What Are Terpenes?

What gives the Sour Diesel strain that skunky smell and Pink Kush a gassy aroma of orange, butterscotch, coffee, earth, and grapefruit? Terpenes. Knowing what terpenes are are will deepen your appreciation of cannabis.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic pungent oils found in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are responsible for the beautiful scents profiles you smell. That pungent cheesy smell, that beautiful flowery scent, as well as that burst of citrus are all responsible for terpenes. The scents that terpenes release give each strain its own particular “brand”.

Why are Terpenes important?

You already know the 2 most abundant terpenes in the cannabis plant – THC & CBD. But did you know there are over 100 other terpenes that can be found in those same plant glands? Each terpene has its own aromatic oil that gives off a distinctive smell and taste, and they’re found in plants and flowers everywhere. When you smell mango in your bud, you’re smelling the same terpene found in a mango plant – Myrcene! Each plant has its own combination and concentration of terpenes. These terpenes flavour profile helps give your favourite buds their unique set of characteristics and effects!

To best understand terpenes think of them as aromatherapy. The aromatic effects terpenes can have on the body range from calming to invigorating. What some believe THC, CBD, and terpenes work together in the overall effect of cannabis, this theory is called the entourage effect.” Understanding terpenes can be key in finding the cannabis path you are looking for. Using a battery powered vape device to vaporizer dry flower or a cannabis extract vape have both been found very efficient in maximizing the terpene experience. There are hundreds of terpenes found in various cannabis plants we have listed the most common ones below. Visit the Cannabar and find out if you can distinguish the terpenes in the different strains!

TERPENE 

PROFILE

EFFECTS

PATHWAYS

SUGGESTED VAPE TEMP

MYRCENE

Earthy aroma found in mango, lemongrass, and hops.

CALMING

ALL

322 F

CARYOPHYLLENE

Herbal aroma found in black pepper and cloves.

ENERGIZING

ROCK & ROLL | RISE & SHINE

266 F

PINENE

Piney aroma found in pine needles and basil.

CALMING

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS | TAKE IT EASY

311 F

LIMONENE

Citrus aroma found fruit rinds and peppermint.

RELAXATION

TAKE IT EASY | SWEET DREAMS

348 F

TERPINOLENE

Herbal citrus aroma found in nutmeg and tea tree oil.

UPLIFTING

TAKE IT EASY | 

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS |  

RISE & SHINE

366 F

HUMULENE

Hoppy aroma found in hops and basil.

ENERGIZING

ROCK & ROLL | RISE & SHINE

222 F

LINALOOL

Floral aroma found in lavender and birch.

RELAXATION

TAKE IT EASY | SWEET DREAMS

388 F

OCIMENE

Sweet Herbal aroma found in orchids and parsley.

STIMULATING

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS |  

RISE & SHINE |  ROCK & ROLL