CITRUS
Limonene – The Citrus Circuit Booster
What is it?
Limonene is a dominant monoterpene found in citrus peels. It gives strains their zesty, lemon-lime aroma and has powerful effects on mood, inflammation, and immunity.
Science-Backed Effects:
- Elevates mood
→ Increases serotonin and dopamine levels in key brain regions
- Reduces stress and anxiety
→ Activates adenosine A2A receptors (linked to anti-anxiety effects)
- Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant
→ Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Supports immune function
→ Enhances white blood cell activity in some studies
- Enhances absorption of other terpenes
→ Makes it a great synergistic “carrier” terpene
ECS (Endocannabinoid System) Targets:
- Adenosine A2A – linked to anti-anxiety & anti-inflammatory effects
- TRPV1 (Vanilloid Receptors) – involved in pain signaling and mood regulation
- Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors – helps regulate anxiety and depression
Helpful For:
- Stress & anxiety
- Depression or low mood
- Digestive issues (like reflux)
- Mild inflammation
- Lack of motivation/focus
Common Chemovars (Strains) with High Limonene:
- Super Lemon Haze
- Jack Herer
- Do-Si-Dos
- Banana OG
- Wedding Cake
- MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies)
Key Takeaway:
Limonene doesn’t just smell good—it stimulates the endocannabinoid system, enhances brain chemistry, and supports nervous system balance. If your body craves citrus, it may be calling for more lift, clarity, or emotional ease.
FLORAL
Linalool – The Floral Nervous System Soother
What is it?
Linalool is a calming monoterpene alcohol found in lavender, basil, and some cannabis strains. It delivers a soft, floral, slightly spicy aroma and is known for its powerful anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative effects.
Science-Backed Effects:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
→ Modulates GABA-A receptors (same system targeted by benzodiazepines)
- Improves sleep quality
→ Has mild sedative effects via glutamate suppression
- Supports trauma recovery & emotional regulation
→ Reduces overactive limbic system responses
- Anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective
→ Lowers oxidative stress and calms nervous system inflammation
- Lowers heart rate & promotes parasympathetic state
→ Supports vagus nerve activation and relaxation
ECS & Neurological Targets:
- GABA-A Receptors – promote calm, reduce excitability
- 5-HT (Serotonin) Receptors – emotional balance, mood regulation
- NMDA Receptors – involved in memory, trauma response, and nervous system overactivation
Helpful For:
- Anxiety and panic
- Sleep troubles / insomnia
- PTSD and trauma symptoms
- Emotional overwhelm
- Chronic stress
- Sensory sensitivity
Common Chemovars (Strains) with High Linalool:
- Lavender Kush
- Amnesia Haze
- Zkittlez
- Do-Si-Dos
- LA Confidential
- Kosher Kush
Key Takeaway:
Linalool helps you unclench emotionally and physically. It’s the scent of nervous system surrender. If your body craves florals or soft lavender notes, you might be seeking emotional safety, rest, or recovery.
SPICY
Beta-Caryophyllene – The Spicy, Rooted Regulator
What is it?
Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a spicy sesquiterpene found in black pepper, cloves, hops, and cannabis. It has a warm, earthy aroma and is the only known terpene that directly activates CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system—giving it cannabinoid-like effects without THC.
Science-Backed Effects:
- Reduces inflammation and pain
→ Directly binds to CB2 receptors, modulating immune response
- Supports stress resilience
→ Lowers cortisol and modulates inflammatory stress markers
- Promotes immune balance
→ Shown to help regulate autoimmune and inflammatory processes
- Neuroprotective and gut supportive
→ May reduce gut permeability and support brain-gut connection
- May help reduce addiction-related behaviors
→ Modulates dopamine pathways involved in craving
ECS & Neurological Targets:
- CB2 Receptors – reduce inflammation, support immune regulation
- PPAR Pathways – involved in metabolism and mood
- TRPV1 Channels – modulate pain and body temperature
Helpful For:
- Inflammation (chronic or acute)
- Pain management (nerve, joint, muscle)
- Anxiety rooted in physical discomfort
- Digestive issues / leaky gut
- Recovery from cannabis overuse or tolerance reset
Common Chemovars (Strains) with High Caryophyllene:
- GSC (Girl Scout Cookies)
- Bubba Kush
- Chemdawg
- Purple Punch
- Gelato
- Sour Diesel
Key Takeaway:
Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene with cannabinoid credentials. If you're drawn to warm, peppery, grounding scents, your body may be asking for regulation, relief, or deep immune support. This terpene helps bridge the gap between scent and full-body restoration.
HERBACIOUS
Ocimene – The Bright, Buzzy Breath Opener
What is it?
Ocimene is a sweet, herbaceous monoterpene found in mint, parsley, orchids, and cannabis. Known for its fresh, green, and slightly woody scent, Ocimene is energizing and often associated with mental clarity, airflow, and immune defense.
Science-Backed Effects:
- Boosts alertness and cognitive performance
→ Stimulates the central nervous system for mental clarity
- Antiviral & antimicrobial properties
→ Shown to inhibit viral replication in early studies
- Supports respiratory function
→ May act as a bronchodilator, helping open airways
- Balances high-energy states (overwhelm, agitation)
→ Subtly calms while increasing focus—like a plant-based reset
- May regulate blood sugar and inflammation
→ Early evidence suggests metabolic benefits
ECS & Neurological Targets:
- TRPV3 Receptors – regulate skin, respiratory, and cognitive sensation
- Norepinephrine & Dopamine Pathways – promote mental clarity & energy
- Possible interaction with CB pathways (not direct, but modulatory)
Helpful For:
- Brain fog or mental fatigue
- Respiratory support (pollen, seasonal stuffiness)
- Focus and productivity
- Low energy or sluggish mornings
- Balancing too much THC stimulation
Common Chemovars (Strains) with High Ocimene:
- Green Crack
- Strawberry Cough
- Golden Goat
- Space Queen
- Dream Queen
Key Takeaway:
Ocimene is the mind-freshening, breath-opening terpene. If you’re pulled toward airy, minty, or green aromas, your body may be signaling the need for clarity, airflow, or cognitive reset. Great for those who want to feel uplifted and clear without being overstimulated.
