Terpinene — the terpene in detail
Terpinene is one of the most discussed cannabis terpenes. It smells citrus-herbal, slightly bitter, is also found in tea tree oil, nutmeg and cardamom and contributes to the entourage effect.
Terpinene is a terpene with citrus-herbal, slightly bitter aroma and antioxidant, antifungal effect. Boiling point: 174 °C — do not vape too hot. Prominent in strains like Cheese-Familie, Super Silver Haze, Chernobyl.
What is Terpinene?
Terpinene belongs to the terpene family — volatile aromatic compounds found in countless plants and responsible for most of cannabis's aroma. Terpinene content varies widely across strains, from trace levels to over 1 % of dry weight.
Outside cannabis, Terpinene is also found in tea tree oil, nutmeg and cardamom — which is why the aroma often feels familiar.
Effects & entourage
Terpenes alone don't cause a high. Combined with cannabinoids like THC or CBD they modulate the felt effect — the entourage effect. Terpinene is linked to a antioxidant, antifungal effect.
Important: most data come from animal or in-vitro studies. Human clinical trials on single terpenes remain rare.
Which strains contain it?
Strains often high in Terpinene include: Cheese-Familie, Super Silver Haze, Chernobyl. A current lab certificate for the batch is always the best proof — terpene profiles vary between harvests.
FAQ
What's the boiling point of Terpinene?
174 °C. Don't vape too hot or the terpene evaporates before you taste it.
Is Terpinene psychoactive?
No. Terpenes alone don't cause a high, but they modulate the effects of THC and CBD.
Where else is Terpinene found?
For example in tea tree oil, nutmeg and cardamom.
Terpinene: effects, aroma & in which cannabis strains? (2026)