What Are Terpenes? Simply Explained
Ever notice how two cannabis strains can smell completely different — one like citrus, another like pine, another like berries? That's terpenes at work. And while most people think of terpenes as just the smell, they're actually one of the most interesting parts of the cannabis plant.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by a wide variety of plants — not just cannabis. They're what gives lavender its calming scent, lemons their sharp citrus smell, and pine trees their distinctive forest aroma. In the cannabis plant, terpenes are produced alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD in the same glands.
There are over 200 terpenes identified in cannabis, though a handful appear most commonly in consumer products.
What do terpenes actually do?
Terpenes influence the smell and flavour of cannabis, but the research also suggests they may influence the overall experience. This is part of what's sometimes called the entourage effect — the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together, and that the combination is more meaningful than any single compound alone.
In plain terms: two products with identical THC percentages but different terpene profiles may feel and function quite differently.
Common cannabis terpenes and what to know about them
Myrcene — Earthy, musky, a little like cloves. One of the most common terpenes in cannabis. Often associated with relaxing effects.
Limonene — Bright, citrusy. Also found in lemon rinds. Often described as uplifting and mood-elevating.
Pinene — Fresh, like a pine forest. Also found in rosemary and basil. Sometimes associated with mental clarity.
Linalool — Floral, slightly spicy. The same terpene responsible for lavender's calming reputation.
Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery. Unique because it also interacts directly with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which has made it a subject of ongoing research.
Should you shop by terpenes?
Increasingly, cannabis educators and medical professionals suggest that terpenes are a more useful guide to choosing a product than THC percentage alone. If you have a sense of the kind of experience you want — relaxed, uplifted, focused — talking to a knowledgeable budtender about terpene profiles can be more helpful than chasing a number on a label.
Mary Jane says: "I always say: smell the jar. Your nose knows more than a percentage label does. The terpenes are what make one strain feel like a deep breath out and another feel like a spark of energy."
What beginners should know about terpenes
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds, not additives
They're found in many plants, not just cannabis
They influence smell, flavour, and possibly the overall experience
Higher THC doesn't mean better — terpene profile matters too
Ask your budtender about the terpenes in a product, not just the THC
The Ask Mary Jane membership library includes a full terpene reference guide.
