Until fairly recently, you had three main options for driving your experience with hemp products: sativa, indica, or a hybrid.

As the genetics, or the combination of different strains, began to explode with new crosses, some of the reliability of those labels was lost. As you explore the world of hemp, you may come across the term “terpenes” more often than you expected. Terpenes are a natural part of the cannabis plant, but they’re much more than just the source of the plant's unique smells.

These aromatic compounds are found in many plants, flowers, and fruits, and they play a vital role in both the environment and our everyday lives.

What Are Terpenes?

In simple terms, terpenes are organic compounds that give plants their distinct aromas and flavors. They're produced by the plant as a natural defense mechanism against pests and harsh environmental conditions, while also attracting pollinators. But these compounds are not exclusive to cannabis terpenes are found all around us, in everyday plants like lavender, citrus fruits, pine trees, and even mint leaves.

Terpenes in the Broader Plant World
Take a walk through a garden or a forest, and you'll encounter terpenes in many forms. For instance, the sweet, citrusy scent of an orange peel is due to the terpene limonene. The soothing aroma of lavender? That’s linalool. The refreshing smell of pine trees is often a blend of pinene and terpinolene. These aromatic compounds serve a variety of purposes in the plant kingdom, such as attracting beneficial insects or repelling harmful ones.

Fruits like lemons, oranges, and berries, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme, are rich in terpenes too. Ever wonder why your cup of mint tea smells so refreshing? That’s thanks to menthol, a well known terpene. In fact, terpenes play such an important role in the way we experience the world around us that they’ve been incorporated into industries like food, beauty, and wellness for centuries.

A Historical Look at Terpenes in Other Industries



Terpenes have been used in the food, fragrance, and beauty industries for thousands of years. In ancient cultures, people extracted essential oils from plants to use for medicinal, cosmetic, and ritualistic purposes. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to distill oils from plants like lavender, frankincense, and myrrh.

In the food industry, terpenes are often used as natural flavoring agents. The distinct “pine” flavor you might find in a bottle of gin comes from pinene, while the flavor of many citrus based products comes from limonene. Terpenes are even used in candy, beverages, and cleaning products because of their powerful scents and flavors.

In the beauty world, many terpenes have been utilized in skincare products for their natural, aromatic properties. For example, linalool is commonly found in soaps, lotions, and shampoos for its calming, floral scent, while terpinene is known for its antioxidant properties and is often included in skincare lines.

Terpene Research in Hemp and CBD
When it comes to CBD, terpenes are just as important as cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Historically, hemp was grown for its fiber and seeds, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that scientists began to understand the full range of compounds in hemp, including terpenes. Today, we know that terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids in a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect." This means that the various compounds found in hemp, including terpenes, work together to enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of CBD, making the experience more potent and balanced.

Recent research has shown that specific terpenes may have unique therapeutic effects, such as promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, or helping with sleep. As interest in CBD and hemp grows, so does our understanding of how terpenes contribute to the plant's health benefits.

The Top 8 Terpenes Found in CBD and Their Benefits
Here’s a rundown of eight of the most prevalent terpenes found in CBD products, including their scents, flavors, and potential therapeutic effects. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting our family-owned storefront in Kenosha, WI, knowing the role of each of these terpenes can help you choose the right CBD products for your needs.

Limonene – Citrusy, Sweet, Zesty
Often found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, limonene is known for its uplifting and energizing effects. It may also have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which make it a popular choice in cleaning products. When paired with CBD, it can help with stress relief and may even enhance mood.

Myrcene – Earthy, Musky, Herbal
Found in hops, mangoes, and lemongrass, myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It is known for its sedative effects and is often used to promote relaxation and sleep. Its earthy, musky scent can also be calming.

Linalool – Lavender, Floral, Sweet
Common in lavender, linalool is best known for its calming, stress-reducing effects. It’s often used in aromatherapy for anxiety and insomnia. In CBD, it may enhance relaxation and improve mood, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind after a long day.

Pinene – Pine, Fresh, Woodsy
As the name suggests, pinene is the terpene responsible for the fresh, pine-like scent of evergreen trees. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties, which can help with breathing and respiratory function. It may also promote alertness and focus.

Caryophyllene – Spicy, Peppery, Woody
Found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, caryophyllene is the only terpene known to interact with the body’s CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This makes it unique among terpenes. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help with pain relief and stress.

Terpinolene – Floral, Herbal, Sweet
Terpinolene is often found in lilacs, cumin, and apples. Known for its sweet and floral scent, it has been researched for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This terpene is also thought to have mild sedative effects, promoting relaxation.

Humulene – Earthy, Woody, Herbal
Commonly found in hops and coriander, humulene has a distinct earthy, woody scent. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressant properties. In CBD, it may work well for those seeking relief from chronic pain or inflammation.

Ocimene – Citrus, Earthy, Sweet
Ocimene is a lesser known but highly effective terpene found in plants like mint, parsley, and orchids. Known for its insect repellent, antiviral, and antifungal properties, ocimene is often included in skincare products and natural pest control. In CBD, it can contribute to an uplifting effect on your mood as well as a calm in the body thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties observed.

Lumi offers terpene charts on each gummy flavor to help you find the best fit for you. 

Discover Terpene-Infused Products at Our Storefront or Online

At our organic, family-owned CBD farm in Kenosha, WI, we pride ourselves on offering high quality, terpene rich CBD products that are crafted with care and sustainability in mind. Whether you’re looking for tinctures, topicals, or edibles, we carry products that are packed with a spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes for a balanced, effective experience.

We invite you to explore our selection online, or better yet, stop by our storefront in Kenosha to talk with us in person about the perfect CBD product for your needs. We keep additional terpene information on our current THCa flower strains and can help steer you toward the effects you’re seeking. We're here to guide you through the world of natural wellness and help you find safe, effective solutions that align with your lifestyle.

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