Terpenes Explained: Aroma, Flavour & Effects

Introduction

Cannabis isn’t just about THC and CBD. One of the biggest influences on how cannabis smells, tastes, and even feels comes from something called terpenes. These natural compounds are found in countless plants, herbs, and fruits, and they’re the reason why some cannabis strains smell like fresh pine while others burst with citrus or floral notes. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what terpenes are, how they affect aroma, flavour, and potential effects, and break down seven of the most common terpenes in cannabis—with a few fun everyday facts you might not expect. 

What Are Terpenes? 

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive scents and flavours in cannabis and other plants. While they don’t produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC, terpenes can still shape your cannabis experience. Through something called the entourage effect, terpenes may work alongside cannabinoids to influence mood, energy, or relaxation. 

But terpenes are everywhere—not just in cannabis. They’re the reason pine needles smell fresh, lavender feels calming, and lemons smell zesty. Chances are, you’ve encountered many of them long before your first puff. 

Meet the Terpenes 

Here are seven of the most common terpenes you’ll find in cannabis—along with where else you might run into them in your day-to-day life. 

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🌲 Pinene – The Forest Freshie 

Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil 

Aroma & flavour: Piney, sharp, refreshing 

Vibe: May support alertness, focus, and a clear-headed experience 

Ahh, Pinene—the terpene that makes you feel like you’ve just hiked through a pine forest. Its crisp, refreshing aroma is one of the most recognizable in nature. 

Fun fact: Pinene is so common that it’s often used in cleaning products to give that “just-scrubbed” freshness. 

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🥭 Myrcene – The Chill Companion 

Also found in: Mangoes, thyme, lemongrass 

Aroma & flavour: Earthy, musky, herbal 

Vibe: May encourage relaxation, calm, and a laid-back mood 

Myrcene is one of the most abundant cannabis terpenes, often linked with relaxing, mellow strains. It has an earthy, musky smell that many people think of as the “classic cannabis” aroma. 

Fun fact: Mangoes are rich in Myrcene, which is why some people swear that eating a mango before cannabis can intensify the experience. 

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🌸 Linalool – The Floral Relaxer 

Also found in: Lavender, coriander, rosewood 

Aroma & flavour: Floral, soft, slightly spicy 

Vibe: May bring stress relief, calm, and mellow feels 

If you’ve ever used lavender to relax, you’ve already experienced Linalool. This terpene brings a gentle floral aroma and is often associated with soothing vibes. 

Fun fact: Linalool is a big reason why lavender is so popular in aromatherapy, pillow sprays, and spa treatments. 

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🌶 Caryophyllene – The Spicy Protector 

Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon 

Aroma & flavour: Peppery, spicy, warm 

Vibe: May help with stress relief and body-soothing effects 

Caryophyllene stands out because it doesn’t just act like a terpene—it can also interact directly with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. With its bold, spicy aroma, it’s a true multitasker. 

Fun fact: The peppery kick you get from freshly cracked black pepper? That’s Caryophyllene at work. 

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🍋 Limonene – The Citrus Spark 

Also found in: Lemons, oranges, grapefruits 

Aroma & flavour: Citrusy, zesty, bright 

Vibe: May uplift mood and promote positive energy 

Zesty and cheerful, Limonene is the citrus superstar of terpenes. If you’ve ever felt energized by peeling an orange, you’ve already enjoyed its effects. 

Fun fact: Limonene is often added to perfumes and household cleaners because of its fresh, energizing scent. 

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🍺 Humulene – The Hoppy Helper 

Also found in: Hops, sage, ginseng 

Aroma & flavour: Woody, earthy, slightly bitter 

Vibe: May support appetite regulation and calming effects 

Humulene’s woody, herbal aroma makes it stand out—and if you’ve ever had a hoppy IPA, you’ve likely encountered this terpene outside of cannabis. 

Fun fact: Humulene is one of the main terpenes responsible for giving beer its signature “hoppy” aroma.

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🌿 Terpinolene – The Wildcard 

Also found in: Apples, nutmeg, lilacs 

Aroma & flavour: Herbal, piney, floral, sometimes citrusy 

Vibe: May bring uplifting, creative, or energetic vibes 

Terpinolene is a bit of a shapeshifter—its aroma can range from floral and herbal to citrusy, depending on the strain. It’s less common than some other terpenes but always intriguing. 

Fun fact: Terpinolene is frequently used in soaps and perfumes for its fresh, clean scent. 

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The Entourage Effect Explained 

You’ve seen us mention the entourage effect a few times now—but what does it actually mean? 

The entourage effect is the idea that cannabis compounds don’t work in isolation. Instead, cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (like Limonene, Myrcene, and Pinene) may work together to influence the overall experience. 

Think of it like a band: THC might be the lead singer, CBD the bass player, and terpenes the guitarists, drummers, and backup vocals. Alone, each one has a distinct sound. But when they play together? That’s when the real magic happens. 

This synergy may explain why two strains with the same THC percentage can feel completely different. One might leave you calm and relaxed, while another feels energizing and uplifting. The cannabinoids set the foundation, but the terpenes shape the vibe. 

In short: the entourage effect is nature’s way of showing that the whole plant can be greater than the sum of its parts. 

Key Takeaways 

Terpenes are the unsung heroes of cannabis, shaping the smell, taste, and even the potential effects of every strain. From the forest-fresh punch of Pinene to the zesty brightness of Limonene, these natural compounds are everywhere—in your herb, in your fruit bowl, and even in your cleaning products. 

By paying attention to terpenes, you can get a better sense of what a strain might offer—whether you’re looking to relax, focus, or just enjoy some flavourful variety. 

So next time you’re choosing cannabis, don’t just think THC or CBD—follow your nose. 

Next Up: How Cannabis Interacts With Your Body—discover the science behind cannabinoids, your endocannabinoid system, and what really happens when you consume cannabis.

*Cannabis affects everyone differently. When consuming cannabis, always remember to start low and go slow. Any effects mentioned above or in the blog, while commonly reported, cannot be guaranteed.