Chemistry and measurement Reviewed August 16, 2026

Farnesene Terpene

Farnesene isomer family • FAR-neh-seen • /ˈfɑːrnəsiːn/

An isomer family with green woody notes and limited cannabis evidence.

Chemical class: Acyclic sesquiterpene
Common aroma notes: green apple, herbs, wood
COA names: Farnesene, α-Farnesene, β-Farnesene

Identity and cannabis context

What Farnesene is

Farnesene may mean alpha or beta isomers and geometric forms; methods do not always say which.

Aroma vocabulary

People commonly describe isolated farnesene with green apple, herbs, wood notes. A finished flower or extract contains a more complex volatile mixture.

Also found in

apple skin
ginger
chamomile

Chemistry and measurement

What the evidence actually shows

Farnesene is included on the current New York panel.

Finding 1

chemistry

Farnesene is a testing analyte, but its label may not specify an isomer.

Limit: Isomer ambiguity limits cross-lab comparisons.

Sources: Office of Cannabis Management Testing Limits (opens in new tab); Terpene Synthases and Terpene Variation in Cannabis sativa (opens in new tab)

What we do not know

Controlled studies have not established that cannabis-level exposure reliably produces a specific mood, symptom, or therapeutic effect in people.

Safety and interpretation

A certificate of analysis identifies composition, not a safe or effective dose. Inhalation can irritate airways, and heating terpenes can create degradation products.

This page is educational and does not provide medical advice. Route, dose, oxidation, heat, other ingredients, and individual health conditions all change risk.

Database records listing Farnesene

This bounded preview shows records whose available profile contains Farnesene. It is not a total, a dominant-terpene ranking, or a guarantee about a current retail batch.

Entourage High

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake is an indica-leaning hybrid (Wedding Cake x Gelato #33) from Seed Junky Genetics, known for its sweet vanilla-cream flavor and potent 20-27% THC punch. Expect relaxed, euphoric, sleepy effects with a limonene-forward citrus brightness cutting through the dessert sweetness. A nighttime favorite for winding down, easing stress, and settling into deep relaxation, with occasional couch-lock at higher doses.

Limonene-dominant Relaxed Euphoric

Indica

Entourage High

Permanent Marker

Permanent Marker is a potent indica-leaning hybrid (70/30) from Seed Junky Genetics, crossing Biscotti, Jealousy, and Sherb Bx. Boasting THC up to 35% and a caryophyllene-forward terpene profile, it delivers euphoric, relaxed, and creative effects wrapped in a diesel-sweet-candy aroma. A Leafly and High Times Strain of the Year winner, it's a go-to evening choice for stress relief, pain management, and unwinding.

Caryophyllene-dominant Euphoric Relaxed

Hybrid

Balancing High

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure South African landrace sativa dating back to the 1970s, prized for its clear, energizing, and uplifting high. Its terpinolene-driven profile brings sweet, anise-like, citrus-pine aromas. Expect focused, creative, talkative effects without heavy sedation — a daytime classic for productivity, socializing, and creative sparks.

Caryophyllene-dominant Energetic Uplifted

Sativa

Entourage High

Jealousy

Jealousy is an award-winning 50/50 hybrid from Seed Junky Genetics, crossing Gelato 41 with Sherbert Bx1. Back-to-back Leafly Strain of the Year winner (2022 & 2023), it delivers a sweet, diesel-citrus flavor profile paired with euphoric, relaxed, and creative effects. THC can climb into the high 20s, making it a potent choice for experienced consumers seeking a balanced, mood-lifting evening experience with real body relaxation.

Caryophyllene-dominant Euphoric Relaxed

Hybrid

Uplifting High

Lemon Cherry Gelato

Lemon Cherry Gelato is a potent, Limonene-forward hybrid from Sunset Sherbet and Girl Scout Cookies genetics, delivering bright citrus-cherry flavor and a two-phase high: uplifting, talkative euphoria up front that settles into relaxed, sleepy comfort. Bred by Backpackboyz, this award-winning cut (High Times Cannabis Cup) tests as high as 33% THC and appeals to those chasing flavor-forward flower with genuine versatility for social nights or unwinding evenings.

Limonene-dominant Uplifted Euphoric

Hybrid

Relaxing High

Lilac Diesel

Lilac Diesel is a 50/50 hybrid from Ethos Genetics blending Silver Lemon Haze, Forbidden Fruit, NYC Cherry Pie, and Citral Glue genetics. Expect a diesel-floral-citrus aroma backed by Myrcene and Caryophyllene, delivering an uplifted, euphoric, and talkative high balanced with physical ease. THC can reach up to 30%, making this an award-winning, terpene-rich choice for social afternoons and creative sessions.

Myrcene-dominant Uplifted Euphoric

Hybrid

Relieving High

Banana Cream Cake

Banana Cream Cake (BCC) is a 70/30 Indica-leaning hybrid from Seed Junky Genetics, blending Wedding Cake, Banana OG, and related dessert-strain genetics. Dominant caryophyllene delivers a spicy backbone beneath sweet, tropical, vanilla flavors. Effects run relaxed, happy, euphoric, and creative — a versatile evening strain with award-winning pedigree and THC ranging from 15% to nearly 30%.

Caryophyllene-dominant Relaxed Uplifted

Hybrid

Relieving High

Colombian Gold

Colombian Gold is a legendary 100% Sativa landrace from Colombia's Santa Marta mountains, dating back to the 1960s–70s. Expect a citrus-lemon aroma, energetic and euphoric effects, and a clear-headed, talkative high perfect for creative work and social daytime activities. A true piece of cannabis history with THC ranging widely from 12–25%.

Farnesene-dominant Creative Energetic

Sativa

Sources

Office of Cannabis Management Testing Limits (opens in new tab)
New York State Office of Cannabis Management, 2026 • chemistry
Terpene Synthases and Terpene Variation in Cannabis sativa (opens in new tab)
Plant Physiology, 2020 • chemistry

Related terpene profiles

Farnesene questions

What is Farnesene?

Farnesene (Farnesene isomer family) is an isomer family with green woody notes and limited cannabis evidence. Farnesene may mean alpha or beta isomers and geometric forms; methods do not always say which.

What does Farnesene smell like?

Common descriptors include green apple, herbs, wood. Aroma is subjective, and other volatile compounds in the tested product also matter.

What does the research say about Farnesene?

Farnesene is included on the current New York panel. Controlled studies have not established that cannabis-level exposure reliably produces a specific mood, symptom, or therapeutic effect in people.

Does a Farnesene result predict effects?

No. A lab result identifies chemistry in one sample. It does not guarantee a feeling, benefit, dose, or response for an individual consumer.

Keep exploring the chemistry

Compare all 26 profiles, their aliases, and their evidence limits.

Browse all terpene profiles