# Monoterpene

> A monoterpene is a ten-carbon terpene made from geranyl pyrophosphate, such as myrcene, limonene, pinene or terpinolene; they are the most volatile terpenes and the first lost in drying.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/monoterpene.html
- Also written: monoterpenes, C10 terpene, monoterpenoid, monoterpenoids
- Glossary category: Cannabinoids and terpenes · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

A monoterpene contains ten carbons, two isoprene units, and is made from [geranyl pyrophosphate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/geranyl-pyrophosphate.md) by [terpene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/terpene.md) synthase enzymes. Monoterpenes dominate the bright top notes of cannabis aroma: myrcene (musky, earthy), [limonene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/limonene.md) (citrus), alpha- and beta-pinene (pine), [terpinolene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/terpinolene.md) (fresh, herbal), ocimene (sweet, green) and [linalool](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/linalool.md) (floral, a monoterpenoid alcohol).

## In practice

Because they are small and volatile, monoterpenes evaporate and oxidise more readily than [sesquiterpenes](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/sesquiterpene.md). Ross and ElSohly (1996) reported large monoterpene losses after air-drying, with the sesquiterpene share rising in comparison. That is the chemistry behind the grower rule: dry slowly and cool, cure gently and keep jars cool and dark. Flower that smelled loud on the plant and dull after a fast, warm dry has lost monoterpenes.

## Don't confuse with

- **Sesquiterpene**: C15, heavier and less volatile ([beta-caryophyllene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/beta-caryophyllene.md), humulene).
- **Monoterpenoid**: an oxygenated monoterpene such as linalool or eucalyptol; often lumped in.
- **Terpene profile**: the mix measured in a given sample.

## Related terms

[Terpene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/terpene.md), [Sesquiterpene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/sesquiterpene.md), [Geranyl pyrophosphate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/geranyl-pyrophosphate.md), [Myrcene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/myrcene.md), [Limonene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/limonene.md), [Alpha-pinene](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/alpha-pinene.md)

## Read more

- [Drying cannabis: the 60/60 method and water activity](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/harvest-cure/drying.md)

## Sources

1. Booth JK, Bohlmann J. 2019. Terpenes in Cannabis sativa: from plant genome to humans. Plant Science 284:67-72.
2. Ross SA, ElSohly MA. 1996. The volatile oil composition of fresh and air-dried buds of Cannabis sativa. Journal of Natural Products 59(1):49-51.