Terpene Glossary

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found across the plant kingdom, including hemp. They influence a product’s scent and flavor profile and may be present in THC-free CBD products through naturally retained hemp terpenes or added botanical terpenes derived from other plants. This page provides straightforward terpene definitions and an easy-to-scan terpenes list.

This glossary focuses on neutral facts: typical aromas, common plant sources, and where you might see each terpene mentioned on labels or Certificates of Analysis (COAs). We avoid medical or therapeutic claims; research is ongoing and individual responses can vary.

For broader terminology or topics beyond terpenes, please see our Glossary & Learning Center. For lab-report terminology, see the COA Glossary. For cannabinoid-specific entries, visit the Cannabinoid Glossary. For terminology related to THC and testing, see the THC & Testing Glossary.

How to use this glossary

Labels and COAs: Terpenes may be listed on product labels (e.g., “terpene blend”) and in COAs as a percentage by weight (%) or in mg/g or mg/mL.
Testing notes: COAs may show “ND” (non-detect) for some terpenes or analytes. ND generally means levels are below the lab’s LOQ (limit of quantitation) or LOD (limit of detection). See our COA Glossary for definitions.
THC-free context: Standard workplace drug tests target THC metabolites, not terpenes. For THC-free products, THC analytes should read ND at a clearly stated LOQ. Terpenes can be present even when THC is ND.
Interpretation: Aroma descriptors are general. The presence or dominance of a terpene does not imply a specific effect, benefit, or risk.

Key terms and testing notes

Terpene: A large class of plant-derived aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes) that shape scent and flavor.
Terpenoid: Oxygenated or otherwise modified derivatives of terpenes (e.g., linalool is a terpenoid alcohol).
Monoterpene (C10) and sesquiterpene (C15): Subclasses indicating carbon skeleton size; both are common in hemp and other botanicals.
Isomers: Molecules with the same formula but different structures (e.g., alpha- vs. beta-pinene), often with distinct aromas.
Dominant terpene: The most abundant terpene in a product or plant profile; not a guarantee of scent or outcome.
Testing methods: Labs often use GC-FID or GC-MS for terpene profiling. Results depend on sample prep and method parameters.
Hypotheses: Concepts like the “entourage effect” are areas of active study and are not definitive outcomes.

For lab-report terminology and quantitation concepts, see the COA Glossary and THC & Testing Glossary. For cannabinoid-specific definitions, consult the Cannabinoid Glossary. For a broader overview, visit the Glossary & Learning Center.

Terpenes A–Z

Alpha-pinene (α-pinene)

Aroma: Pine, resinous, fresh.
Common sources: Pine needles, rosemary, basil.
Notes: Often reported alongside β-pinene in coniferous profiles.

Beta-pinene (β-pinene)

Aroma: Woody, piney, slightly herbal.
Common sources: Pine, hops, dill.
Notes: Structural isomer of α-pinene with related scent character.

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP)

Aroma: Peppery, woody, spicy.
Common sources: Black pepper, cloves, basil, hops.
Notes: A bicyclic sesquiterpene commonly found in hemp extracts.

Humulene (α-caryophyllene)

Aroma: Earthy, woody, herbal.
Common sources: Hops, sage, ginseng.
Notes: Related to caryophyllene; notable in hop-forward aromas.

Limonene

Aroma: Citrus (lemon, orange), bright.
Common sources: Citrus peels, juniper.
Notes: Prominent in many botanical terpene blends.

Linalool

Aroma: Floral, lavender-like, soft.
Common sources: Lavender, basil, coriander.
Notes: A terpenoid alcohol often associated with floral blends.

Myrcene (β-myrcene)

Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal.
Common sources: Hops, lemongrass, bay.
Notes: Frequently abundant in hemp; aroma can skew earthy.

Terpinolene

Aroma: Herbal, piney, with citrus hints.
Common sources: Tea tree, apples, cumin.
Notes: Often present in sativa-leaning aromatic profiles.

Ocimene (β-ocimene)

Aroma: Sweet, herbal, citrusy.
Common sources: Mint, basil, orchids.
Notes: Can impart a sweet-green top note.

Geraniol

Aroma: Rose-like, sweet floral.
Common sources: Geranium, rose, lemongrass.
Notes: Terpenoid alcohol frequently used in perfumery.

Borneol

Aroma: Camphoraceous, herbal, minty.
Common sources: Artemisia, rosemary, camphor.
Notes: Can add a cooling, medicinal-herb nuance.

Valencene

Aroma: Sweet citrus, orange peel.
Common sources: Valencia oranges, citrus fruits.
Notes: Popular for brightening citrus-forward blends.

Nerolidol

Aroma: Woody, floral, tea-like.
Common sources: Tea tree, jasmine, neroli.
Notes: A sesquiterpene alcohol; subtle and woody.

Bisabolol (α-bisabolol)

Aroma: Soft floral, sweet, honey-like.
Common sources: Chamomile, candeia tree.
Notes: Common in cosmetic fragrances.

Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole)

Aroma: Minty, camphoraceous, eucalyptus.
Common sources: Eucalyptus leaves, rosemary, bay.
Notes: Provides a cooling aromatic profile.

Farnesene

Aroma: Green apple, woody, floral.
Common sources: Green apple skins, hops, gardenia.
Notes: Often a secondary contributor in fruit-forward profiles.

Alpha-terpineol

Aroma: Lilac-like, floral, slightly citrus.
Common sources: Pine, lilac, tea tree.
Notes: A terpenoid alcohol contributing to floral notes.

Sabinene

Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody.
Common sources: Black pepper, nutmeg, Norway spruce.
Notes: Adds spice and lift to herbal blends.

Camphene

Aroma: Piney, camphoraceous.
Common sources: Fir needles, camphor oil.
Notes: Sharp, resinous top note in coniferous profiles.

Caryophyllene oxide

Aroma: Woody, dry, slightly spicy.
Common sources: Oxidized caryophyllene in cloves and hops.
Notes: An oxidized terpenoid related to BCP.

Phytol

Aroma: Green, grassy, slightly balsamic.
Common sources: Chlorophyll-derived; tea, green plants.
Notes: A diterpenoid alcohol; may appear in trace amounts.

FAQ

Do THC-free CBD products contain terpenes?

They can. “THC-free” refers to THC analytes being non-detect within the lab’s LOQ. Terpenes may still be present to shape aroma and flavor.

Will terpenes cause a positive drug test?

Typical workplace tests target THC metabolites, not terpenes. Still, choose products with up-to-date COAs confirming THC is non-detect.

What does ND mean on a terpene COA?

ND means non-detect at the lab’s stated LOQ/LOD. It does not necessarily mean zero; it means below the method’s reporting capability.

Are botanical terpenes different from cannabis-derived terpenes?

Chemically, the same terpene molecule is identical regardless of source. Differences can arise from purity, ratios, and accompanying compounds.

Do certain terpenes guarantee specific effects?

No. Aromas can be suggestive, but outcomes vary and research is ongoing. Avoid assuming a terpene guarantees a particular effect.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. No statements are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult product COAs and applicable regulations in your region.

Explore THC-free CBD products with clear COAs at https://www.cannagea.com/thc-free.

Summary

This terpene glossary offers neutral, easy definitions and an A–Z list to help you interpret labels and COAs for THC-free CBD products. For broader terminology and testing concepts, refer to our Glossary & Learning Center, COA Glossary, Cannabinoid Glossary, and THC & Testing Glossary.