One of the more intriguing and complex terpenes is ocimene. The ocimene terpene is commonly associated with fresh, sweet, and herbaceous aromas that carry hints of mint, floral notes, citrus, and even woodsy undertones. When present in high concentrations, ocimene gives cannabis strains a layered and vibrant fragrance that makes them stand out from other terpene profiles.
Ever walked down a hotel hallway and caught that familiar skunky, floral cannabis aroma? That scent comes from compounds in the plant called terpenes — the same natural oils that shape the distinctive flavor, aroma, and even effects of each strain. Found in the sticky trichomes of female cannabis plants, terpenes are secreted from the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Beyond its aroma, ocimene in cannabis may also play a role in the plant’s potential therapeutic benefits. Early research suggests ocimene could have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects. Many users report that strains high in ocimene provide an uplifting, energetic high, making them popular choices for daytime use.
Much like a fingerprint, the terpene profile of a cannabis strain reveals a lot about its genetics and overall experience. While cannabis can contain over 150 different terpenes, each strain only expresses certain ones in high concentrations. If a plant inherits strong ocimene terpene dominance from its parent strains, its offspring will likely carry that same complex aroma and potentially similar effects.
Graphic via The Cannigma
Potential Ocimene Terpene Benefits
According to Leafly, ocimene is a monoterpene that can be found in a wide variety of plants, including hops, kumquats, mangoes, basil, lavender, orchids, and pepper, among others.
It may also offer a wide array of medicinal properties as well as uplifting effects, and even help ward off certain bugs from hindering its growth. For instance, ocimene may have possible medical benefits which include antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, decongestant, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, studies done on ocimene occurring in other plants found that it had highly effective anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat symptoms of diabetes. Outside of the weed world, ocimene is used in the perfume industry, because of its aromatic profile, contributing to floral notes like lily and lilac.
Ocimene-Heavy Strains
Interested in trying strains that contain a large amount of ocimene? While you won’t find one with ocimene as the dominant terpene, strains with high concentrations of the terpene include Strawberry Cough, Dream Queen, Dutch Treat, Golden Pineapple, Green Crack, J1, Amnesia, Space Queen, Piff, and Purple Haze, among others.
Continue reading to learn more about each ocimene-heavy strain and what it may help with.
Strawberry Cough
The delicious Strawberry Cough is a sativa strain that can be found to contain around 18% THC and around 1% of CBG. The smoke may taste sweet, with notes of strawberry. Users say that consuming the strain may help with stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, Strawberry Cough’s main terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and ocimene.
Want to learn more about the Strawberry Cough strain made by Western Cultured Cannabis, then click here.
Photo by ILGM
Dream Queen
The cannabis strain, Dream Queen, comes from Blue Dream and Space Queen parent strains. It is a pungent hybrid that has a scent reminiscent of pineapple, bubblegum, citrus, and menthol. When smoking Dream Queen, users say it gives them euphoric effects. Furthermore, the main terpenes in the strain are myrcene, caryophyllene, and ocimene.
Photo by The Marijuana Times
Dutch Treat
While the origins of the Dutch Treat strain is unknown, smoking the strain tastes as flavorful as it sounds; primarily fruity with notes of mint. This variable hybrid has potentially uplifting effects, however many say it appears and feels more like a euphoric and relaxing body high. Furthermore, the dominant terpenes within the strain are terpinolene, myrcene, and ocimene.
Interested in learning more about the Dutch Treat strain? Click here to learn more about the West Coast Cure version or here for the Landrace Brands review.
Photo by 420DC.com
Golden Pineapple
The cross between Golden Goat and Pineapple Kush results in a yummy hybrid strain that may deliver creative, uplifting effects with a fruity, tropical flavor. The strain, Golden Pineapple, has an aroma that reminds users of sour pineapple. Consumers of this strain say it helps relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Photo by StickyGuide
Green Crack
Green Crack is a potent sativa weed strain, that probably gets its name not just because of the potentially energizing effects it can have, but because it makes you keep coming back for more. It is made by crossing Skunk #1 with an unknown indica, giving off a tangy, mango-like flavor to the bud. Furthermore, Green Crack can be great to consume in the daytime and may help consumers fight fatigue, stress, and depression. According to Leafly, the strain is also known as “Green Crush,” “Green Kush,” and “Mango Crack.”
J1
The result of the cross between two legendary sativas, Skunk #1 and Jack Herer, is a hybrid marijuana strain, J1. The Jack Herer strain adds its sweet pungency to the mix, but the strain is best known for its strong, uplifting, clear-headed buzz. Consumers of the J1 strain say it helps with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Photo via Ibudtender
Amnesia
The sativa strain, Amnesia, is created from the crossing Cinderella 99, and Jack Herer strains. Because of the mix, the strain has high amounts of terpinolene, caryophyllene, and lastly, ocimene. Users of Amnesia say it mostly helps with stress, depression, and pain. Additionally, consumers of Amnesia say they felt uplifting, creative, euphoric after smoking the strain.
Photo by Leafly
Purple Haze
Inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s classic song, “Purple Haze,” the strain was created and named in its honor. It is a sativa strain, made from Purple Thai and Haze strains. As a result, when smoked the strain may offer a dreamy burst of euphoria that may be intense enough to awaken your inner creativity. The combination also contributes to the mix of sweet and earthy flavors with hints of berry and spice.
Photo by Leafly
Space Queen
The Space Queen strain is a buzzing hybrid that comes from crossing Romulan with the Cinderella 99 strain. Consumers of Space Queen say the strain presents a fruity and vanilla smoke that has a tinge of piney pepper. This strain may offer intense cerebral highs, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up; some of its therapeutic qualities might include stress relief, pain relief, and help with depression and anxiety.
To read a more in-depth analysis, read the full article about Space Queen here.
Photo by Get Kush
FAQ: Ocimene Terpene in Cannabis
What is the ocimene terpene?
Ocimene is a naturally occurring monoterpene found in cannabis and many plants like hops, mangoes, orchids, and basil. It is known for its sweet, herbal, floral, and citrus-forward aroma.
What does ocimene smell like?
The ocimene terpene has a fresh, sweet, and herbaceous scent with notes of mint, citrus, wood, and floral undertones. It’s often described as complex and uplifting compared to other terpenes.
What does the ocimene terpene taste like?
In cannabis, ocimene contributes to sweet, fruity, and sometimes woody flavors. Strains high in ocimene may have tropical or minty flavor notes that stand out in the smoke or vapor.
What are the effects of ocimene in cannabis?
Ocimene is typically associated with uplifting, energetic, and creative effects. Strains with higher ocimene content are often recommended for daytime use because they may boost mood and focus.
What are the medical benefits of ocimene?
Research suggests ocimene may have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and even decongestant properties. Some studies also point to possible support for managing diabetes symptoms.
Is ocimene psychoactive?
No, ocimene is not psychoactive by itself. However, it works alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD through the “entourage effect,” shaping how cannabis feels and performs.
Which cannabis strains are high in ocimene?
Popular strains with notable ocimene content include Strawberry Cough, Dream Queen, Dutch Treat, Golden Pineapple, Green Crack, J1, Amnesia, Space Queen, and Purple Haze.
Is ocimene common in cannabis strains?
Yes, ocimene is one of the more frequent secondary terpenes in cannabis. While it rarely dominates the terpene profile, it often shows up in sativa and hybrid strains that deliver energetic highs.
Why is ocimene used in perfumes?
Due to its sweet floral aroma, ocimene is a staple in the perfume and fragrance industry. It adds complexity to floral blends like lilac and lily.
Can ocimene help with respiratory issues?
Ocimene is sometimes linked to decongestant properties. However, smoking cannabis isn’t ideal for respiratory health, so vaporizing or consuming other terpene sources may be safer.
Does ocimene repel insects?
Yes, ocimene naturally works as a pest repellent, helping cannabis plants and other crops protect themselves from bugs.
What’s the difference between ocimene and other terpenes?
Compared to limonene (citrus, uplifting) or myrcene (earthy, sedative), ocimene offers a more floral and minty complexity with stimulating effects instead of heavy relaxation.
Does ocimene get you high?
Ocimene itself doesn’t create a “high,” but in cannabis it may enhance the uplifting effects of THC, contributing to an energetic, cerebral buzz.
Is ocimene safe?
Yes, ocimene is considered safe and is widely used in perfumes, foods, and cosmetics. In cannabis, it naturally occurs in small to moderate concentrations.
Can ocimene be found outside of cannabis?
Absolutely. Ocimene is present in basil, parsley, mint, mangoes, lavender, kumquats, and orchids, among other plants.
What terpene family does ocimene belong to?
Ocimene is a monoterpene, meaning it has a lighter, more volatile molecular structure compared to sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene.
How can I maximize ocimene effects in cannabis?
Choose strains bred with high ocimene content and consume them via vaporizing rather than combustion to preserve terpene flavor and benefits.
Why do growers care about ocimene?
Besides consumer demand, ocimene helps plants by repelling pests and mold, making it valuable for cultivation and breeding.
How much ocimene is in cannabis?
The percentage varies, but ocimene is typically a secondary terpene found in trace amounts up to 1% of total terpene content in certain strains.
What is the entourage effect with ocimene?
Ocimene may interact with cannabinoids and other terpenes to enhance cannabis’s uplifting effects, creating a more stimulating and well-rounded high.
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