5 Most Common Terpenes in Indica Strains

Want to expand your cannabis knowledge? Learn which terpenes are most common in Indica dominant strains.

While the terms Sativa and Indica are slowly becoming more muddled as cannabis strains get cross-bred, they’re still generally used to differentiate between more energizing strains and more sedative strains. What’s really fascinating is the difference in terpene profiles of these two categories. If you’re interested in learning about more Sativa dominant strains and their terpene profiles, click here. But today, we’re talking all about Indica terpenes.  

Indica strains are the go-to for anyone looking to wind down or chill out. While the unique cannabinoid profile of each plant will dictate how strong the effects are, aromatic compounds like terpenes determine what those effects will be. And the terpenes most common in Indica strains are particularly calming. 

Whether you’re creating cannabis or non-cannabis products, anything that’s designed to be relaxing can benefit from these terpenes. Keep reading and discover the top 5 most common Indica terpenes and why your products can benefit from them.

You’re busy, we get it. Here’s the short version of what we’re covering today.

• “Indica terpenes” aren’t really a thing. Terpenes aren’t considered to be “indica” or “sativa,” but people often use the phrase “indica terpenes” to refer to terps that are relaxing and that help create the indica experience.

• You can use these same terpenes in non-cannabis products and still benefit from their flavors and effects.

• While you can find the same terpenes in both sativa and indica strains, the ratios are different. Generally, indica profiles tend to have larger quantities of particular terpenes while sativa profiles tend to be more complex.

• Five of the terpenes found most prominently in indica cultivars are Myrcene, beta-Caryophyllene, Linalool, d-Limonene, and Humulene.

What is an Indica Terpene?

As we said earlier, the words sativa and indica were used in the past to describe different subspecies of cannabis. We say “in the past” because these terms have undergone a makeover in recent years.

Sativa plants tend to be taller with narrower leaves and have more energizing effects. Think of strains like Jack Herer, Durban Poison, or Sour Diesel. Indica plants, on the other hand, tend to be shorter with broader leaves and have more relaxing properties. We’re talking about heavy hitters like Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights. Many cultivars fall somewhere in the middle, so they’re known as hybrids. 

The cannabis industry has long used these terms to help consumers shop for products with specific effects. You might have heard a budtender recommend a “sativa” product for someone wanting a boost of energy. Conversely, someone looking for a way to unwind and get ready for bed may ask for an “indica strain.” 

However, as cannabis cultivation has evolved and as cultivars have been extensively crossed, these classifications have become so muddled that using them to describe effects is no longer accurate. While the terms sativa and indica still have merit in the world of cannabis, they’re only helpful in describing plant biology.

So, what are “indica terpenes?”

Technically, “indica terpenes” don’t exist. What we mean is that there aren’t terpene isolates that you’ll ONLY find in relaxing cultivars. You can find the same terpenes across sativas, indicas, and hybrids. When people say “indica terpenes,” they refer to terpenes that help create relaxing sensations.

5 Most Common Terpenes in Indica Dominant Strains

As we mentioned before, many of the terpenes you’ll find in indica strains are the same terpenes you’ll find in sativa strains. Are you wondering how the same terpenes can create different experiences and aromas across different strains? We had those questions as well, which is why we performed a LOT of research.

In our Science of Exotic Cannabis research², we set out to discover why aromatically different cultivars could have nearly identical terpene profiles. In doing so, we discovered entirely new classes of compounds that distinctly influence the aromas of specific varieties. Enter cannabis flavorants. Don’t get us wrong. Terpenes still play an important role… just not as significant of a role as we initially thought.

Cannabis flavorants are aromatic compounds that are incredibly pungent, even at parts per billion. Essentially, even when found in the tiniest amount, they have a BIG impact on aroma. Skatole is responsible for savory-smelling and fecal-forward aromas, while Tropicannasulfurs (TCSCs) help create those tropical “tangie” aromas.

Do cannabis flavorants influence the sensorial effects promoted by specific cultivars? That’s a great question, and we’re still trying to figure it out. What we do know, however, is that some terpene isolates promote sensations that are relaxing, peaceful, and overall pretty chill. Those are the ones people generally refer to as “indica terpenes.”

So, without further ado, here are the five most common terpenes in indica-dominant strains.

Myrcene

In the past, it was believed this terpene played a big role in whether a strain was considered indica or sativa. The idea was that myrcene concentrations higher than .5 percent were considered indica, while strains with less than that amount were considered sativa. 

Today, however, you can find wildly stimulating strains that are dominant in myrcene. That doesn’t mean myrcene doesn’t contribute to those relaxing “indica” effects, though. Found in mangoes, cardamom, and hops, myrcene is believed to contribute to relaxation

beta-Caryophyllene

Indica heavy-hitters like Master Kush and Gorilla Glue #4 have higher quantities of this spicy terpene. Found in black pepper, cloves, and oregano, beta-caryophyllene is one of the only known terpenes that can directly interact with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).³  

Linalool

If you’re looking for a soothing terpene with more floral notes, look no further than Linalool. You’re probably already familiar with this terpene because it’s so commonly used in products designed to help people relax and fall asleep. 

This floral, herbal terpene can be found in plants like lavender, mint, and rosewood. Strains like Grandaddy Purple and Fire OG are calming, euphoric, and have large amounts of Linalool.

d-Limonene

It’s probably no surprise that you can find d-Limonene in lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges. While it’s often associated with energizing, mood-elevating properties, this bright, citrusy terpene is still common in many indica strains like Do-Si-Do. Other indica strains with high quantities of Limonene include Banana OG, Purple Hindu Kush, and Wedding Cake. 

alpha-Caryophyllene

Also known as humulene, this terpene is another one that’s partially responsible for that stereotypical cannabis scent. Found prominently in the hops plant, it’s no shock that this terpene has a distinctly hoppy, herbal scent (think beer). While it’s normally found in smaller quantities, strains like GG4 have a healthy dose of this terpene.

Abstrax Tech | Use the Optimal Terpenes for Your Products

Whether you want botanically-derived isolates, cannabis-forward profiles, or candy-like blends, we’ll help you infuse your products with the terpenes that your customers crave.

For high-intensity fruit, candy, and dessert flavors, reach for our Cloudburst Series. Want the entourage effect in exciting, exotic flavors? Our Entourage Series blends contain as many terpenes as our Premium Strain Profiles for the same powerful effects in fruity, fun flavors. 

If you want authentic cannabis flavor, our Native Series profiles preserve the integrity of cannabis’ naturally occurring aromatic compounds with all the dankness you’d expect. Want cannabis flavor without the skunk? Our Premium Strain Profiles let you do just that so you can develop product offerings for every customer and every palate.

Contact us today with questions or for exclusive terpene formulations.

1. Paryani, T., Sosa, M., Page, M., Martin, T., Hearvy, M., Ojeda, M., Koby, K., Grandy, J., Melshenker, B., Skelly, I., & Oswald, I. (2024, June 19). Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics. ACS Publications. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225 
2. Oswald, I., Paryani, T., Sosa, M., Ojeda, M., Altenbernd, M., Grandy, J., Shafer, N., Ngo, K., Peat, J., Melshenker, B. G., Skelly, I., Koby, K., Page, M., & Martin, T. (2023, October 12). Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis. ACS Publications. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496 
3. Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S., Racz, I., Chen, J.-Z., Xie, X.-Q., Altmann, K.-H., Karsak, M., & Zimmer, A. (2008, July 1). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18574142/

Indica-Dominant Cannabis Profiles

SHOP GDP

GDP, or Granddaddy Purple, tastes like juicy Concord grapes followed by a barrage of berries that are mouthwatering and ripe. It’s important to respect your elders… especially when they’re this dank.

SHOP Northern Lights

This iconic cross between Thai and Afghani has cemented itself into the cannabis hall of fame with its palpable relaxation and dreamy euphoria. A celestial balance of sweet lemon and pine will have you seeing stars.

SHOP Grape Ape

Grape Ape is a gentle giant. This moderately sweet Indica is the serendipitous offspring of a hotly-debated love triangle between Skunk #1, Afghani, and Mendocino Purps. Berry flavor is punctuated with woody undertones.

SHOP Master Kush

Fondly reminiscent of the classic OG we all grew up adoring, Master Kush’s steadfast pine, brisk earth, and staunch woody spirit make it the perfect flagship. There may be many kushes, but there's only one master.

SHOP GG4

Respected, often feared, and usually sold out - Gorilla Glue #4 is potent in more ways than one. The aroma is mildly floral but mainly earthy with tangible notes of wood, spice, and skunk. Just don’t try to fight the euphoric couch lock.

SHOP Fire OG

The term ‘fire’ is commonly used in contemporary settings as a synonym for very good, fantastic, or overwhelmingly awesome. In this sense, it is more than appropriate for describing our Fire OG. Lemon + wood = fire fire fire.

SHOP Do-Si-Do

Spinning in a circle (centrifugal force) is really fun until the speed becomes uncontrollable. The same applies to this blend; it’s a distilled bliss merry-go-round. It's got a spicy bite with a soft floral bed to fall into. Enjoy the ride.

SHOP Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is peppery. I might even call it spicy. You know what? I'd call it MOSTLY spicy. There's some woodiness in there too, but you're pretty much going to get pure spice thanks to the high beta-Caryophyllene. Achoo.