The short answer
Terpenes are aromatic compounds made by cannabis and many other plants. They're why one strain smells like lemons and another like pine trees. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, caryophyllene, humulene and terpinolene.
Ever opened a jar and gotten hit with lemon, or pine, or something oddly close to black pepper? That's terpenes. They're the aroma compounds plants make, and cannabis happens to make a lot of them.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, fruits and herbs. They're what makes lavender smell like lavender and hops smell like a brewery. In cannabis, terpenes shape the smell and taste of each strain, which is why two jars with similar labels can smell completely different.
The common ones, by nose
Myrcene: earthy and musky
One of the most common terpenes in cannabis. Think damp earth, cloves, a little ripe fruit. You'll also find it in mangoes, hops, lemongrass and thyme.
Limonene: bright citrus
Exactly what it sounds like. Lemon, orange, grapefruit. It's the same compound concentrated in citrus peels.
Pinene: fresh pine
A walk in the woods. Pinene is the most common terpene in nature and shows up in pine needles, rosemary, basil and dill.
Linalool: floral
Soft and flowery, with a hint of spice. It's a big part of lavender's scent.
Caryophyllene: peppery and spicy
If a strain smells like your spice rack, thank caryophyllene. It's found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
Humulene: woody and hoppy
Named for hops (Humulus lupulus). Earthy, woody, a little bitter. Beer people will recognize it right away.
Terpinolene: fresh and herbal
Harder to pin down. Piney, floral, herbal and a bit fruity all at once. It also turns up in lilacs, apples and nutmeg.
Do terpenes change how cannabis feels?
You'll find plenty of claims online that a certain terpene does a certain thing. The honest answer is that research is still early, and we don't make claims about effects. What we can tell you is how something smells and tastes, and that's a great way to explore. Find an aroma you like, and ask your budtender for more like it.
How to read terpenes on a label
Many products list their top terpenes, sometimes with a percentage. Treat it like tasting notes on a bottle of wine: a helpful guide to flavor, not a promise. Your nose is the final judge.
Keep reading
This product contains cannabis. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product, including for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while using this product.