Terpenes are the natural compounds that give cannabis its smell and taste, the same family of compounds behind the scent of oranges, pine needles and black pepper. At Saint John Bud Express we get asked about them because they are a big part of why two strains with similar THC can feel so different to smell and smoke. This guide covers the basics for anyone in Saint John who wants to shop by nose.
Where do terpenes come from?
Terpenes are made in the same tiny resin glands, called trichomes, that produce THC and other cannabinoids. They are not unique to cannabis: thousands of plants make them, which is why some cannabis smells like lemons, lavender or a forest floor.
They are delicate. Terpenes evaporate easily. Heat, light, air and time all wear them down, which is why old or badly stored weed loses its smell. Our guide on how to store weed covers keeping that aroma intact.
What are the most common terpenes in cannabis?
Myrcene
Earthy and musky, sometimes with a hint of ripe fruit or cloves. It is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It is often linked with relaxing, couch-friendly strains, although that link is debated and not well proven.
Limonene
Bright citrus, like lemon or orange peel. Strains heavy in limonene often smell fresh and zesty. Some people describe them as uplifting, but that is personal experience rather than settled science.
Caryophyllene
Peppery and spicy, like cracked black pepper or cloves. It is unusual among terpenes because it also interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors, which has made it a popular topic for researchers. What that means for how cannabis feels is still being studied.
Pinene
Sharp pine, like a walk through the woods. It is also found in rosemary and basil.
Linalool
Floral and soft, the main scent in lavender. Strains with linalool often have a sweet, perfumed nose.
Terpinolene
Fresh and complex, a mix of herbs, pine and a little fruit. It is less common as a leading terpene but very recognizable once you know it.
Humulene
Woody and earthy, the same compound that gives hops their character in beer.
Do terpenes change how cannabis feels?
This is where you will hear a lot of strong claims, so it is worth being careful. The honest answer is that research suggests terpenes might play some role, and many people swear by the idea that they shape the experience. One popular theory is the "entourage effect", the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together.
But the evidence is still limited, and the same terpene can seem to feel different from one person to the next. Treat terpene profiles as a guide to flavour and aroma first. If a certain smell keeps lining up with strains you enjoy, that is useful information for you, even if science can't explain it yet.
That same caution applies to the indica and sativa labels. Our indica vs sativa guide explains why many people now look at terpenes alongside those labels.
How can you use terpenes when shopping?
Smell it if you can. Aroma is the most direct clue. A strong, distinct smell usually means a good terpene content and careful storage.
Notice what you like. Keep track of strains you enjoy and how they smelled. Over time you will see patterns, like a preference for citrus or for earthy, spicy flower.
Read descriptions for scent words. Words like citrus, gas, pine, berry or pepper usually point to the dominant terpenes.
Think about freshness. Older flower loses terpenes first. That is part of the gap our piece on luxury vs budget buds talks about.
Are terpenes in vapes and concentrates too?
Yes. Some extracts are made to keep as many of the plant's own terpenes as possible, while others strip them out and add terpenes back later. Our comparison of live resin vs distillate explains the difference.
The Bottom Line
Terpenes are what make cannabis smell like citrus, pine or pepper, and they are a handy way to find flavours you enjoy. Any effect claims are still unproven, so trust your own nose and experience. Browse our flower category and order through our Saint John weed delivery service, with delivery in 1 to 3 hours.
