Most Commonly Used CBD Terpenes

CBD terpenes are common inclusions in hemp CBD formulas. Terpenes are present in thousands of plants, shrubs, herbs, spices and flowers. These naturally-sourced elements add flavor and aroma to CBD formulas. Terpenes also have accepted and recognized therapeutic benefits.

The Most Used CBD Terpenes

CBD terpenes serve multliple purposes in CBD formulas. These are the most commonly used. We've included their properties and what plants in nature they are found in naturally.

Alpha Pinene

Alpha pinene is a commonly used terpene in CBD oil formulas. Terpenes aid hemp and cannabis plants by providing flavor and aroma. They also have known benefits. Alpha pinene is generally recognized as safe by the USDA.

Some of the properties of this versatile terpene include:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibiotic
• Analgesic
• Anti-proliferative
• Gastroprotective
• Antidepressant
• Antioxidant
• Bronchodilator
• Antimicrobial
• Antimicrobial

The most dominant aroma that comes from this terpene is pine, which is due to it being present in pine trees.

You can find alpha pinene naturally in:

• Pine trees
• Juniper berries
• Pine needles
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary

If you’ve eaten food items that include juniper berries or rosemary, you’ve consumed a little bit of this terpene and likely had no idea.

Beta Caryophyllene

In 2008, beta caryophyllene was identified as a dietary cannabinoid by researchers. It’s a versatile terpene that is often used to support better responses to mental health illnesses. This terpene is capable of binding to CB2 receptors in the body.

Beta caryophyllene is found naturally in:

• Cloves
• Oregano
• Basil
• Hops
• Cinnamon
• Black pepper
• Lavender

Black pepper is one of the most used spices in the world, so when you’ve used it or it’s been an ingredient in a dish – you’ve consume a little bit of this terpene. Lavender is a common inclusion in calming soaks, bubble baths and aromatherapy preparations.

Some of the properties of this terpene are:

• Anxiolytic
• Antidepressant
• Local anesthetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-arthritis
• Analgesic
• Neuroprotective
• Antioxidant
• Anti-cancer
• Antibiotic
• Anti-proliferative
• Gastroprotective

From this list, you can see that this is a helpful terpene. It is another popular terpene used in CBD oil formulas for its properties and versatility.

Humulene – A Valuable, Often Ignored Terpene

As we continue to feature some of the more popular terpenes used in CBD, it’s time to give a little attention to humulene. This terpene is often ignored but has a myriad of properties and known benefits that may help support healthier responses to common symptoms.

Humulene’s properties include:

• Anti-tumor
• Antifungal
• Anticoagulant
• Pharmacokinetic
• Anticonvulsant
• Anti-eczematic
• Anti-proliferative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Analgesic

It is used in some CBD and liquid cannabis oil formulas. It’s also found in something that many have indulged in since the teenage years – hops, which are in beer.

You can find humulene in:

• Sage
• Basil
• Clove
• Spearmint
• Black pepper
• Ginseng
• Coriander

If you use black pepper frequently, you’re getting a little humulene and beta-caryophyllene just by adding a little spice to your food.

Linalool

Have you heard about linalool? It’s one of the most well-known terpenes. This terpene alone is present in more than 200 different plants. Its aroma is rather floral and is often included in essential oil blends.

Linalool is naturally found in:

• Lavender
• Coriander
• Mint
• Jasmine
• Citrus fruit (mainly in the peels)
• Cinnamon
• Bergamot

It’s said that cannabis users take in about 2 grams of this terpene a year.

Some of the properties include:

• Analgesic
• Antifungal
• Mood stabilization
• Anxiolytic
• Anti-epileptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Sedative

It’s common to see linalool included in products intended to support a good night’s sleep and pain. If a product has lavender in it, it likely contains this terpene too.

Limonene

Limonene is one of the most versatile terpenes. It’s used in drinks, gum, food, cleaners, ointments, creams and other medications. Don’t be alarmed about it being in cleaners – it’s not toxic. It’s a terpene that may support the death of cancer cells, according to WebMD.

Some of its other properties include:

• Anxiolytic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-allergy agent
• Immunostimulant
• Anti-inflammatory

Another benefit of this terpene is its ability to help your skin absorb other terpenes. This is why it is often included in topical medications, slaves and rubs.

Where can you find this terpene naturally?

• Citrus fruits (pulp and peels) including oranges, mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines and grapefruit
• Celery
• Fennel
• Dill
• Caraway
• Some turpentine blends

This terpene is used in multiple industries, not just the cannabis and hemp industry. It’s a great flavor booster for cannabis oil and CBD oil preparations – and may help boost the flavor of CBD tinctures that include orange or lemon oils as flavoring options.

Myrcene

Did you know that myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis plants? It’s also the most used terpene in CBD formulas. It’s the terpene with the earthy, musky smell and taste. It’s also a little spicy and bitter. It’s a very flavor complex terpene.

What is myrcene good for?

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antiseptic
• Sedative
• Antipsychotic
• Antispasmodic
• Antibiotic

This monoterpene helps other terpenes form. It’s said that about half of the terpene content of some cannabis strains is myrcene. But, in CBD oil formulations, it’s not typically sourced from cannabis.

Myrcene is found in:

• Mangoes
• Hops
• Basil
• Parsley
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass

If you see lemongrass or eucalyptus included in a CBD topical, chances are – you’re going to get a little of this terpene too. Mangoes are a popular fruit and parsley is one of the most commonly used herbs, so consuming a bit of this terpene is fairly easy to do.

Nerolidol

Nerolidol is used in a variety of products from ingestible items to outdoor applications. If you’ve ever used a citronella candle or spray, it has a little nerolidol in it. This rarely-discussed terpene has a lot of value. There isn’t much research available on nerolidol, but its efficacy is known for topical and aromatic applications.

Nerolidol can be found in:

• Neroli
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Citronella
• Lemongrass
• Tea tree
• Jasmine

There are some health and beauty products that use neroli in them, which means that you’re getting a little bit of this terpene topically.

Properties of nerolidol include:

• Transdermal enhancer
• Skin penetrant
• Antimalarial
• Sedative
• Anti-parasitic
• Antifungal
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-ulcer
• Lung capillary dilator
• Leishmaniosis inhibitor

Nerolidol may be an ingredient in some antimicrobial cleansers, natural sleep remedies and some other topical ointment applications. Its inclusion in lavender leaves one to believe that it may support relaxation and calm to prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Closing Thoughts

These are the most common CBD terpenes used in the CBD industry. As more terpenes are explored for their potential in both aiding in flavor and aroma, formulations could soon include additional terpenes. It is ideal to seek out CBD products that have CBD terpenes that are either added in or come from natural flavorings (such as peppermint, orange, lemon and other flavors) used in the formulas.