STONER’S DIGEST / EDITORIAL
Cannabis Terpenes: An Introduction to Aroma
Learn what terpenes are, how they contribute to aroma, and what we still don’t know about their effects.
Open two jars of cannabis and the aromas may be worlds apart: earthy, citrusy, floral, or pungent. Terpenes are one part of the chemistry behind those differences.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Cannabis produces a mixture of aromatic compounds; the combination and concentration contribute to its scent. Limonene, for example, also occurs in citrus fruit.
Common names you may see
Myrcene, limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene are among the compounds discussed in cannabis profiles. A product’s actual mixture depends on the plant and processing. A name on a label does not establish its specific chemistry.
Can terpenes predict a high?
Not reliably. Researchers have studied how cannabis compounds might interact, but there is not enough clinical evidence to guarantee a particular effect from one terpene. Be cautious of claims that a terpene will definitely make someone sleepy, focused, or treat a condition.
From plant to finished flower
Terpene composition can change during drying, curing, and storage. Some volatile compounds are lost more readily than others, so the aroma of the finished product may differ from that of the living plant.
The takeaway
Terpenes help explain aroma and flavor. A lab report can offer information about a batch, but it is not a reliable promise of its effects.
For education, not medical advice.
Sources & further reading
- Health Canada: Cannabis odours
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Cannabis biology
- Health Canada: Cannabis and cannabinoids
Featured image: original AI-generated editorial illustration for Stoner’s Digest.