A terpene profile chart for top strains maps each cultivar's dominant terpenes, such as myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, terpinolene, and linalool, to the aromas and effects people commonly associate with it. Use the chart as a starting point, not a promise: lab-tested terpene percentages shift with genetics, grow conditions, harvest timing, and storage.
What does a terpene profile chart show?
A terpene profile chart shows the main aromatic compounds in a cannabis sample and, often, their relative percentages. It is a chemotype snapshot, not a fixed strain fingerprint. Two jars with the same strain name can show different terpene ratios.
How do you read a terpene profile chart?
Start with the top three terpenes listed for a strain. Those dominant compounds usually drive the smell first and may hint at the feel. Compare ratios more than single percentages when you look at two batches.
Which terpenes appear most in top strains?
- Myrcene: earthy, musky, and citrus notes. Common in OG Kush, Blue Dream, and Granddaddy Purple.
- Limonene: bright citrus and lemon notes. Common in Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, and Gelato.
- Caryophyllene: peppery, spicy, and woody notes. Common in Girl Scout Cookies, Wedding Cake, and Chemdawg.
- Pinene: pine and fresh forest notes. Common in Jack Herer, Northern Lights, and Blue Dream.
- Terpinolene: herbal, floral, and tea-like notes. Common in Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, and Super Lemon Haze.
- Linalool: floral and lavender notes. Common in Lavender, Amnesia Haze, and Zkittlez.
- Humulene: hoppy and woody notes. Common in Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, and Headband.
Terpene profile chart for popular strains
This short chart lists dominant terpenes first. Names are labels, and the batch lab test is the final word.
complete terpene chart for cannabis
- Blue Dream: myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene. Sweet berry and pine.
- OG Kush: myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene. Fuel, citrus, and earth.
- Sour Diesel: caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene. Diesel, citrus, and pepper.
- Girl Scout Cookies: caryophyllene, limonene, humulene. Sweet, mint, and pepper.
- Northern Lights: myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene. Earthy, pine, and sweet.
- Jack Herer: terpinolene, pinene, caryophyllene. Pine, spice, and citrus.
- Super Lemon Haze: limonene, terpinolene, caryophyllene. Lemon, herbal, and pepper.
- Granddaddy Purple: myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene. Grape, berry, and earth.
- Gelato: caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene. Sweet, citrus, and cream.
- Wedding Cake: caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene. Vanilla, pepper, and citrus.
Why do terpene charts differ from lab to lab?
Charts are snapshots. A cut grown in two rooms, harvested at different weeks, or stored at different humidity can test with different terpene ratios. Always check the batch certificate of analysis if terpenes matter to you.
How should you use a terpene chart when shopping?
Pick aromas you enjoy first, then compare the top terpenes on the label. If two strains share myrcene and caryophyllene, they may smell and feel more alike than their names suggest. Ask for a current lab test at the dispensary.
What can a terpene chart not tell you?
A chart cannot guarantee effects. Terpene content, cannabinoid ratio, dose, tolerance, and delivery method all matter. Treat chart-based effects as aroma clues and personal-preference shortcuts, not medical advice.
What is the entourage effect?
Some people use the entourage effect to explain why whole-plant aroma feels different from isolated compounds. Human data on terpene effects remains limited, so keep expectations modest and track your own response.