Cannabis terpenes explained simply: they are aromatic compounds associated with familiar smell and flavour words such as citrus, pine, fuel or berry. Terpenes occur throughout the plant world and contribute to how a cannabis listing describes aroma.
Cannabis terpenes explained through common names
- Myrcene — earthy, musky; one of the most common.
- Limonene — bright citrus.
- Caryophyllene — peppery, spicy.
- Pinene — fresh pine.
- Linalool — floral, lavender.
- Terpinolene — herbal, fruity.
Why terpenes matter when choosing
Terpenes are why two strains with similar THC can smell and taste completely different. If you know which aromas you enjoy, browsing by terpene or flavour is often more useful than browsing by THC alone. Eon flower lists its terpene notes on every product.
Reading a terpene description
A listing may name individual terpenes, use broader aroma words or provide both. Treat those descriptions as comparison vocabulary. Citrus, pine, spice and floral notes can help organize a shortlist, but an aroma description is not a measured potency value or a guarantee of an individual experience.
When no terpene information is supplied, do not infer a profile from the strain name alone. Compare broader terms in the flavour and aroma glossary, or use the cannabis glossary for a quick definition.