Pile of Valencia oranges, with one cut into two halves

Valencene: The Orange Terpene

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 & Taste Like?
  • What Strains are Heavy in Valencene?
  • FAQs About Valencene

What is Valencene?

Valencene is a sesquiterpene, which means that it’s more complex and bigger than a monoterpene like limonene or pinene.1 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.2

Small cannabis bud on a slice of orangeSmall cannabis bud on a slice of orange

What Does Valencene Smell & Taste Like?

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, you likely know it the moment you taste or smell it. The sweet, citrus tang with notes of herb is unmistakably valencene.

What Strains Are Heavy in Valencene?

You only have to look at the names of our top three valencene terpene strains to know they’re packing the tangy orange flavor you should expect with this little compound. If you’re interested in trying some valencene strains, check out these:

Tangie

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%.3
 

Clementine

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%.5
 

Cannabis flower nugget of Clementine strainCannabis flower nugget of Clementine strain

Agent Orange

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%.4
 

Two green text messages bubbles, the top says FAQTwo green text messages bubbles, the top says FAQ

Answering FAQs About Valencene

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. 
 

Verilife leaf logo on a black backgroundVerilife leaf logo on a black background

Purchasing Valencene Strains

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. 

 

 

Sources:

1. “Valencene,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/valencene

2. “Valencene,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/valencene

3. “Tangie Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/tangie

4. “Agent Orange Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/agent-orange

5. “Clementine Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/clementine

cannabis leaf outline in a green circle

Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.