What are Terpenes? Understanding the Essence of Cannabis

Sure, there’s flower that looks like a mini Christmas tree. Then there’s the strike of a lighter, and the unmistakable sound of a bubbler. This is how you identify cannabis with two of your senses, sight and hearing.

But the most iconic marker of cannabis, and the fastest way to find 420-friendly people, is smell. That piney, earthy scent, or the more classic "skunk."

How does that fit into this article? Well, there's a scientific explanation for everything.

But let’s answer the most basic question first.

Terpenes are organic chemicals found in your favorite herb, plants, fruits, and, oddly enough – animals. But let’s not talk about that last one.

Terpenes are present in the glandular trichomes of hemp. They look like small, clear mushrooms growing out of the plant. 

When you smell the sweet scent of pine after a summer’s rain, you might be smelling the terpenes of Superglue. (That’s a joke. There is a strain of cannabis called Superglue. It also has a skunky odor in addition to pine. Please don’t sniff glue. It’s bad for you.) 

Since they affect the smell, terpenes also affect the taste. So real quick: terpenes are chemicals present within plants that causes it to smell a certain way. And these naturally-occurring, good-for-you organically-occurring chemicals, can have distinct effects on you.

The role of terpenes extends beyond merely determining a plant's taste and smell. Although non-psychoactive, they do impact your overall experience by influencing how cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with one another. This synergy, referred to as The Entourage Effect, may be enhanced or modified by a strain's unique combination of terpenes. This is why those with high myrcene content tend to induce more pronounced relaxation, while those high in limonene are likely to increase one's sense of alertness. Consequently, understanding and isolating these compounds has become crucial in developing cannabis-based products and research. Individuals may use this knowledge to select the best strain for consumption, like a sommelier determining which wine best complements a meal.

However, it's crucial to keep the idea of individual sensitivity front of mind. People may respond to terpenes differently, resulting in varying experiences even when consuming the same strain. For example, an Indica will typically produce a heavier body high than a Sativa, but it's possible that will not be the case for you. The purported effects of any strain should be taken more as a guideline rather than a guarantee.

There are thousands of terpenes that are found in nature, but those covered here are some of the most common relatives of cannabis. So, the next time you select a strain, remember to think about those little molecules working together to add depth, character, and complexity to your experience. It's not just about the THC or CBD content, it is the terpenes you can thank for enriching your session.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.