Science
Cannabis Terpenes
The aromatic compounds that do more than just smell good. They shape your entire experience.
The Basics
What Are Terpenes?
Over 200 terpenes identified in cannabis
Terpenes are organic aromatic compounds produced by plants, insects, and some animals. In cannabis, they are secreted by the same glands that produce THC and CBD — the trichomes. They are what give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor.
But terpenes do far more than provide aroma. Research increasingly shows that they influence the effects of cannabis by interacting with cannabinoids and your body’s own endocannabinoid system. Two strains with identical THC percentages can produce very different experiences if their terpene profiles differ.
Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. Limonene is what makes lemons smell citrusy. Linalool gives lavender its calming aroma. Pinene is the fresh smell of a pine forest. When you encounter these compounds in cannabis, they bring similar properties to the experience.
Why It Matters
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the theory that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation. THC on its own produces one kind of experience. THC combined with specific terpenes, CBD, and other cannabinoids produces a different, often more nuanced experience.
This is why a strain with 20 percent THC and a rich terpene profile can feel more complex and enjoyable than a strain with 30 percent THC and a stripped-down chemical profile. More THC does not automatically mean a better experience.
When choosing cannabis, think of terpenes as the fine-tuning dial. THC and CBD set the foundation, and terpenes adjust the character of the experience — making it more relaxing, more energizing, more creative, or more sedating.
THC
Primary psychoactive compound
CBD
Modulates and balances effects
Terpenes
Fine-tune the experience
Together
The entourage effect
The Big Eight
8 Major Cannabis Terpenes
These are the most commonly found and most researched terpenes in cannabis. Learning to identify them by smell can help you predict your experience.
Myrcene
Most CommonAroma
Earthy, musky, herbal with clove undertones
Also Found In
Mangoes, lemongrass, hops, thyme
Effects
Sedating, relaxing, muscle-relieving. The most common terpene in cannabis. High myrcene content is often what makes a strain feel indica-like.
Limonene
Very CommonAroma
Citrus, lemon, orange zest
Also Found In
Citrus fruit rinds, juniper, rosemary
Effects
Mood elevation, stress relief, energizing. Associated with uplifting sativa-like experiences. May support absorption of other terpenes.
Pinene
Very CommonAroma
Pine, fresh forest, sharp and clean
Also Found In
Pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill
Effects
Alertness, mental clarity, memory retention. The most common terpene in nature. May help counteract some of THC's short-term memory effects.
Linalool
CommonAroma
Floral, lavender, sweet with spicy hints
Also Found In
Lavender, coriander, sweet basil, birch bark
Effects
Calming, anti-anxiety, sedating at higher levels. The same compound that makes lavender a go-to for relaxation. Often found in strains used for sleep.
Caryophyllene
Very CommonAroma
Spicy, peppery, woody, warm
Also Found In
Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano
Effects
Anti-inflammatory properties, stress relief. Unique among terpenes because it binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors, essentially acting as both a terpene and a cannabinoid.
Humulene
CommonAroma
Earthy, woody, hoppy
Also Found In
Hops, coriander, cloves, ginseng
Effects
Appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory. Often found alongside caryophyllene. Contributes to the earthy, grounding quality of many cannabis strains.
Terpinolene
Less CommonAroma
Floral, piney, herbal, slightly citrus
Also Found In
Nutmeg, tea tree, cumin, apples, lilacs
Effects
Mildly sedating, antioxidant properties. Less common but contributes to complex, multi-layered strain profiles. Found in some uplifting sativa-dominant strains.
Ocimene
Less CommonAroma
Sweet, herbaceous, woody, tropical
Also Found In
Mint, parsley, orchids, kumquats, mangoes
Effects
Uplifting, energizing. One of the lighter, sweeter terpenes. Contributes to the fresh, green scent of many cannabis strains. Often found in sativa-dominant varieties.
Smell Before You Buy
Your nose knows more than any label
Keep Them Fresh
Terpene Preservation Tips
Terpenes are volatile compounds that degrade with exposure to heat, light, and air. Proper storage preserves both the flavor and the effects of your cannabis.
Store in airtight glass
Terpenes evaporate easily. Airtight glass containers prevent the aromatic compounds from escaping and keep your flower smelling and tasting fresh.
Keep away from heat
Terpenes degrade at high temperatures. Store your cannabis in a cool environment, ideally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Never leave it in a hot car or near radiators.
Avoid UV light exposure
Sunlight breaks down terpenes and cannabinoids over time. Use opaque or dark-tinted containers, or store your jar inside a cabinet or drawer.
Do not over-grind
Grinding cannabis exposes more surface area and accelerates terpene loss. Grind only what you plan to use immediately.
Mind the humidity
Too dry and terpenes evaporate faster. Too moist and you risk mold. Aim for 55 to 62 percent relative humidity using a humidity control pack.
Use it fresh
Terpenes are most potent when cannabis is recently cured. While properly stored flower lasts months, the terpene profile is richest in the first few weeks after purchase.
Smell the Difference
Our staff can walk you through terpene profiles and help you find strains that match what you are looking for. 570 Midland Ave, Staten Island.
Studio 57 Cannabis Dispensary is licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). All products are tested in accordance with NYS regulations. Cannabis is for adult use only. You must be 21 years or older to enter the dispensary or purchase products. Keep cannabis products out of reach of children and pets. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before using cannabis products.