Best Terpenes for Anxiety, Depression & Overall Zen
February 8, 2024
Inside the cannabis plant, you have hundreds upon hundreds of compounds that give the buds the characteristics we know and love. One of those types
Author 
Aspen Noonan
CEO More about me
Medically reviewed by 
Elevate Editorial Team
- Updated on: August 27, 2025
Table of Contents
You’ve probably heard a whole lot about terpenes and their ability to enhance taste and flavor.
But did you know that they do so much more?
Today, we are beaming the light on terpenes: more specifically, the best terpenes for focus and energy.
Wait, What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are plant-derived aromatic compounds that most people associate with cannabis. They are often expressed as an odor or scent released to protect the plant against attackers (herbivores, especially) or attract pollinators.
Terpenes are linked to hormones, such as male sex hormones and pheromones in animals. In the human sphere, though, we’ve mastered utilizing terpenes within cosmetics, vapes, edibles, beverages, perfumes, topicals, various food products, and essential oils.
For more information on terpenes and what they do, watch our short video below!
The Best Terpenes for Focus, Energy, and Clarity
Whether you are a patient looking for the best terpenes for ADHD or looking to make some products with the best terpenes for energy, we’re here to help.
Below, we’ve listed the three best terpenes for focus, energy, and clarity.
BBB approved — legit and reliable.
Having an MMJ card means paying less for your top-shelf bud -- and getting more of it.
Alpha Pinene
Alpha pinene is the most abundant terpene in nature. As the name suggests, it’s commonly found in pines and conifers and orange peels, sage, and rose.
This terpene is great because it acts as a natural bronchodilator, increasing oxygen flow to the brain, which can boost energy and mental alertness.
Some strains that contain significant amounts of alpha-pinene include Island Sweet Skunk, Romulan, Dutch Treat, and Jack Herer.
Read our full guide on the pinene terpene!
Limonene – Best Terpene for Energy
Most citrus fruits – oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits – have a high concentration of limonene. You’ll find this fruity terpene in rosemary, pepper, ginger, turmeric, and even fennel, too.
When it comes to focus and energy, limonene is a wonderful terpene because of its antioxidant properties. Essentially, it works to protect the brain from oxidative stress, supporting long-term cognitive health and energy levels.
Strains with high concentrations of limonene include Lemon G, Emerald Jack, and Liberty Haze.
Learn more about the limonene terpene in our series.
Beta-caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is the spiciest terpene. You can find it in black pepper, oregano, black caraway, and cloves. This terpene has a sharp woody-spicy aroma with hints of sweetness.
Caryophyllene may help with your energy and focus levels because of its anxiolytic properties, which can improve concentration by reducing anxiety.
Cannabis strains known to have a reasonable concentration of beta-caryophyllene include GG4, Purple Punch, White Widow, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
Understand the beta-caryophyllene terpene better with our comprehensive guide.
The Best Terpenes for Focus and Energy: A Summary
Here’s really what you need to remember about these terpenes:
| Terpene | Primary Sources | Aroma | Key Benefits |
| Alpha Pinene | Pines, Conifers, Orange Peels, Sage, Rose | Turpentine blend, Woody, Sweet | Combat memory deficits in Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s, improves memory, inhibits acetylcholinesterase |
| Limonene | Citrus Fruits, Rosemary, Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Fennel | Fruity | Modulates adenosine receptors, boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, FDA-approved as flavoring agent |
| Beta-caryophyllene | Black Pepper, Oregano, Black Caraway, Cloves | Woody-spicy, Sweet | Reduces neuroinflammation, improves cognition, increases glutathione levels, FDA-approved for consumption |
READ MORE: The Nose Knows: Picking Up Cannabis Terpenes
Get it Right With Terpenes (and Elevate Holistics)
If you are a patient looking for the best terpenes for ADHD or you have problems focusing, you should consider looking for beverages, vapes, topicals, or edibles that have a blend of these tasty, smelly terpenes.
You can also buy terpene isolates and use them to flavor your homemade edibles!
Here at Elevate Holistics, we understand that cannabis can be confusing. With all of its components and different benefits, keeping track of it all is tough. But that’s exactly why we’re here.
Elevate Holistics is more than just cannabis recommendations: we’re your go-to wellness experts.
Click the button below to get started.
Get high-quality terpene-filled weed at lower prices!
Medical marijuana cards grant you medical-only discounts and you pay less on taxes.
Get Your MMJ Card Right From Home
Elevate Holistics’ process is quick, affordable, and done entirely online. It’s never been so easy.
Related Posts
Terpene Spotlight: Humulene
January 27, 2024
We all know that weed smells good. But, what is it that causes those distinct flavors and aromas? Terpenes just like Humulene. The Humulene terpene
Terpene Spotlight: Borneol
December 25, 2023
Terpenes are the aromatic components in the cannabis plant that give each bud its unique, pungent smell. Terpenes like Borneol, though, provide more than just