The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis: Aroma, Flavor, and Feel
Cannabis can differ in taste and smell, depending on its strain. And you know what’s responsible? The invisible components called terpenes.
These compounds offer more than fragrance and flavor, however. In this article, we’ll go into terpene science to determine the benefits of terpenes that transform every sip, every whiff, and every bite into something multi-dimensional and one-of-a-kind.
What is a Terpene and What Does It Do?
If you’ve ever come across the term and wondered “What is a terpene?”, it’s basically the natural compound that bestows distinct aromas and flavors to cannabis and countless other flora. Terpenes are the reason why various plants can smell and taste so differently from each other.
When you walk around a garden and take a whiff, you may notice that one plant has a hint of pine, another leans citrusy, while a third carries a floral fragrance. That’s various terpenes at play. They can also make some crops sweet and others bitter, sour, or even spicy.
But beyond stirring your nose and taste buds, these aromatic molecules may affect how you feel too. Different terpene profiles can calm and ground you or energize and center you, influencing your mood and sensations once consumed.
In cannabis, terpene science dances hand-in-hand with a partner: cannabinoids. Cannabis terpenes mingle with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what’s called the entourage effect, a theoretical synergy where these elements come together to heighten the psychoactive impact of weed.
Are Terpenes Only Found in Cannabis?
No. Although terpenes can only create an entourage effect with cannabinoids, they aren’t exclusive to cannabis because a lot of other plants have them, albeit in different forms.
You’ve met them in lavender’s soothing scent, in the sharp notes of cinnamon, in the bright zest of lemons, and in many other fruits, flowers, and leaves you have smelled or eaten before. Natural terpenes exist all around you. They may not be visible, but your nose and tongue can tell they’re there even when your eyes can’t.
What’s the Difference Between Terpenes and Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids and terpenes may dwell in the same plant and strengthen each other’s impact, but they have particular roles that set them apart.
Cannabinoids, as their name implies, are unique to cannabis. They go straight to your endocannabinoid system, swaying your mood, sleep, pain receptors, and your mind as a whole. On the other hand, terpenes can be found in plenty of plants aside from cannabis. The terpene effects give cannabis its signature scent and therapeutic efficiency.
When your body takes in edibles or weed drinks, it feels so layered and nuanced because these two components function together for that entourage effect that lifts you up. While cannabinoids are responsible for the core physiological effects, terpenes set the tone and texture of the experience. This synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes is what makes cannabis products feel so unique.
How do Terpenes Contribute to Flavor and Smell?
Terpenes give certain plants their distinguishable aromas and flavors. May it be limonene’s bright zest, myrcene’s ripe mango sweetness, or caryophyllene’s peppery bite, these terpenes and their other variants contribute to how you smell and taste specific fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Many people are now curious about the benefits of terpenes since they also determine how plants affect our bodies.
If you’ve ever cracked open the lid of a basket full of fresh flowers, the terpenes will greet you with an array of sweet, fruity, or earthy scents. If you’re placing a spoonful of veggie salad in your mouth, you’ll likely taste the blend of tangy, tart, and fresh terpenes with every chew. But more than just serving fragrances or food flavorings, these natural compounds are meant to attract pollinators, ward off predators, and send signals to the world around them.
For cannabis products, terpenes create a sensory foundation, setting the stage for how cannabinoids connect with your system. The smell primes your mind, the taste engages your palate, and the resulting sensation tweaks your mood and energy. These terpene effects are why aroma and flavor are so closely tied to how each cannabis strain makes you feel.
What Are the Most Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Benefits?
Myrcene
This is the monoterpene that brings out the familiar earthy, musky note of cannabis. Myrcene is most often linked with deep relaxation since it’s known to ease muscles and relieve stress. A study published in the National Library of Medicine even points to its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Cannabis strains like Blue Dream and Granddaddy Purple make the most of its signature, mellowing vibe.
Limonene
The bright citrus aroma you can sometimes sniff from cannabis is a product of limonene. It’s a mood-shifter and energy-booster monoterpene that cheers you up and invigorates you to go through your day. According to CannaMD, it also has the potential to calm anxiety and protect your body with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. You can find them in the zesty Sour Diesel and Super Lemon Haze cannabis strains.
Pinene
Cannabis also has pinene, another common monoterpene that gives off the crisp scent of fresh pine needles. Diet Smoke swears by its capability to sharpen focus, improve memory retention, and even provide respiratory support since it can open the airways with its bronchodilating effects. It’s carried in weed strains such as Jack Herer and Dutch Treat. These three may be the most common, but there are still many other types of terpene that can be found in cannabis— around 150 of them, in fact! The benefits of terpenes depend on the strains of cannabis you have in your edible, joint, or weed drink.
Can you Shop for Cannabis Products Based on Terpenes?
Yes, of course. You can choose your cannabis by terpene profile, and it’s one of the best ways to customize your experience. You can go for the cannabis strains that you find to be the most aromatic, flavorful, and effective for you.
If you’re not buying pure weed, you can still determine the terpenes you’re getting by reading the labels on cannabis products. Many of them list the dominant terpenes they contain on the label.
If you don’t find the terpenes there, you can check their lab results since some brands upload them online for their customers’ reference. This makes it easier to identify the benefits of terpenes and how they can improve your experience. Our cannabis drinks at Find Wunder are curated with thoughtful terpene profiles, balancing flavor with feeling and function. Wunder makes it easy to sip your way into the right state of mind, so if you’re seeking a specific terpene to achieve your desired vibe, you can browse our shop, check what we have in store, and take your pick.
