Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in plants, fruits, herbs and flowers. They are responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavours that give each plant its unique character.
From pine forests to citrus peels, lavender fields and classic cannabis profiles, terpenes shape how plants smell and taste.
In the UK CBD vape market, terpenes are widely used to create natural aromas, enhance flavour and develop strain inspired profiles without THC.
This complete A to Z terpene encyclopaedia explains the most important terpenes found in nature and in cannabis.
It covers how they smell, where they occur naturally, how they behave in vape formulations, and how they contribute to the flavour of CBD and CBG isolate vape liquids.
This guide is educational only and does not make health claims.
For terpene infused products available in the UK, see the Canavape range here: Cannabis Terpenes UK.
Terpenes are volatile organic compounds produced by plants. They are responsible for aroma, flavour and the natural scent profile of botanicals.
In cannabis plants, terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to produce recognisable strain aromas such as citrus, earthy, piney, floral or fruity notes.
Terpenes also influence how smooth or sharp a vape feels, how quickly the aroma disperses and how natural the flavour experience is.
CBD and CBG isolate liquids use terpenes to create either simple botanical flavours or authentic cannabis strain inspired profiles.
These terpenes can be derived from cannabis (called cannabis derived terpenes or CDTs) or extracted from other plants (botanical terpenes).
Both have legitimate uses in CBD e-liquids when produced correctly.
Terpenes serve several functions in CBD and CBG vaping. They provide aroma, contribute to flavour and can influence how smooth or sharp a vape feels.
When blended with cannabinoids such as CBD isolate and CBG isolate, terpenes allow brands to create natural tasting profiles without artificial ingredients.
In cannabis derived terpene blends the aroma replicates classic strain profiles found in dispensaries around the world, without containing THC.
Canavape uses terpenes across its vape categories to deliver authentic profiles, especially within products containing balanced CBD and CBG ratios.
Users can explore strain inspired cartridges and terpene bottles here: Terpenes UK.
Terpenes can be produced using several extraction methods. High quality terpene manufacturers typically use steam distillation, cold extraction, CO2 extraction or fractional distillation.
Each method extracts aromatic compounds from plant material without degrading their natural structure.
High quality terpene blends preserve natural aroma while remaining free from synthetic flavour chemicals.
The purity and structure of a terpene determine its aroma accuracy and how well it performs in vape formulations.
The following A to Z list details the most common terpenes used in CBD and CBG vape liquids, cannabis derived terpene blends, botanical terpene profiles and natural plant extracts.
A delicate floral terpene found in chamomile and certain cannabis varieties.
Alpha Bisabolol has a soft and powdery aroma with subtle sweetness.
It provides smoothness to vape blends and is often used in calming or floral terpene profiles.
One of the most common terpenes in cannabis and pine trees.
Alpha Pinene has a crisp pine forest aroma and contributes freshness and sharpness to a vape blend. It is widely used in natural and earthy terpene profiles.
Similar to Alpha Pinene but slightly herbier with hints of basil or rosemary.
It is a common terpene in cannabis strains that lean pine dominant and appears in conifer species and herbs.
A spicy, peppery terpene found in black pepper, cloves and many cannabis strains.
Beta Caryophyllene adds depth and warmth to terpene blends and is commonly used in earthy, spicy and herbal profiles.
Camphene has a cool herbal aroma reminiscent of fir needles and evergreen forests.
It is sometimes used to brighten terpene blends and appears in conifer trees and rosemary.
A terpene found in cedar and rosemary with a light woody and citrus aroma. Carene is commonly present in several cannabis varieties and contributes freshness and dryness to profiles.
Found in cedarwood, Cedrene provides a warm, woody aroma that appears in deep earthy terpene profiles. It is used to add grounding complexity to cannabis inspired blends.
A terpene with a fresh citrus and floral aroma found in roses, lemongrass and certain fruits. It is commonly used in sweet or perfume like terpene formulations.
A terpene from eucalyptus with a sharp, refreshing, mint like aroma. Eucalyptol is often used in uplifting or fresh terpene blends that mimic menthol like qualities without using synthetic menthol chemicals.
A terpene found in apples, basil and some cannabis strains. Farnesene has a delicate fruity floral aroma and adds subtle sweetness to blends without being overpowering.
Geraniol is found in roses, lemongrass and many essential oils. It has a floral, slightly fruity aroma and is commonly used in perfumed terpene blends or sweet floral cannabis profiles.
A terpene found in pine and cypress species with a smooth woody aroma. It appears in several cannabis strains and supports earthy or woody vape blends.
An earthy terpene found in hops, coriander and cannabis. Humulene is central to many classic cannabis terpene profiles and provides a slightly woody, herbal aroma.
A minty terpene with hints of cool herbal notes. Isopulegol is a precursor to menthol and adds a refreshing quality to certain terpene blends.
One of the most recognisable terpenes, Limonene provides citrus aroma found in lemons, oranges and many cannabis strains. It is used in uplifting citrus profiles and is one of the most common terpenes in modern terpene blends.
A lavender inspired terpene found in flowers, mint and spices. Linalool is floral and relaxing in aroma, frequently used in soothing or perfume like terpene blends.
You will find higher levels of the terpene linalool present within Indica terpene profiles, for example: Granddaddy Purple.
One of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. Myrcene is earthy, musky and herbal with notes similar to mango skin or bay leaves.
It is heavily used in cannabis inspired terpene blends and contributes a deep earthy base note.
Nerolidol has a woody, floral aroma found in tea tree oil, neroli and ginger. It is used in complex terpene blends that require smoothness and depth.
A terpene found in mint, parsley and citrus fruits. Ocimene has a bright, slightly sweet herbal aroma and is common in fruity or fresh cannabis inspired profiles.
Found in eucalyptus, pepper and some cannabis strains. Phellandrene provides a minty, citrusy aroma with subtle spicy notes. It appears in uplifting terpene blends.
A floral terpene derived from chlorophyll breakdown. Phytol has a fresh, grassy aroma and contributes smoothness to terpene blends. It is less common than other major terpenes but still appears in natural profiles.
A terpene with a peppery, woody aroma found in black pepper and nutmeg. Sabinene adds spice and depth to earthy or forest inspired terpene blends.
A floral terpene with hints of lilac and citrus. Terpineol is found in flowers and herbs and is used for soft floral cannabis profiles or perfumed terpene blends.
Terpinolene is a complex terpene with citrus, pine, herbal and floral notes. It is commonly found in energetic or uplifting cannabis profiles and contributes brightness to terpene blends.
A citrus terpene found in Valencia oranges. Valencene has a sweet, juicy orange aroma that appears in fruity or bright terpene profiles. It provides natural citrus sweetness without artificial flavours.
A high quality terpene blend is produced using natural extraction, tested for purity and formulated without synthetic additives.
Quality terpenes perform consistently in vape liquids when balanced correctly with carrier bases and cannabinoids such as CBD isolate and CBG isolate.
These factors ensure terpene blends provide a clean flavour and smooth vapour without compromising device performance.
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in plants. They create the scent and flavour profiles associated with fruits, herbs, cannabis and flowers.
Cannabis derived terpenes are extracted directly from cannabis plants.
They contain no THC when refined correctly and are used to replicate authentic cannabis aromas in CBD vape liquids and cartridges.
Terpenes are naturally occurring plant compounds and are widely used in food, flavourings and cosmetic applications. Pure terpenes that do not contain controlled cannabinoids are permitted in the UK.
Yes. Terpenes are commonly used to add natural aroma and create strain inspired profiles in CBD and CBG isolate vape liquids.
They must be used sparingly and formulated correctly with appropriate carrier bases.
Cannabis derived terpenes are extracted from cannabis plants. Botanical terpenes come from other plant sources such as citrus fruits, pine, herbs or flowers.
Both can be used in vape liquids when produced to high purity standards.
NCBI Terpene Chemistry Overview
Natural Terpenes in Aromatic Plants
Thanks for choosing Canavape. Our terpene infused CBD and CBG isolate products offer natural flavour, clean aroma and batch tested clarity across our UK made range.
