When people think of medical cannabis, they often focus on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. But there’s another important part of the plant that’s gaining attention in the medical community: terpenes.

These natural compounds don’t just give cannabis its distinct aroma — they may also play a significant role in how the plant affects your body. Understanding terpenes can help patients choose the right strain or product to better support their health goals.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring molecules found in many plants, fruits, and herbs — not just cannabis. They’re responsible for the scent of lavender, the citrusy aroma of lemon, or the spicy kick of black pepper. In cannabis, these aromatic compounds are produced in the same glands (trichomes) that make cannabinoids.

There are over 100 known terpenes in cannabis, and each has potential therapeutic properties that may support different medical conditions — especially when working in synergy with cannabinoids.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a term used to describe how terpenes and cannabinoids may work better together than in isolation. For example, while THC may help with pain, a terpene like myrcene could enhance its calming, muscle-relaxing properties. Meanwhile, limonene may add mood-lifting benefits to a CBD-rich product used for anxiety or depression.

This is why many patients find whole-plant or full-spectrum cannabis products more effective than those made with isolated compounds.

Key Terpenes and Their Potential Medical Benefits

Here are a few of the most researched cannabis terpenes and how they may support medical conditions:

• Myrcene
  Scent: Earthy, herbal (also found in mangoes, bay leaves and hops)
  Potential benefits: Sedative, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory
  Possible use: Chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms
• Limonene
  Scent: Citrus (found in citrus fruits, mint or pine)
  Potential benefits: Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
  Possible use: Anxiety,  arthritis, gastrointestinal issues
• Linalool
  Scent: Floral, like lavender (found in lavender, rose and cinnamon)
  Potential benefits: Anti-anxiety, analgesic
  Possible use: Anxiety disorders, insomnia, neuropathic pain
• Pinene
  Scent: Pine, fresh herbs (found in rosemary and basil)
  Potential benefits: Bronchodilator, memory support, anti-inflammatory
  Possible use: Asthma, inflammation, mental fog
• Caryophyllene
  Scent: Spicy, peppery (found in black pepper and cloves)
  Potential benefits: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, stress reduction
  Unique fact: The only terpene known to directly interact with the body’s CB2 receptors
  Possible use: Arthritis, chronic pain, stress-related disorders

Why Patients Should Pay Attention to Terpenes

For medical cannabis users, the THC or CBD percentage is only part of the picture. Terpenes offer another layer of customization — helping tailor cannabis treatment plans to better target symptoms and conditions.

How to Find the Right Terpenes for You

Many medical cannabis products now include terpene profiles on their labels or lab reports. The scent of the flower can also be a clue — your nose may instinctively guide you toward what feels “right.”

Keep in mind:

• Everyone’s body is different.
• Start with low doses and observe how specific terpene-rich strains affect your symptoms.
• Talk with a healthcare provider familiar with cannabis medicine before making major changes to your treatment plan.

Conclusion: Terpenes Are a Key Part of Medical Cannabis

Terpenes may be best known for giving cannabis its smell, but they offer so much more. These powerful plant compounds can work alongside cannabinoids to enhance medical effects and support symptom relief in a more personalized way.

As the science continues to grow, patients and healthcare providers alike are discovering that terpenes aren’t just a detail — they’re a valuable part of the healing potential of cannabis.

Need help understanding terpene profiles in your medicine?

Ask your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or cannabis prescriber for strain-specific guidance. Knowledge is power — and with terpenes, you may be closer to the relief you’re seeking.