Last updated: October 2026
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give plants their smell and taste: the citrus in lemons, the pine in pine needles, the scent of lavender. Cannabis and hemp contain over 100 of them. In CBD products they add flavour and may contribute to the “entourage effect”, though human evidence for that is still limited.
This guide explains what terpenes are, the nine most common in hemp, what the research says about the entourage effect, terpene safety, and what to look for on a CBD label.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are natural compounds made by plants, partly to attract pollinators and repel pests. They’re found throughout nature and in everyday foods, herbs and essential oils. “Terpenoids” are closely related compounds, often formed when terpenes dry or oxidise; the two words are often used interchangeably.
Each hemp or cannabis variety has its own terpene profile, which is why they smell different. Terpenes aren’t cannabinoids and don’t get you high.
9 common terpenes in hemp
| Terpene | Aroma | Also found in | What research has explored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky | Mango, hops, lemongrass | Sedative effects in animal studies |
| Limonene | Citrus | Lemon and orange peel | Mood and stress in animal studies |
| Beta-caryophyllene | Peppery, spicy | Black pepper, cloves | Binds the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in lab studies |
| Linalool | Floral | Lavender | Relaxation, mainly in aromatherapy and animal studies |
| Pinene | Pine | Pine needles, rosemary | Airway and alertness effects in lab studies |
| Humulene | Woody, earthy | Hops | Anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies |
| Terpinolene | Fresh, herbal | Apples, tea tree, lilac | Antioxidant activity in lab studies |
| Bisabolol | Soft, floral | Chamomile | Widely used in skincare for soothing skin |
| Ocimene | Sweet, herbal | Mint, basil, orchids | Mainly studied for plant defence |
Most of this research is in cells or animals, often at much higher concentrations than in a CBD product. It doesn’t show that the small amounts in a few drops of oil have these effects in people.
Terpenes and the entourage effect
The “entourage effect” is the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than alone. It was popularised by a 2011 review proposing ways terpenes might add to cannabinoids’ effects. But a 2019 lab study found common cannabis terpenes didn’t change how THC acted on the body’s CB1 or CB2 receptors. The idea remains plausible but unproven in people. See what is the entourage effect?
Are terpenes safe?
- In foods and naturally occurring amounts: generally yes; many are approved flavourings.
- Concentrated terpenes: can irritate skin, eyes and airways. Don’t swallow neat terpene oils or essential oils.
- Vaping: heating concentrated terpenes can produce irritant breakdown products. Avoid unregulated vape liquids. See can you vape CBD oil?.
- Allergies: some people react to limonene or linalool, especially in skincare after they oxidise.
Terpenes in CBD products
| Type | Terpenes |
|---|---|
| Full spectrum | Usually retains hemp terpenes, plus THC |
| Broad spectrum | Can retain some terpenes, depending on processing; THC removed |
| Isolate | None, unless added back |
Some brands add terpenes or botanical extracts for flavour. Our oils are broad spectrum, and some are blended with botanicals: Sleep with passionflower, Relief with turmeric and black pepper, and Flow with ashwagandha and maca. See full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate.
FAQs
What are terpenes?
Aromatic compounds made by plants that give them their smell and taste. Hemp and cannabis contain over 100 of them.
Do terpenes get you high?
No. Terpenes aren’t intoxicating. The high from cannabis comes from THC.
What does the entourage effect mean?
The idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than alone. It’s plausible, but human evidence is limited.
Are terpenes safe?
In foods and naturally occurring amounts, generally yes. Concentrated terpenes can irritate skin and airways, and shouldn’t be swallowed neat or vaped.
Which terpene is best for relaxing?
Myrcene and linalool are most associated with relaxation, but evidence comes mainly from animal studies and aromatherapy.
Does broad spectrum CBD contain terpenes?
It can retain some, depending on how it’s processed. Isolate contains none unless they’re added back.
Sources
- Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol, 2011.
- Santiago M et al. Absence of entourage: terpenoids commonly found in Cannabis sativa do not modulate the functional activity of THC at human CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res, 2019.
- Gertsch J et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. PNAS, 2008.
