnesene creates an aroma reminiscent of green apples, while delivering calming, stress-reducing effects in combination with CBD and other compounds.

Farnesol

Known for its sweet floral aroma, this terpene is found in citrus fruits including limes and lemons. Farnesol is a powerful antioxidant, and scientists suggest that it may reduce inflammation by unique mechanisms of action, making it a promising option for researchers pursuing alternatives for the management of inflammatory conditions.

Fenchol

Fenchol is found in basil and hemp, and its earthy scent accompanies antibacterial, stress-relieving, and relaxing benefits when consumed through CBD products.

Fenchone

Known for its appealing scent, fenchone is often used in perfumes, topical products, and essential oils. This terpene delivers relaxing, mood-lifting effects, while acting as an anti-inflammatory, aiding healthy digestion, and reducing bloating. When applied topically, fenchone is also believed to carry antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Geraniol

Geraniol is found in roses and geraniums, and is believed to provide neuroprotective and antioxidant effects.

Geranyl Acetate

Geranyl Acetate is an ester of the more common terpene, geraniol, and is found in hemp as well as in roses and other plants with a floral aroma. For centuries, this terepene has been used for a wide variety of ailments, from common colds to gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, recent scientific research suggests that geranyl acetate may function as an antimicrobial and antifungal, and as an anti-inflammatory with benefits for skin health. Some preclinical studies have also suggested that this terpene may aid in managing chronic inflammatory diseases. When extracted from hemp, this terpene contributes soothing, mood-boosting properties to the effects of CBD products.

Germacrene D

Found in ylang ylang, germacrene D creates a woody, spicy scent, and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. When harnessed in CBD formulations, this terpene can elevate wellness while improving overall flavor profiles.

Guaiol

Guailol creates a distinct, piney aroma, while delivering powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. When applied topically, guaiol is believed to promote skin health and reduce irritation.

Gurjunene

With its earthy, woody, tropical forest aroma, gurjunene boosts the effects of CBD, while reducing stress and delivering calming properties to contribute to the soothing benefits of CBD products.

Himachalene

Found in cedarwood, himachalene is a calming compound that delivers feelings of calm and overall wellbeing.

Humulene (α-Humulene)

Humulene is found in cannabis plants and hops, and is suggested by researches to combat inflammation, suppress appetite, and reduce feelings of stress.

Ishwarane

A lesser known woody, spicy terpene in select essential oils. Though little studied, ishwarane–like all other terpenes–it contributes to the enhanced, synergistic harmony of full spectrum formulations that combine cannabinoids with naturally-occurring terpenes from the hemp plant.

Isoborneol

Isoborneol has a minty, camphor like scent, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes, lotions, and candles. Isoborneol contributes soothing, stress-reducing properties to the effects of CBD products. According to researchers, isoborneol carries potential antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and also acts as an antioxidant (like many of the terpenes found in hemp). Studies also suggest that isoborneol may reduce discomfort, inflammation, and stress. In addition, larger quantities of isoborneol can be sedating, making the trace amounts found in hemp products the perfect balance for achieving calm yet alert effects.

Isopulegol

With its cooling mintiness, isopulegol is a menthol precursor that has been studied for for anti-anxiety and gut health benefits. When consumed in combination with CBD, this terpene can promote relaxation and aid healthy digestion.

Ledol

Ledol is found in wild rosemary oil, and is believed to offer soothing properties while enhancing the “entourage effect” associated with CBD products rich in terpenes and other minor hemp cannabinoids.

Limonene

Limonene is a common hemp terpene known to enhance mood, focus, and mental clarity, while reducing stress and anxiety. Limonene benefits mental health by boosting the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. This terpene is believed to enhance cognition, while offering antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits. Aside from its benefits for mental health, limonene is suggested to reduce pain and inflammation, and can be particularly helpful in the management of GI disorders.

Limonene Oxide

Limonene oxide is closely related to a more common terpene, limonene, and like its chemical cousin, is thought to boost mood and mental clarity, while providing promising antioxidant effects.

Linalool

Linalool is found in both lavender and hemp. In CBD products, linalool aids relaxation while relieving stress, and contributes to CBD products’ ability to support healthy, restful sleep.

Menthol

Menthol is well-known due to its use in OTC topicals targeted to relieve pain by delivering an instant cooling effect to the problem area. This terpene, which is found in both hemp and mint, is suggested to reduce discomfort and offer respiratory relief, while aiding nasal decongestion and alleviating headaches. Menthol is also thought to aid digestion, while adding an invigorating, clear-headed effect to terpene rich CBD products.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the predominant cannabinoid in all cannabis plants, and in hemp-derived products, it enhances the effects of CBD by allowing cannabinoids to cross the blood-brain barrier. Higher concentrations of myrcene are characteristically sedative, while more balanced formulations found in CBD products deliver soothing, relaxing, and pain-relieving effects perfect for any time of day. Myrcene is also known to relax the muscles, release tension, and aid in inflammation management.

Nerolidol

Nerolidol is found in hemp as well as in neroli, ginger, jasmine and lavender. This terpene is suggested to function as an antifungal and antibacterial, and can enhance the absorption of cannabinoids when it accompanies CBD in topical lotions, creams and balms.

Nootkatone

Found in grapefruits, nootkatone is believed to amplify the effects of CBD, while contributing its own, energizing and uplifting effects to the impact of terpene-rich hemp products.

Ocimene (α-Ocimene and β-Ocimene)

Ocimene is found in mint, parsley, and orchids, as well as in the hemp plant. According to researchers, ocimene may deliver uplifting effects, while boosting mood and enhancing the benefits of CBD.

Perillyl Alcohol

Found in lavender and citrus, perillyl alcohol is known for its refreshing, floral aroma, and is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation while enhancing mental clarity. In CBD formulations, this terpene is believed to elevate mood and reduce stress.

Phellandrene (α-Phellandrene and β-Phellandrene)

Phellandrene offers a refreshing minty aroma, and has long been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, while delivering uplifting, energizing effects. In hemp-derived products, phellandrene may enhance CBD absorption, while synergizing with other compounds to multiply their benefits and effects.

Phytol

This terpene is produced from the breakdown of chlorophyll in various plants, and has been suggested to reduce anxiety while delivering antioxidant benefits. In CBD formulations, phytol may promote calm and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Pinene (α-Pinene and β-Pinene)

Pinene is another, commonly occurring terpenes in hemp plants and pine needles. Pinene offers a variety of benefits as an antioxidant and neuroprotective that may support neurological health in the longer term, while also aiding respiratory health. In terpene-rich CBD formulations, pinene delivers uplifting, energizing effects, while boosting mood; reducing stress; and enhancing memory and cognition.

Pulegone

This terpene creates the cooling, minty aroma associated with mint and rosemary, and is known to enhance memory, reduce stress, and contribute to the soothing, uplifting qualities to CBD products.

Sabinene

This spicy, citrusy terpene is found in black pepper, basil and spruce. Research suggests that sabinene acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent.

Selinene (β-Selinene)

This terpene is found in celery seeds and lovage, and has been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation and stress, while promoting relaxation in the muscles and relieving discomfort.

Spathulenol

This woody, spicy terpene is thought to reduce inflammation while boosting the immune system, and scientists suggest that spathulenol may also function as an antimicrobial agent, while promoting healthy skin.

Terpineol (α-Terpineol, β-Terpineol, γ-Terpineol)

Found in pine and lime, terpineol has a calming effect, and may amplify CBD’s ability to improve the quality and quantity of sleep we receive.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is crucial to the synergy of cannabinoids and terpenes in full spectrum formulations, while contributing its own, unique antioxidant benefits.

Thujene

This terpene is distinguished by a sharp, pine aroma, and is thought to ease discomfort and inflammation, while offering antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Thujone

Thujone is a minty terpene found in sage, wormwood, and other plants. When consumed alongside other hemp compounds in CBD products, thujone delivers stimulating, uplifting sensations while supporting mental clarity.

Valencene

Valencene is an aromatic terpene found in cannabis and known for its sweet, citrus aroma. In CBD products, valencene improves flavor while reducing inflammation and amplifying the effects of other hemp compounds.

Valerianol

This terpene is found in valerian root, a traditional sedative known for its warm, woody aroma. Like valerian root supplements, valerianol has been used for centuries for its sedating, calming effects, and is particularly helpful for supporting healthy sleeping patterns.