What terpenes are
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to smell and flavor: citrus, pine, pepper, lavender, fuel, fruit, earth, and more. They may also influence the overall experience, although terpene effects are often oversold in marketing.
Common terpene notes
| Terpene | Aroma / notes |
|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, herbal; also associated with hops and mango. |
| Limonene | Citrus peel, bright, lemon/orange aroma. |
| Pinene | Pine, rosemary, basil-like freshness. |
| Caryophyllene | Pepper, spice, cloves; also found in black pepper. |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender-like aroma. |
| Humulene | Hoppy, woody, earthy. |
| Terpinolene | Fresh, herbal, sometimes floral or fruit-like. |
How to use terpene information
Terpenes are best used as a comparison tool, not a guarantee. If a product you enjoy has high limonene and caryophyllene, you may look for similar profiles later. Over time, you can learn your own preferences instead of relying only on strain names.