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Reference Data

The Terpene Effect Matrix

This is the terpene-to-effect weighting table behind Matchleaf's deterministic scoring engine — the same data every strain match is computed from. For each of the 10 effect categories, terpenes are classified as primarily driving the effect, supporting it, or mechanistically working against it. These are preclinical associations from terpene pharmacology research, not medical claims.

How to read the matrix

primaryThe strongest positive contributor — this terpene's presence is the main mechanistic driver of the effect.

supportingA smaller positive contributor — reinforces the effect alongside a primary terpene, but doesn't drive it alone.

suppressesA negative contributor — this terpene's presence mechanistically works against the effect, pulling the score down rather than up.

These are relative modeling weights inside Matchleaf's engine, not measurements of potency or concentration — a strain's actual score also depends on how much of each terpene it contains relative to the others.

All 10 Effect Categories

Energizing

Daytime focus & motivation

Primary

TerpinoleneOcimenePinene

Supporting

Limonene

Suppresses

MyrceneLinaloolNerolidol

Creative

Ideation & flow states

Primary

PineneLimoneneTerpinolene

Supporting

Ocimene

Suppresses

Myrcene

Euphoric

Mood elevation & bliss

Primary

Limonene

Supporting

LinaloolTerpinolenePinene

Suppresses

Intimacy

Arousal & sensory enhancement

Primary

Limonene

Supporting

Linalool

Suppresses

Relaxing

Unwind without sedation

Primary

MyrceneLinaloolCaryophyllene

Supporting

BisabololTerpineolNerolidol

Suppresses

Terpinolene

Sleep

Heavy sedation & knockout

Primary

MyrceneLinalool

Supporting

NerolidolTerpineol

Suppresses

TerpinoleneOcimenePinene

Body Comfort

Body relief & anti-inflammation

Primary

CaryophylleneMyrcene

Supporting

BisabololHumuleneEucalyptolGeraniolLinalool

Suppresses

Social

Talkative & giggly

Primary

LimoneneLinalool

Supporting

TerpinoleneOcimene

Suppresses

Myrcene

Focus

Deep work & concentration

Primary

PineneEucalyptol

Supporting

LimoneneTerpinolene

Suppresses

Myrcene

Appetite

Hunger stimulation

Primary

Myrcene

Supporting

Suppresses

Humulene

Common Questions

Which terpenes are associated with sleep?

Myrcene and Linalool are the primary terpenes mechanistically associated with sleep in Matchleaf's scoring model, with Nerolidol and Terpineol contributing supporting sedative associations. This is a preclinical terpene association, not a medical claim.

Which terpenes work against focus?

Myrcene is modeled as working against focus — its sedating mechanistic profile counteracts the alertness terpenes (Pinene and Eucalyptol) that primarily drive the focus association.

What do "primary," "supporting," and "suppresses" mean in this matrix?

They describe the direction and strength of a terpene's mechanistic contribution in Matchleaf's deterministic scoring engine: a "primary" terpene contributes the strongest positive weight toward an effect, a "supporting" terpene contributes a smaller positive weight, and a terpene that "suppresses" an effect contributes a negative weight — mechanistically working against it. These are relative modeling weights, not measures of potency or concentration.

Which terpene appears in the most effect categories?

Myrcene appears in Matchleaf's model for 8 of the 10 effect categories — more than any other terpene — reflecting its broad mechanistic relevance across the primary/supporting/suppresses relationships in the matrix below.

Is the terpene effect matrix medical advice?

No. Every terpene-effect relationship shown here is a preclinical, mechanistic association drawn from terpene pharmacology research — not a medical claim, and not a guarantee of individual effect. Matchleaf is informational only.

How is this different from a strain's terpene profile page?

This matrix is the general model: which terpenes are associated with which effects, independent of any one strain. A strain's profile page (matchleaf.app/strains/[name]) applies this same model to that strain's actual terpene composition to produce its specific effect scores.

Have strains in front of you? Matchleaf scores them against this matrix for whatever effect you're after.

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For informational purposes only. Matchleaf content does not constitute medical advice. Terpene-effect associations described reflect current research literature and Matchleaf's modeling choices, and may not apply to all individuals. Check applicable laws regarding cannabis use in your jurisdiction.