What are the best terpenes for anxiety? Strains high in calming terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and limonene are typically the most effective at easing anxiety. Each cannabis strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, which influences its effects on anxiety and relaxation.
If anxiety is your main concern, look for strains with high CBD and low to moderate THC. The entourage effect describes how cannabinoids and terpenes, along with other compounds, work together to enhance therapeutic benefits, making the selection of the right cannabis strain important for targeted relief.
High-THC strains can sometimes worsen anxiety in sensitive individuals. The plant's terpenes play a key role in shaping the aroma, flavor, and therapeutic properties of certain strains, contributing to their distinct effects.
Introduction to Terpenes
Terpenes are a diverse group of organic compounds that are naturally produced by plants, including the cannabis sativa plant. These compounds are responsible for the distinctive aromas, flavors, and even colors found in many plant species.
In the cannabis plant, terpenes do much more than just provide a pleasant scent—they play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience and effects of different cannabis strains.
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals.
Terpenes function by binding to receptors in the brain, similar to cannabinoids.
Beyond cannabis, terpenes are also a major component of essential oils, which are widely used in aromatherapy to help manage anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder.
The unique combination of terpenes in each cannabis sativa plant can influence how it interacts with the human body, potentially offering relief for those struggling with anxiety disorders.
As research into cannabis and its organic compounds continues, scientists are discovering how these natural products can be harnessed to support mental wellness and relaxation.
High-quality human studies are needed to understand the full health impacts of different terpene profiles.
Terpenes are suggested to help combat microbes and pathogens in a manner similar to their function in the plant.
Linalool in Essential Oils
Linalool is found in over 200 plants. It contributes to the floral, spicy, or citrusy aroma of cannabis.
It has many healing properties. Studies suggest linalool may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a potential natural option for mood support.
Linalool is often used in antidepressants and is known for its calming effects.
Potential benefits:
- Anti-anxiety
- Sedative and calming effects
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic (pain relief)
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant properties
Common uses:
- Aromatherapy (for relaxation and sleep)
- Topical products (as a skin-soothing agent)
- Flavoring (in trace amounts, e.g., in some foods or teas)
Strains high in Linalool:
- Amnesia Haze
- Lavender
- LA Confidential
- Do-Si-Dos
Myrcene
Myrcene stands out as one of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis strains, especially those classified as indica strains. Recognized for its musky, earthy aroma, myrcene is a major component of the cannabis plant’s terpene profile and is closely associated with the relaxing effect that many users seek in medical cannabis.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable for pain management, while its anticancer properties are being explored in medicinal chemistry for potential new treatments.
In addition to its calming and sedative qualities, myrcene has shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress, making it a key player in treating anxiety disorders. It may also help with digestive disorders, further broadening its therapeutic appeal.
Myrcene is not exclusive to cannabis; it is also found in other plants such as mangoes and hops, and is a focus of further research for its potential health benefits.
When combined with other terpenes and cannabinoids, myrcene can enhance the overall effects of cannabis, demonstrating the importance of terpene concentration and synergy in both recreational and medical cannabis products.
Mrycene in the Cannabis Plant
Myrcene (also known as β-myrcene) is one of the most common and abundant terpenes found in cannabis. Like many terpenes, myrcene is classified as a secondary metabolite produced by the cannabis plant. It’s known for its earthy, musky, and herbal aroma, similar to cloves, with hints of mango and hops. Terpenes are built from isoprene units, each containing five carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.
Myrcene is thought to contribute to the “couch-lock” effect of certain indica strains, due to its sedative properties. It also enhances the effects of other cannabinoids by increasing their absorption. Many terpenes contribute to the unique effects and aromas of different cannabis strains.
Potential benefits:
- Sedative / Relaxing (may help with insomnia)
- Muscle relaxant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic (pain relief)
- Antioxidant
Strains high in Myrcene:
- Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Mango Kush
- Northern Lights
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene (specifically β-caryophyllene) is a spicy, peppery terpene found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil, and cannabis.
It has a distinct aroma of cracked black pepper and is unique among terpenes because it can also act like a cannabinoid, directly interacting with the CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Caryophyllene binds to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB2, which are part of the body's endocannabinoid receptors network distributed throughout the central nervous system and immune system.
Potential benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety
- Antioxidant
- Gut health support
Studies have shown that beta-caryophyllene can induce multiple behavioral changes related to anxiety and depression, highlighting its potential therapeutic effects in mental health.
Strains high in Caryophyllene:
Limonene in Citrus Fruits
Limonene is a citrus scented terpene found in cannabis and many citrus fruits.
It’s known for its uplifting aroma and potential mood-boosting effects, making it a popular terpene in both recreational and therapeutic cannabis strains. Limonene belongs to a broader class of terpenes and terpenoids, some of which are oxygenated derivatives with unique therapeutic properties.
These compounds are studied for their potential to support the immune system and may help reduce anxiety, as well as their synergistic actions with cannabinoids.
Potential Benefits:
- Mood elevation / Anti-anxiety
- Stress relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antifungal and antibacterial
- May support digestion and immune health
- Supports the immune system
- May help reduce anxiety
Strains high in Limonene:
- Super Lemon Haze
- Durban Poison
- Jack Herer
- Wedding Cake
- Berry White
Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-pinene, commonly found in the resin of pine trees, has a fresh pine scent. It’s one of the most common terpenes in nature. It contributes to the aroma of evergreen forests.
Alpha-pinene is known for its alertness-promoting and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been studied for its ability to counteract some of the memory-impairing effects of THC, helping you stay more clear-headed.
Potential Benefits:
- Improved memory and focus
- Bronchodilator (may help open airways—beneficial for asthma)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Pain relief
- Anxiety relief (without sedation)
Strains high in Alpha-pinene:
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- Romulan
- Strawberry Cough
Fun Fact:Spending time in a pine forest (called “forest bathing” in Japan) has been shown to reduce stress, partly due to exposure to natural airborne alpha-pinene.
Additional Insights on Relaxing Terpenes
The Entourage Effect
When exploring terpenes for anxiety relief, it’s important to consider the entourage effect. This concept explains how cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes work together synergistically, often enhancing each other’s benefits.
For example, myrcene and linalool can amplify the calming effects of THC and CBD, while limonene may counteract the paranoia that sometimes comes with higher THC levels. This means the overall chemical profile of a strain—not just a single terpene—plays a big role in how relaxing it feels.
Other Calming Terpenes Worth Noting
In addition to the well-known terpenes often associated with anxiety relief, several others show promising effects:
- Humulene – Earthy and woody, found in hops and sage. Early studies suggest calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nerolidol – A floral, woody terpene present in jasmine and tea tree. Known for its sedative qualities and antifungal properties.
- Phytol – Found in green tea and jasmine. May promote sleep by interacting with the brain’s GABA system.
What Research is Showing
Emerging studies add credibility to these traditional uses:
- Limonene has been shown to reduce anxiety and paranoia in people consuming THC.
- Linalool interacts with the GABA system, helping calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety-related behaviors.
- Beta-Caryophyllene works on CB2 receptors, delivering both anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety benefits.
Terpenes Beyond Cannabis
These calming compounds aren’t limited to cannabis. They are also found in familiar foods, herbs, and plants:
- Linalool: Lavender, basil, mint
- Myrcene: Mangoes, lemongrass, hops
- Caryophyllene: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
- Limonene: Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons
- Alpha-Pinene: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
This means you can benefit from their relaxing effects not just through cannabis, but also by incorporating these foods and herbs into your daily life.
Practical Strain Recommendations
For cannabis users, here are some well-known strains associated with specific calming terpenes:
- Myrcene-rich strains: Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, OG Kush
- Linalool-rich strains: Lavender, LA Confidential, Zkittlez
- Caryophyllene-rich strains: Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Bubba Kush, Original Glue
- Limonene-rich strains: Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel
- Alpha-Pinene-rich strains: Jack Herer, Island Sweet Skunk
Anti-Anxiety Terpenes with Anti Anxiety Properties Conclusion
When it comes to easing anxiety look for these anxiolytic terpenes; linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene, and alpha pinene. Products containing pure THC may have different effects compared to those with a full spectrum of cannabinoid substances and terpenes.
Closely related cannabis strains can have varying effects due to differences in their terpene and cannabinoid profiles. Ongoing research is exploring the use of specific terpenes and cannabinoids in the management of psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. To enhance the effects use while meditating, journaling, walking, or deep breathing.
The entourage effect implies that using whole plant extracts may be superior to using single cannabinoid isolates.
Cannabinoids and terpenes interact with multiple receptors in the brain to create a distinct high.
Learn much more about terpenes in our medical cannabis courses.
Karen Getchell
Karen gained expertise in developing training programs and technical documentation as a Senior Editor at Cisco Systems. She began her journey in cannabis as a patient, searching for a way to heal herself. When she perfected a method for making cannabis oil, other patients began to seek her out. An early adopter of CBD medicine, she started her CBD-infused-products business in 2014. Over the last two decades, Karen has taught hundreds of patients and caregivers how to select strains, infuse oils, and extract cannabinoids.
When she isn’t teaching cannabis cooking classes, Karen works as a cannabis business consultant, writes for online cannabis publications like Cannabis Training University, Leafly, and Weedmaps, and runs a CBD-infused-product business.
Jeff was involved in an accident where he endured a traumatic brain injury. He had a week-long stay in ICU where brain surgeons 
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