Until recently, the highest priority in cannabis for growers and consumers were THC and CBD levels, but with the industry going mainstream, terpenes found in cannabis have become a hot topic.

Terpenes are the aromatic organic hydrocarbons, or essential oils, found in a plant and even in some insects. They were developed to ward off unwanted predators that might eat them and also to attract pollinators such as bees.

Though terpenes are found in most plants, the term is most commonly associated with cannabis since consumers are becoming more aware that terpenes are the reason each strain has its own unique scent.

A 2011 paper by neurologist and researcher, Ethan Russo, described that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to boost the effects of one another in a body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). While THC had long been considered the most important chemical in cannabis, Russo and his team have found that different terpenes can increase or decrease the effects of THC.

Unfortunately for now, there still is not enough research to show how specific terpenes act in combination with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, but potential effects have been widely noted.

Here are ten of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and how they can be used to effectively treat a variety of symptoms:

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis and is known for its sedative effects. Some researchers believe that the concentration of myrcene found in a plant dictates whether a strain will have more sedative indica effect or an energetic sativa effect.

2. Limonene

Limonene is commonly found in citrus, giving them their distinct scent. It is a high energetic terpene and is known for its anti-depressant qualities.

3. Terpinolene

Terpinolene is known for its woody or smokey aroma, and for being slightly sedative. It’s also supposed to have antioxidant, anti-cancer and antibacterial qualities.

4. Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-Caryophyllene also has a woody, more peppery scent and is known to be a strong anti-inflammatory with gastro-protective agents.

5. Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-Pinene is also commonly found in pine needles, giving them its distinct coniferous scent. It is a very energetic and therapeutic terpene that can be used for a variety of reasons.

6. Humulene

Humulene is the terpene that gives so many craft beers their hoppy flavor and is known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics. It can also be used as a hunger-suppressant.

7. Linalool

Linalool has a scent characteristic to lavender but is found in over 200 types of plant. It is known for its sedative and anti-epileptic properties.

8. Delta-3-Carene

Delta-3-Carene is found in basic, bell pepper, cedar, pine and rosemary among several others. It can be used to treat inflammation and excess bodily fluids such as a runny nose. It can also be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and can repair bones.

9. Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol got its name from the eucalyptus plant but it found in many other plants, including cannabis. Eucalyptol can be used to treat pain and depression, and is especially beneficial to people with arthritis pain. It’s also known to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

10. Terpineol

Terpineol has a distinctly lilac-esque odor with a lime flavour and is commonly used in perfumes. It contains antifungal agents but is also widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties.