Urb’s Terpene Guide

Scent/Flavor: Peppery, spicy, warming

Found In: Black peppercorns

Reported Effects: Craving a little calm? Even though it’s not considered intoxicating, caryophyllene is associated with a smooth but subtle relaxing effect, imparting a natural calm that helps us fight stress and manage stubborn symptoms like chronic pain. Studies show it acts as a natural anti-anxiety and antidepressant, which is one reason you’ll find the terpene in several of our products. 

Scent/Flavor: Clean, crisp, intensely floral

Found In: Citronella, rose

Reported Effects: As one of the signature terps in roses, if you’ve ever indulged in aromatherapy you know that citronellol has a relaxing, uplifting effect that’s just the thing for cutting through the blahs. Research points to the terpene’s potential for antibiotic, antifungal, and pain-relieving effects.

Scent/Flavor: Earthy, herbaceous, slightly spicy

Found In: Hops

Reported Effects: A major component of the hops plant, humulene is an essential flavoring in beer. Cannabis lovers often associate humulene with a subtle boost in creativity and a diminishment of anxiety. And as with many other terpenes, it should come as no surprise that humulene also imparts an anti-inflammatory effect, making it a potential option for pain relief.

Scent/Flavor: Citrusey, bright, cheering

Found In: Lemons

Reported Effects: If you love the scent of fresh-cut citrus, this unforgettable terpene may be the reason why. Limonene’s bright and citrusy scent is associated with a naturally mood-boosting and stress-reducing effect. This is backed up by studies supporting limonene’s ability to reduce anxiety.

Scent/Flavor: Herbaceous, citrusy, woodsy

Found In: Lavender

Reported Effects: As one of the most-studied (and best loved!) terpenes, there’s a good deal of evidence backing up linalool’s naturally sedative and relaxing qualities. Studies suggest linalool may help us access deeper and more restorative sleep, reduce anxiety without impairing our motor skills, and generally make us feel chill–one reason we lean on it for our Euphoria, Rest and Relax Collections.

Scent/Flavor: Earthy, musky, herbaceous and woody

Found In: Mangoes

Reported Effects: Ready for some quality Zzz’s? Known for its naturally sedative and pain-relieving qualities, myrcene is a critical player in the cannabis ecosystem–as important in the world of terpenes as THC is in the cannabinoid family. Studies demonstrate the terpene’s powerful pain-relieving effect as well as its ability to act as a sedative. No surprise you’ll find it featured in our Rest Collection!

Scent/Flavor: Warm, woody, and floral

Found In: Orchids

Reported Effects: Studies on this distinctive terpene are ongoing, but when it comes to subjective effects you might think of it as a “best of” from the terpene world. Considered to impart calming and relaxing effects without sedation, the terpene is also associated with a subtle creativity–even inspiring some to be more talkative and sociable. On the therapeutic side, we know that ocimene has demonstrated a strong antiparasitic action, meaning that it may have strong potential for fighting certain difficult infections.

Scent/Flavor: Resinous, piney, turpentine

Found In: Pine trees

Reported Effects: Craving a fresh burst of focus? In addition to being the most common terpene on earth, pinene is associated with memory and alertness, an outcome backed up by clinical studies. A major component of tea tree oil, pine trees, and other strongly scented plants and extracts, pinene may also boast some anti-depressant qualities, which is why it’s found in our Clarity and Relax Collections.

Scent/Flavor: Floral, citrusy, piney and sweet

Found In: Apples

Reported Effects: Seeing as it’s typically found in sativa and sativa-leaning strains of cannabis, no surprise that terpinolene is associated with a gentle uplift. But it’s definitely not a one-trick pony. Studies suggest that terpinolene also imparts a gently sedative calm, making it a great all-natural response to stress and anxiety. What’s more, studies indicate the terpene may also reduce pain by acting upon the central nervous system (CNS).