What Are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter?

The Power of Terpenes

If you've ever noticed that different strains smell and feel different, you've experienced terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in all plants — not just cannabis. They're what gives lavender its calming scent, lemons their citrus aroma, and pine trees their fresh smell.

Common Terpenes in THCA Flower

Myrcene The most abundant terpene in cannabis. Earthy, musky aroma. Found in mangoes and hops. Associated with relaxation.

Limonene Bright citrus aroma. Found in lemon rinds. Associated with elevated mood and stress relief.

Caryophyllene Spicy, peppery aroma. Found in black pepper and cloves. The only terpene that interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors.

Pinene Fresh pine aroma. Found in pine needles and rosemary. Associated with alertness and focus.

Linalool Floral, lavender aroma. Associated with calming effects.

The Entourage Effect

Terpenes work together with cannabinoids to create a combined effect greater than any single compound alone. This is why different strains feel different even at similar potency levels.

What to Look For

When choosing flower, let your nose guide you. The terpene profile that smells best to you is often the one your body responds to best.