If you've ever wondered why one cannabis strain smells like fresh lemons while another reminds you of a pine forest, you've encountered terpenes. These aromatic compounds do more than create appealing scents—they may be the key to understanding why different strains produce different experiences, even when their THC levels are similar.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cannabis terpenes: what they are, how they work, and how to use this knowledge to find products that match what you're looking for.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many plants, including cannabis. They're responsible for the distinctive aromas of lavender, oranges, pine trees, and yes—cannabis. In nature, terpenes serve various purposes: attracting pollinators, repelling predators, and protecting plants from environmental stress.
Cannabis plants produce terpenes in the same glands (trichomes) that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD. A single cannabis strain can contain dozens of different terpenes, though usually a few dominant ones define its characteristic smell.
Why Terpenes Matter for Your Experience
Here's where it gets interesting: terpenes may do more than make cannabis smell good. Research suggests they interact with cannabinoids and your body's endocannabinoid system in complex ways—a phenomenon scientists call the "entourage effect."
This may explain why two strains with identical THC percentages can feel completely different. Their terpene profiles are different, and those terpenes may be shaping your experience in ways we're still learning to understand.
The Major Cannabis Terpenes
While cannabis contains over 200 identified terpenes, a handful appear most frequently and in the highest concentrations. Here's your guide to the major players.
Myrcene
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with hints of clove and ripe fruit
Also found in: Mangoes, lemongrass, hops, thyme
What to know: Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, often comprising 20% or more of a strain's terpene content. Strains high in myrcene are often associated with relaxing, sedating effects—the classic "couch-lock" experience. If you're looking for something to help you unwind in the evening, myrcene-dominant strains are worth exploring.
Common in: Blue Dream, OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Grape Ape
Read our complete myrcene guide →
Limonene
Aroma: Bright citrus, lemon zest, orange peel
Also found in: Lemons, oranges, limes, juniper
What to know: Limonene is the second most common terpene in cannabis and one of the easiest to identify by smell. Strains high in limonene often produce uplifting, energetic experiences. Many people reach for limonene-dominant strains during the day or when they want something mood-enhancing.
Common in: Super Lemon Haze, Wedding Cake, Do-Si-Dos, Strawberry Banana
Read our complete limonene guide →
Pinene
Aroma: Fresh pine, forest, rosemary
Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley
What to know: Pinene is the most common terpene in nature (think of that fresh forest smell). In cannabis, it's associated with alertness and mental clarity. Some research suggests pinene may help counteract some of THC's short-term memory effects, though more studies are needed.
Common in: Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat, Snoop's Dream
Read our complete pinene guide →
Linalool
Aroma: Floral, lavender, subtle spice
Also found in: Lavender, birch bark, coriander
What to know: If you've ever found lavender calming, you've experienced linalool. This terpene is associated with relaxation and calm. Strains high in linalool are often chosen by those looking for a soothing experience without heavy sedation.
Common in: Lavender, LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze, Zkittlez
Read our complete linalool guide →
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like
Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano
What to know: Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes—it can directly interact with CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, something typically only cannabinoids do. It's associated with a grounding, stress-relieving experience. If you like spicy, peppery aromas, look for caryophyllene-dominant strains.
Common in: GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), Original Glue, Purple Punch, Bubba Kush
Read our complete caryophyllene guide →
Other Notable Terpenes
- Humulene: Earthy, woody, hoppy. Found in hops and cannabis. May suppress appetite (unlike most cannabis effects).
- Terpinolene: Floral, herbal, slightly piney. Less common but creates unique, uplifting experiences.
- Ocimene: Sweet, herbal, woody. Often found in strains with complex, layered aromas.
- Bisabolol: Light, floral, chamomile-like. Associated with gentle, soothing effects.
The Entourage Effect: How Terpenes Work With Cannabinoids
The entourage effect is a theory suggesting that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation. Instead of THC or CBD acting alone, terpenes, cannabinoids, and other plant compounds may enhance or modify each other's effects.
This is why a high-THC strain rich in myrcene might feel very different from a high-THC strain rich in limonene—same cannabinoid, different supporting cast.
What This Means for You
The practical takeaway: THC percentage isn't everything. A 20% THC strain with a terpene profile that matches what you're looking for may provide a better experience than a 28% THC strain with terpenes that don't suit your preferences.
Learn more about the entourage effect →
How to Use Terpene Knowledge
Finding Your Terpene Preferences
- Start with your nose. Smell different strains when possible. The ones that appeal to you often align with terpene profiles your body responds well to.
- Note what works. When you find a strain you enjoy, check its terpene profile. Look for similar profiles in other products.
- Think about timing. Myrcene and linalool for evening relaxation. Limonene and pinene for daytime activities.
- Don't ignore minor terpenes. The combination of terpenes matters, not just the dominant one.
Reading Terpene Lab Results
When looking at lab results or Certificates of Analysis (COAs):
- Total terpene content: Higher isn't always better, but products with 2%+ total terpenes tend to have more pronounced aromas and flavours.
- Dominant terpenes: The top 2-3 terpenes usually define the strain's character.
- Terpene ratios: A strain with 1% myrcene and 0.5% limonene will feel different than one with 0.5% myrcene and 1% limonene.
Learn how to read full lab results →
Terpenes by Desired Experience
For Relaxation and Evening Use
Look for strains high in:
- Myrcene (earthy, sedating)
- Linalool (floral, calming)
- Caryophyllene (spicy, grounding)
For Daytime and Focus
Look for strains high in:
- Limonene (citrus, uplifting)
- Pinene (pine, alert)
- Terpinolene (herbal, energetic)
For Balanced Experiences
Look for strains with:
- Mixed profiles without one dominant terpene
- Combination of relaxing and uplifting terpenes
- Moderate total terpene content
Terpene Preservation: Keeping Your Cannabis Fresh
Terpenes are volatile—they evaporate easily when exposed to heat, light, and air. This is why old cannabis often smells weak and produces less flavourful experiences.
To preserve terpenes:
- Store in airtight glass containers
- Keep away from light and heat
- Use humidity packs (58-62%)
- Don't grind until ready to use
Read our complete storage guide →
Beyond Flower: Terpenes in Other Products
Vape Cartridges
Some cartridges use cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT) extracted from the plant. Others use botanical terpenes from non-cannabis sources. CDT products generally offer more authentic strain experiences.
Explore our vaping guide →
Concentrates
Live resin and live rosin preserve more terpenes than other extraction methods because they use fresh-frozen cannabis. If terpenes matter to you, these products often deliver the most flavourful experiences.
Explore our concentrates guide →
Edibles
Most terpenes are lost during edible production due to heat. Some producers add terpenes back after processing, but the effects are debated. Edibles primarily deliver cannabinoid effects.
Explore our edibles guide →
Common Questions About Terpenes
Are terpenes safe?
Terpenes are generally recognized as safe and are found in many foods and cosmetics. However, concentrated terpene isolates should be handled carefully and never consumed directly.
Can I be allergic to certain terpenes?
Yes, some people have sensitivities to specific terpenes. If you consistently have negative reactions to strains with similar aromas, you may want to try different terpene profiles.
Do terpenes show up on drug tests?
No. Drug tests screen for THC metabolites, not terpenes. Terpenes alone won't cause a positive test.
Find Your Terpene Profile at Smokey's
Our budtenders are trained to help you navigate terpenes and find strains that match your preferences. Whether you're looking for something to help you unwind, stay focused, or anything in between, we can guide you toward products with the right terpene profiles for your needs.
Stop by any Smokey's location or browse our menu online. Not sure where to start? Just ask—we love talking terpenes.