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!