Valencene is another minor terpene found in cannabis. Its name derives from Valencia oranges as it is found in large amount in this type of oranges. Valencene has a sweet citrusy and fresh herbs aroma and it’s found in small concentration is some cannabis strains.

As many other essential oils, Valencene is a natural insect repellent with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Valencene is considered a minor terpene like borneol or camphene.

Terpenes, both primary and minor terpenes, play a very important role in the cannabis experience.

What is Valencene?

Valencene is a sesquiterpene, which means it consists of three isoprene units. The main difference between sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes is that sesquiterpenes contain three isoprene molecules instead of two isoprene molecules like in monoterpenes.

The flavor and aroma of Valencene is similar to the aroma of oranges, tangerines and grapefruits.

This terpene will make you feel euphoric, alert and it may also promote cognitive functions. As many other terpenes, valencene is also used in cosmetics, cleaning products and in pest control.

What are its Health Benefits?

In addition to its cognitive properties, valencene has other properties that make it a highly appreciated product for treating dermatitis. Essential oils are used to treat dermatitis because they have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, a study has tested the effects of Valencene in melanoma cells in mice. According to this study, “topical application of valencene significantly reduced AD-like symptoms and recovered decreased expression of filaggrin in DNCB-sensitized NC/Nga mice”.

Furthermore, there are many studies on anti-Inflammatory properties of terpenoids from Cannabis. According to a study by Gallily, Yekhtin, & Hanuš, 2018, “the terpenoid-rich essential oils exert anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in vitro and in vivo”.

Valence might also have potential antiallergenic properties. In addition, it has been researched for its potential properties in improving the efficacy Doxorubicin, a drug used in chemotherapy.

Which Cannabis Strains Contain Valencene?

As mentioned above, valencene is a minor terpene, i.e., it’s not found in high concentration in the cannabis plant. However, some cannabis strains have valencene as minor terpene. The following cannabis strains contain small amounts of this essential oil:

Tangie

This cannabis strain is rich in THC (17%). Its most dominant terpene is myrcene with pinene and caryophyllene as secondary terpenes. In addition to these terpenes, Tangie has also small traces of valencene.

Agent Orange

This hybrid cannabis strain has moderate THC levels (15%) and its dominant terpene is also myrcene. Other major terpenes in Agent Orange are terpinolene and Pinene. In addition, Agent Orange has valencene as a minor terpene.

ACDC

This cannabis strain is in many of our cannabis strain lists. ACDC is also very rich in myrcene with pinene and caryophyllene as other major terpene. Furthermore, ACDC is very rich in CBD (14%) with just 1% of THC. You will also notice its aromatic citrusy taste thanks to its valencene content. Moreover, ACDC is excellent to treat pain and anxiety. This strain is recommended for cannabis users looking for a CBD rich strain.

Key Lime Pie

This potent cannabis strain (19% of THC) has caryophyllene as its main terpene with limonene and myrcene as its two other major terpenes. Key Lime Pie has valencene as a secondary terpene.

Jack Frost

It’s a potent cannabis strain with THC levels that go up to 17%. Its main terpenes are terpinolene, myrcene and caryophyllene with valencene as a minor terpene. Jack Frost is a popular strain for medical usage.

Zkittlez

Also known as Skittles, this strain is rich in THC (19%). In addition, Skittles has a characteristic terpene profile with caryophyllene as its main terpene with humulene and linalool as its two other dominant terpenes. Zkittlez has also valencene as a minor terpene.

Race Fuel

This strain is a lesser-known OG strain and very popular as a medical cannabis strain. Race Fuel has a tasty citrusy aroma thanks to having valencene as a minor terpene. Excellent for both recreational and medical usage.

Citrix

Another hybrid strain, Citrix is an energizing cannabis strain with a characteristic grapefruit aroma. Its citrusy aroma is in part thanks to having valencene as a secondary terpene. An excellent strain if you are looking for an aromatic cannabis strain with a fruity scent.

Lemon Meringue

Another lesser-known strain with a characteristic terpene profile. Lemon Meringue is very high in THC with levels that go up to 22% of THC. In addition, Lemon Meringue is high in CBG (2%). Its main terpene is terpinolene and it also has caryophyllene and myrcene as major terpenes. Furthermore, Lemon Meringue has valencene as a minor terpene.

Chupacabra

This hybrid cannabis strain is high in THC (19%). Chupacabra has perhaps one of the most characteristic terpene profiles. Its main terpene is pinene and it also has limonene and myrcene as major terpenes. In addition, you will also notice its citrusy aroma thanks to its valencene levels.