Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, from lemon peel to pine needles to lavender. In cannabis, they’re made in the same sticky glands (trichomes) that produce cannabinoids, and they’re a big part of why one strain smells and tastes different from another.
Common terpenes
Myrcene smells earthy and musky. Limonene is citrusy. Pinene smells like pine. Linalool is floral, like lavender. Caryophyllene is peppery and spicy. Cannabis has a mix of several, and the blend creates the overall aroma of the plant.
Do they change how it feels?
You’ll often hear about the “entourage effect,” the idea that terpenes and cannabinoids (like THC and THCA) work together to shape the experience. It’s an interesting theory, but the evidence so far is mixed and still being studied. Terpenes clearly affect flavor and smell. Claims about specific effects are less settled.
How to use this info
Your nose is a good guide. If you like how a product smells, you’ll probably like how it tastes. Some labels list terpene percentages or the top few terpenes, which can help you find something similar next time. Products made from fresh-frozen plants, like live resin, tend to keep more of them. Heat breaks terpenes down, so lower-temperature vaping preserves more flavor, and storing cannabis in a cool, dark, sealed container helps it keep its aroma.