Best Terpenes for Anxiety (15+ List)

This is an exhaustive list of the best terpenes for anxiety. We’ve listed every kind of terpene that has been investigated for its anxiolytic effects. Our blog also includes a list of cannabis strains that are packed with all these helpful terpenes.

What are the Best Terpenes for Anxiety

If you’re looking for the best terpenes for anxiety, consider your search over. Here are the top ones discovered so far:

• Linalool
• Limonene
• Alpha-Pinene
• Beta-Pinene
• Pinene
• Myrcene
• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Beta-Ocimene
• Alpha Humulene
• Terpinolene
• Caryophyllene Oxide

Terpenes that Help with Anxiety

Terpenes are a class of natural products consisting of compounds with a specific chemical composition. These are generally plant-based byproducts that can be extracted from essential oils. 

In the scientific investigation of cannabinoids for anxiety treatment, terpenes were found to play a role. This is called the “entourage effect”, which is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. 

Studies show that terpenes may be an important potential source for new medications for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Doctors also believe that they can help with sleep, something that anxiety usually messes up.

If you’re open to trying terpenes for anxiety, here are the best ones to explore:

Linalool

Linalool is one of more than 200 fragrant chemical compounds, known as terpenes. In medical cannabis plants, linalool is typically responsible for producing a floral, spicy or woody aroma. It is arguably most recognizable in lavender.

Linalool is one of the oldest known sedatives, or sleep aids, in the world. A dab of lavender oil on the wrist can reduce anxiety because it is rich in linalool. Linalools are most effective in conjunction with other terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and additional plant essential substances.

Limonene

Limonene is an aromatic cannabis terpene produced in the flower’s resin glands. In isolation, it is commonly associated with fruity, citrus aromas. Found in many everyday items like fruit rinds, cosmetics, and cleaning products, limonene is a common terpene. 

Limonene is known to produce a feeling of well-being. It is strongly anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and boosts serotonin levels, similar to what some antidepressants do. Limonene-rich strains include Berry White, Durban Poison, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Diesel, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Haze.

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-Pinene, a bicyclic monoterpene, is the most widely distributed terpenoid in nature. However, this versatile therapeutic agent is unfortunately represented in lower concentration in modern cannabis chemovars. It has high bioavailability via inhalation with rapid metabolism and redistribution.

Severe anxiety can cause brain impairment and memory loss. Alpha pinene has been shown to improve cognitive function and to increase focus and alertness. Due to its inhibition of the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase, it has also shown to improve memory impairment.

Beta-Pinene

Known for its woody and piney smell, Beta-Pinene is one of the main compounds released by forest trees. It is produced in significant quantities by basil, pine, eucalyptus, oranges, and hundreds of other plants, including cannabis. Like Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene also has therapeutic properties.

Beta-Pinene is most noted in the scientific community for its ability to increase mental alertness, clarity, and overall cognitive functions. These facilities take a big hit, once the individual gets ruminating thoughts. This terpene’s aromatic, healing properties reduce the symptoms.

Pinene

Do you love Christmas? Then we have a very special terpene for you. Pinene imparts a distinctive aroma of pine or the Christmas tree to cannabis. Widely found in herbs and fruit peels, it is the most abundant terpene on the planet.

Because of its nostalgic association with a cherished tradition, Pinene’s aroma is automatically soothing. It might help you reign in the horses of anxious thoughts. It also has a comforting effect on our airways and bronchial passages, which might help in respiration during anxiety attacks.

Myrcene

Myrcene has a spicy, earthy, musky scent that gives cannabis strains a mildly sweet flavour profile. There is a long list of myrcene’s potential therapeutic benefits. Like other terpenes, myrcene is believed to have a potential sedative effect, in addition to other mental health benefits. 

A study in 2002 proved the sedative effect of myrcene. It studied Myrcene’s effectiveness for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. More surprisingly, the duration of its analgesic effect exceeds that of morphine.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is a spicy, peppery terpene found in high concentrations across a variety of plants and herbs. Cannabis strains with high beta-caryophyllene levels are known to be musky and sharp.

Due to its unique ability to bind with cannabinoid receptors, Beta-caryophyllene has potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is known to help relieve anxiety and pain, and treat seizures. Along with that, this same feature produces the euphoric cannabis high, which can counteract the downward spiral caused by anxiety.

Beta-Ocimene

Beta-Ocimene offers many medicinal and therapeutic benefits. With its brilliant uplifting effects, it is highly potent against anxiety. Although its profile is not predominantly herbal, Ocimene displays a woody aroma and can be described as fruity or citrusy in terms of flavours. 

Terpenes like Beta-Ocimene act on receptors and neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA. It inhibits serotonin reuptake and enhances norepinephrine activity, which acts like anti-depressants. By augmenting GABA, it manages physiological symptoms of anxiety.

Alpha Humulene

The therapeutic usages of essential oils containing the Alpha humulene terpene trace back to the remedies of ancient Chinese apothecaries. Even today, Chinese ginseng, which contains humulene, is used for many purposes. Most notably as an energy booster. 

Humulene has subtle earthy, woody, and spicy notes. It gives beers their distinct taste and aroma and is responsible for giving cannabis its unique scent. Apart from cannabis, it is found in hops, sage, and ginseng.

Terpinolene

Even though terpinolene is found in plenty of cannabis strains, it is usually present only in small amounts. Still, it plays a key role in defining the taste and smell of many cannabis strains. Terpenes like Terpinolne are also likely to affect a strain’s therapeutic and experiential qualities. 

When anxious thoughts suddenly occur, the Central Nervous System exhibits physiological distress and anxiety symptoms. This in turn affects the individual more, psychologically. Traditional terpinolene is a mild CNS depressant, exhibiting sedative effects, especially when combined with Linalool.

Caryophyllene Oxide

Caryophyllene oxide is the oxidized form of caryophyllene, one of the terpenes found in cannabis. It is also one of the major terpenes found in cloves, basil, hops, pepper, and rosemary. Caryophyllene Oxide is believed to be the only terpene in cannabis that has the ability to successfully bind with CB2. 

This unique skill is believed to make it highly beneficial for medicinal uses such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other mental health treatment. It can treat pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Cannabis Strains Rich in Terpenes

Now that we have described the best terpenes for anxiety, let’s look at some cannabis strains that contain more than one of these terpenes:

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is created by crossing the Big Bud X Purple Urkle strains. It has a THC of 20% – 27% and CBD of 1%. Nine terpenes makeup Granddaddy Purple’s profile, which includes linalool, humulene, myrcene, etc. 

The Granddaddy Purple high hits you first with a cerebral rush that leaves you feeling completely euphoric. Although it might have a slight numbing effect. Having a slightly psychedelic effect, it will slowly wash over your mind. You will have trippy visions as your body falls into relaxation and peace.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a classic indica with a solid sedative high that leaves users relaxed but still functional. It has a high THC content, ranging from 15% to 22%. Bubba Kush has terpenes including delta-limonene, beta-myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. 

Because of its 100% indica content, you can anticipate a relaxing body high that will leave you couch locked. Many patients prefer this strain due to its ability to alleviate insomnia, depression, stress, and anxiety.

Harlequin

Harlequin is a Sativa dominant hybrid containing 75% Sativa and 25% Indica. It has a unique CBD to THC ratio with a THC content of 7% – 15% and a CBD content of 10%. Harlequin is often described as musky and earthy. That is a reflection of its healthy terpene profile, including myrcene, a-pinene, and b-caryophyllene.

Best known for being relaxing and calming, Harlequin can also make the consumer stay focused and alert. The low THC level makes it easier for the consumer to be mindful.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a  great medical strain high in CBD containing a CBD of 12%. It has a THC of 7% – 15%. This strain is an even blend of Sativa and Indica and is mainly used for treatments of seizures.

Due to its low concentration of THC, it isn’t a good bet for getting high, despite its name. The high is relaxed and uplifting with both mental and physical qualities. It creates a numbing, warming sensation that flows throughout the body. Cannatonic’s benefits are further justified by its primary terpene, myrcene.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an inbred descendant of the original Afghani landrace strains. It is a pure Indica with THC levels that can reach 16-21%. This makes it one of the most potent strains available on any market. Its terpene profile contains combinations of Humulene, Caryophyllene and Myrcene.

The initial onset builds slowly and elevates one’s mood while relaxing cerebral activity. Along with that, it helps in relieving the stress of the day according to those who have tried it. You get an upbeat mix of euphoria and physical relaxation.

Remedy

Remedy is an Indica dominant hybrid. It captures a high CBD level of up to 18% with a THC level falling below 1% on average. Remedy holds a woody, lemon scent that hints at a terpene profile dominated by myrcene and alpha-pinene.

The high builds slowly, leaving you in a state of relaxation with complete pain relief throughout your entire body. You will be in a state of blissful serenity without any feelings of sleepiness or paranoia. These effects relieve you from racing thoughts or pain you may be experiencing.

Conclusion

This was an exhaustive list of the best terpenes for anxiety. We listed every kind of terpene that has been investigated for its anxiolytic effects. Our blog also included a list of cannabis strains that are packed with all these helpful terpenes.

Terpenes mentioned here were Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene, Pinene, Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Ocimene, Alpha Humulene, Terpinolene, and Caryophyllene Oxide. The cannabis strains we talked about were Granddaddy Purple, Bubba Kush, Harlequin, Cannatonic, Northern Lights, and Remedy.

FAQs (Best Terpenes for Anxiety)

Citations

• https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/ctmc/2016/00000016/00000017/art00008