How to Identify Terpenes in Products When No Lab Report Is Provided

You may have noticed that different types of cannabis can have their own distinct scents. Have you ever wondered why? The unique scent that different types of cannabis flower provide comes from their terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are highly aromatic compounds naturally produced in plants and herbs like jasmine, rosemary, lavender, and cannabis. In nature, terpenes help to protect plants from animal grazing and infectious germs. They also help to attract pollinators. Researchers are studying terpenes in the lab, but most of that work is early.

Now that we’ve covered what terpenes are, let’s talk about how you can identify different types of terpenes in products when no lab report is provided.

How to Identify Terpenes

Although many cannabis companies are now testing their products for terpenes and listing that information on their product labels, some are not.

So, how can you identify terpenes if that information is not provided on the product labels?

• Depending on the type of product, you may be able to determine the terpenes in your cannabis by using your sense of smell
• Every strain of cannabis has a unique scent that is created by that strain’s unique combination of terpenes
• Many dispensaries will allow you to look at and smell the cannabis flower before you purchase it. By doing so, the scent can help you determine the terpenes that might be in that strain, as well as the effects you can expect

As a general rule of thumb, if cannabis has:

• A fresh, minty, or citrus-like scent, people often describe it as more uplifting
• An earthy or musky scent, people often describe it as more relaxing

Learn more about matching terpenes to effects.

Besides that, the scent of cannabis flower can also be very helpful in determining if its effects will agree with your body and endocannabinoid system.

For example, if the scent of a strain doesn’t smell appealing to you, that could be a sign that it may not work well with your system and you may not enjoy the experience. But, if the scent of a strain smells good, that could be a sign that it will go well with your system.

Your Guide to the Sweet Smell of Terpenes

To help you out, we thought we would present a list of some terpenes along with the scents they are known for, where else they’re found, and the cannabis strains they show up in. We’ve also noted what lab researchers are looking at; keep in mind that lab findings aren’t the same as proven effects in people.

Isopulegol

Known for its minty, menthol-like smell, the terpene isopulegol is found in the essential oils of lemongrass, lemon balm, geranium, and eucalyptus.

What lab research is looking at: anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant activity in animal studies.

Cannabis Strains Containing Isopulegol Include:

• Kosher Tangie
• Headband
• OG Kush

Nerolidol

Nerolidol is known for its floral aroma with notes of citrus, apple, and rose, and is found in aromatic plants like jasmine, lemongrass, and cannabis.

What lab research is looking at: antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Strains with nerolidol are often described as relaxing.

Cannabis Strains Containing Nerolidol Include:

• Gelato
• Skywalker OG
• Island Sweet Skunk
• Jack Herer

Bisabolol:

Bisabolol is a terpene that gives off a warm, flower-like aroma. It is said that this terpene smells like chamomile tea. Due to its pleasant scent, it is often used in herbal teas, cosmetics, and skin care products. Bisabolol is naturally found in German chamomile.

Scent: smells like chamomile tea.

What lab research is looking at: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, which is part of why it’s popular in skin care.

Cannabis Strains Containing Bisabolol:

• Headband
• Mandarin Dream
• ACDC
• OG Kush

Ocimene:

Ocimene is a terpene that gives off a sweet, earthy, citrus aroma with woody undertones. It is commonly found in: mint, parsley, basil, mango fruit, and orchid flowers. Due to its earthy and citrus-like aroma, ocimene is often used in perfumes, antiperspirants, soap, and shampoo. Strains of cannabis that contain the terpene Ocimene have been known to offer uplifting effects.

Scent: Sweet, fruity, citrus aroma.

What lab research is looking at: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity.

Cannabis Strains Containing Ocimene:

• Clementine
• Dream Queen
• Golden Pineapple
• Dutch Treat

Geraniol:

Geraniol is a terpene known for its sweet aroma that includes subtle notes of rose and citrus. It is commonly found in: geranium plant, rose oil, citronella, lemon grass, and lavender. Its rose-like scent has led to its use in lotions, perfumes, soap, and detergent. Geraniol is also one of the main ingredients in citronella which is often used as a mosquito repellent. Strains with geraniol are often described as relaxing.

Scent: Sweet rose scent with notes of citrus.

What lab research is looking at: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Cannabis Strains Containing Geraniol Include:

• Harlequin
• Agent Orange
• Tahoe OG
• Black Cherry Soda

Guaiol:

Guaiol is a terpene known for its fresh, woody, and pine-like aroma, with notes of rose. It is found naturally in Cypress pine as well as in the guaiacum plant which is found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Guaiol is found in nutmeg, tea tree, cumin, ginger, and apples. The guaiacum tree also has a long history in traditional medicine, going back to the late 1400s.3

Scent: Fresh, woody and pine-like aroma.

What lab research is looking at: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Cannabis Strains containing the terpene Guaiol include:

• Blue Kush
• ACDC
• Golden Pineapple
• Chernobyl

These are just a few examples of the different terpenes that occur naturally in cannabis. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.

Ready to Enjoy A More Complete Cannabis Experience?

The idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together is known as The Entourage Effect, and it’s one reason many people pay attention to a strain’s full terpene profile, not just its THC.

Stop by a Bloom dispensary in Ohio or Maryland, and our budtenders can help you find strains and products with the terpene profile you’re looking for.

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28179305/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27683099/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5555855/