Valencene, which gets its name from the sweet, citrus flavors it gives to Valencia oranges, is one of the many terpenes also found in marijuana. While we love valencene for its taste and aroma in cannabis, it’s also used in products you likely have around the house. In this guide, we’ll share everything we know about valencene, including:

• What is Valencene?
• What Does Valencene Smell Like?
• What Does Valencene Taste Like?
• What Strains are Heavy in Valencene?
• FAQs About Valencene

Valencene is a sesquiterpene, which means that it’s more complex and bigger than a monoterpene like limonene or pinene.Valencene is one of over a hundred terpenes found in cannabis, and it’s also a precursor to a terpenoid—a modified form of terpene—called nootkatone.

Valencene is sweet and citrusy both in taste and aroma, but some people perceive it with more woodsy or herbaceous undertones. Commonly, it emits scents that are closely related to orange, mango, and grapefruit. The grapefruit aroma is likely due to the fact that valencene is the precursor to nootkatone, a terpenoid that gives grapefruit its unique aroma.

While valencene might not be as common in marijuana as some other terpenes like myrcene are, you likely know it the moment you taste or smell it thanks to its sweet, citrus notes with hints of herb.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, more and more cultivators are cross breeding strains that highlight certain terpenes. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the list, but these are the strains we recommend for a valencene-rich experience:

Hybrid

If you like Tangerine Dream, you should definitely give Tangie a try. Tangie is a cross between California Orange and Skunk, and like Tangerine Dream, Tangie has the sweet tangerine flavor and aroma thanks to its valencene. Tangie is enjoyed by medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis consumers, but newcomers to cannabis should use caution with this strain—it has high levels of THC that reach 22%.
 

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This sativa-dominant hybrid is popular among many cannabis enthusiasts, but it’s particularly sought after by medical marijuana patients. While it tastes and smells like a spiced orange, it actually has a dark purple appearance that you might not expect. If you’re interested in picking this strain up, just know that Agent Orange is highly potent, with THC levels reaching 25%.
 

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This little darling of a balanced hybrid gets its name because of its flavor—sweet citrus with a splash of earthy undertones. Even better is its aroma. The moment you light this strain, your room will smell like you split open a ripe, juicy orange. Clementine doesn’t just taste and smell great, it’s also great for beginners thanks to its moderate levels of THC, around 18%.
 

Terpenes are complex little compounds, so we get a lot of questions about them. Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions, and their answers, about valencene:

What does valencene do?
Valencene gives fruits and plants, including cannabis, their zesty orange flavor and aroma. It also contributes to the entourage effect. 
 

Does valencene get you “high”?
The term “high” is a slang word used to describe the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Valencene does not have psychoactive effects, but it does contribute to the entourage effect in your endocannabinoid system. This effect refers to the idea that all compounds found in marijuana, from terpenes to cannabinoids and flavonoids, contribute to the way you feel when you consume a strain. 

Is valencene an indica or sativa?
No, valencene is a terpene. Terpenes are found throughout nature, including in indica, sativa, and hybrid marijuana plants.
 

How do valencene terpenes form?
Valencene, like other terpenes, are formed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. 
 

Are valencene terpenes common?
Valencene is common in specific cannabis strains, as well as oranges and other citrus fruits. 
 

The best part about cannabis is that you can really tailor your experience to a variety of different things, including THC levels, CBD levels, flavors, aromas, and more. For those cannabis enthusiasts who love a refreshing orange flavor, strains packed with valencene are going to be perfect for you. If you can’t find one of the strains we listed above, just ask the budtender at your local dispensary. They’ll be able to help you find a citrusy strain to treat your tastebuds to.