The unique smells and tastes of cannabis can be attributed to terpenes, aromatic compounds found in many plants. The cannabis plant has hundreds of terpenes, all contributing to different scent and flavor profiles that give each strain its unique flair. But terpenes go far smell and taste, shaping the effects of each strain through different biological interactions. 

Let’s look closer at how terpenes shape the overall cannabis experience. 

What are cannabis terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils that appear in the resin glands of many different plants. They provide distinct and powerful aromas that serve as botanic defense systems against predators and disease and also attract pollinator species.      

Even if you’ve never heard the term before, you’ve likely experienced terpenes in one way or another. For example, the light and uplifting aromatic terpene limonene is present in the rinds of citrus fruits and rosemary. Pinene, which smells distinctly like fresh-cut pine, is present in pine trees, cedar trees, basil, parsley, and several other herbs. 

And then there’s linalool, a floral, spicy terpene found in lavender, mint, and tropical fruits, among other plants. Eucalyptol, as the name suggests, is minty and fresh and found in eucalyptus, peppermint, and other minty herbs. 

Cannabis terpenes work together to create unique flavor and aroma profiles unique to different strains. Strains like Super Lemon Haze and Mimosa are citrusy and light due to their high limonene content. Granddaddy Purple, a strain with distinct grape and berry aromas, is rich in linalool. 

Each cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile. While some strains may lean heavily in one direction (like Super Lemon Haze and its rich limonene content), all strains have a blend of different terpenes present in the plant. The combination of different compounds leads to unique effects and flavor profiles. 

How cannabis terpenes shape the experience

One of the biggest roles cannabis terpenes play is within the “entourage effect.” A theory that cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) work synergistically with terpenes to boost one another’s effects, the entourage effect is a highly discussed cannabis concept. While we need more studies to better understand its mechanisms, the entourage effect is a widely accepted phenomenon in the world of cannabis science. 

Terpenes also work indirectly with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a large and complex biological network that regulates many physiological processes. From impacting mood and appetite to pain perception and immune function, the ECS plays a pivotal role in humans and other mammals. 

Cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) bind with or directly impact receptors in the ECS to influence different bodily functions. When terpenes interact with these receptors, they can potentially enhance the binding of other cannabinoids to boost their benefits. 

Different cannabis terpenes and their effects

Here are some of the most common cannabis terpenes and their effects:

Myrcene: Abundant in most cannabis strains, myrcene is a musky, earthy terpene that may have sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene is also found in high concentrations in fruits like mango. 

Limonene: An uplifting, citrusy terpene, limonene is suggested to enhance mood and potentially offer neuroprotective benefits. 

Humulene: An herbal, earthy, and woody terpene, humulene is considered a calming compound with potentially anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

Caryophyllene: Spicy and peppery, caryophyllene is an uplifting yet relaxing terpene suggested to help with neuropathic pain and inflammation. 

Pinene: With an aroma just like fresh cut pine, pinene is a mood boosting terpene often used in aromatherapy and traditional medicines aimed at relieving gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and more. 

Linalool: A sweet and floral terpene, linalool is often used as a calming agent and for stress relief. It’s been suggested to help with depression among other conditions. 

How to use terpenes to shop for cannabis

In some cases, you can use your nose to gauge the general terpene profile. A nug that smells overwhelmingly like lemon likely has a large concentration of limonene. Likewise, a peppery, spicy nug is likely rich in caryophyllene.

But there are a lot of terpenes present in cannabis, and it’s not easy to identify exactly what’s in your strain. Plus, most of us don’t get the opportunity to smell our weed before we buy it, either because state law prohibits dispensaries from letting customers smell products or because you can’t smell cannabis before you buy it online. 

Whatever the case, it’s helpful to shop from brands that offer information about their product’s terpene profiles. Many products now include terpene information because savvy consumers are aware that the effects of cannabis are shaped significantly by terpene profiles. 

For example, we list the terpene profile on all of our THCa flower. If you’re looking at our Gas Mask THCa flower, you’ll see that we’ve noted its main terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene. Consumers can expect a pungent diesel, earthy, sour cherry, and skunky aroma from this flower. With the terpene profile clearly listed, they can also gauge the effects they might experience, ranging from sedative and relaxing to euphoric and happy.  

On the other hand, our Silver Spoon THCa flower is rich in terpinolene (an herbal, floral terpene with potential sedative effects), limonene, and caryophyllene. Consumers can expect an uplifting but mellow, creative, and euphoric experience with this strain.  

Rather than rely on distinctions like sativa, indica, and hybrid, terpenes can empower cannabis users to find the strains that produce the best effects to suit their needs. 

Terpenes in THCa flower

If you’re buying weed online and wondering if THCa flower has the same terpene profiles as regular cannabis, the answer is yes. Terpenes in THCa flower are no different than terpenes found in typical cannabis plants. 

THCa flower is not altered or manipulated in any way. The plant is cultivated in the same manner as regular cannabis, but with an emphasis on harvesting plants rich in THCa and low in THC. 

THCa flower and THC flower are only different in their cannabinoid contents. Flower with less than 0.3% THC is considered hemp and is federally legal. But when THCa flower is heated up with a lighter, it converts the THCa compounds into THC. 

None of these processes impact the terpene profiles. THCa flower has the same ability to contain rich and unique terpene profiles that impact the overall high. 

Final thoughts on terpenes

We hope this guide to cannabis terpenes will help you feel more equipped and empowered to find the right products for your needs. Rather than solely focus on distinctions like indica, sativa, and hybrid, you can use terpene profiles to inform your shopping decisions. 

Remember to look for brands that offer insight into their terpene profiles, such as displaying the dominant terpenes or including a terpene chart. 

And next time you catch a whiff of lavender, lemon, mint, or other aromatic plants, remember that terpenes are responsible for their pleasant aroma.