What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic substances in plants: they are responsible for smell and taste. Thanks to them, a cannabis strain can smell of lemon, tropical fruit, pine or spices.
Terpenes aren't unique to cannabis. They are found in a huge number of plants: they are what you smell when you peel an orange, step on freshly cut grass or open a jar of pepper.
In cannabis they are produced in the same places as THC: the trichomes, those tiny, shiny glands that cover the buds. Each strain has its own blend of terpenes, and that is why each one has a different aroma.
The most common terpenes
- Myrcene: earthy, fruity smell. It's also found in mango and in the hops used in beer.
- Limonene: citrus smell, like lemon or orange peel.
- Caryophyllene: spicy, peppery smell, like black pepper.
- Pinene: fresh smell of pine and forest.
- Linalool: floral smell, like lavender.
What terpenes mean on a product page
On some product pages you'll see a line like "Terpenes: myrcene, limonene". It's a quick way to know how that strain will smell and taste, according to the seed bank's information.
For example, if you like citrus flavors, look for varieties with limonene. If you prefer earthy or sweet aromas, look for myrcene.
As with THC, the actual amount of terpenes depends on how you grow the plant and how you harvest and dry it. Good drying helps preserve the aroma.
Related terms
