Your guide to ocimene, a cannabis terpene

Ocimene is a terpene, which is a type of chemical compound that can be found in several plants, including cannabis. It’s commonly used as a fragrance due to its citrusy scent. But it also has possible health benefits, including mood-lifting and energizing effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

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What is ocimene?

Terpenes like ocimene contribute to the smell, taste, and effects of plants. Ocimene helps plants attract pollinators and protect themselves against insects.

Ocimene has a woodsy and citrusy aroma and flavor. It can be found in:

• Basil
• Mint
• Lavender
• Tarragon
• Orchids
• Hops
• Mangos
• Cannabis

Ocimene is also a popular ingredient in household products, such as:

• Laundry detergent
• Deodorant
• Cleaning products
• Insect repellent

Ocimene’s effects

Research shows that ocimene has several potential health benefits. However, most studies on ocimene have been in animals and cells, so more human studies are needed.

Reduces inflammation

One study found that Oenanthe crocata (hemlock water-dropwort) essential oil, which is high in ocimene, may help lower inflammation when applied to the skin.

Fights fungal infections

Ocimene may have antifungal properties that could help treat fungal skin infections.  

Reduces cancer cells

A study in cells found that the Neolitsea variabillima plant’s essential oil, which contains a high concentration of ocimene, may help reduce cancerous cells in several types of cancer, including:

• Mouth cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer
• Leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer

However, other terpenes in the essential oil may have also contributed to these cancer-fighting effects.

Improves breathing

One study found that an essential oil containing high concentrations of ocimene and eucalyptol, another terpene found in cannabis, may help improve breathing in people with allergic asthma. 

Fights Parkinson’s disease

In a rat study, researchers found that ocimene helps lower a type of protein in the brain that is associated with Parkinson’s disease. 

Ocimene terpene in cannabis

Cannabis contains over 150 terpenes, including ocimene. Cannabis typically contains trace amounts of ocimene. 

Cannabis users often report that ocimene helps:

• Improve mood
• Increase energy

You can find out how much ocimene is in a cannabis product by looking at its label. Labels usually list the amount of ocimene and other terpenes found in the product.

High-ocimene strains

The amount of ocimene in cannabis varies depending on the strain. Strains particularly high in ocimene include:

• Chocolope is commonly used for depression and chronic fatigue.

• Dutch Treat may produce euphoric effects and increase energy levels.

• Strawberry Cough is an uplifting and focus-enhancing strain that can help improve energy levels.

• Himalayan Gold is a popular choice for managing stress and anxiety.

• Purple Haze is known to enhance creativity and mood.

• Super Lemon Haze can have energizing and mood-lifting effects.

• Space Queen is a powerful strain that may help with managing pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

To find a high-ocimene strain that suits your needs, contact a Leafwell provider.

The bottom line: Ocimene adds to the health benefits of cannabis

Ocimene is a minor terpene found in cannabis that may boost energy levels and mood and lower inflammation. Although it’s not a dominant cannabis compound, its effects add to the plant’s health benefits.

To learn more about ocimene and where to find high-ocimene cannabis strains, contact a provider at Leafwell.

Resources

• Antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691513006297
• Composition and in vitro anticancer activities of the leaf essential oil of Neolitsea variabillima from Taiwan. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23738472/
• Investigating volatile compounds in the vapour phase of (1) a hot water infusion of rhizomes, and of (2) rhizomes of Siphonochilus aethiopicus using head space solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629915327046
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — from plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190
• The role of ocimene in decreasing a-synuclein aggregation using rotenone-induced rat model. https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/cnsamc/10.2174/0118715249283425240212111523

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