Terpenes
Definition: Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced in cannabis trichomes that give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor, from citrus and pine to pepper and lavender. More than 150 have been identified in cannabis, usually making up about 1 to 3% of dried flower weight. Terpene profiles are often associated with differences in commonly reported effects.
How Terpenes works
Plants build terpenes from simple five-carbon units. Cannabis assembles them in the gland heads of its trichomes, the same place it makes cannabinoids. The exact mix a plant produces is largely genetic, which is why a strain smells consistent from run to run. Two families dominate: monoterpenes, light and volatile molecules such as myrcene and limonene, and sesquiterpenes, heavier molecules such as caryophyllene and humulene that linger longer.
The main cannabis terpenes
- Myrcene: earthy, musky, ripe fruit.
- Limonene: citrus peel.
- Caryophyllene: black pepper and spice.
- Pinene: pine needles and rosemary.
- Terpinolene: fresh, herbal, floral.
- Linalool: lavender.
Terpenes and effects
Many users report that strains with similar THC feel different, and terpene profiles are often linked to those differences. One popular idea, the entourage effect, suggests terpenes and cannabinoids interact. Research on it is still early and results are mixed, so treat terpene effect claims as hypotheses rather than facts.
Protecting terpenes
Monoterpenes evaporate faster as temperatures rise. Keep late-flower rooms under about 80°F (27°C), dry at around 60°F (16°C), handle buds gently, and cure in sealed glass. One surprise from recent chemistry research: the classic skunky aroma comes mostly from trace sulfur compounds, not terpenes.