When you open a jar at the dispensary and catch a whiff of citrus, pine, or peppery spice, you’re experiencing terpenes. These aromatic compounds give cannabis its distinct scent and flavor, and they’re why two strains with the same THC level can taste and feel so different. THC and CBD may get the most attention, but they don’t tell the whole story. Terpenes are the true soul of the plant. But what are terpene profiles?
Mastering the basics of terpenes can make shopping in the dispensary less of a guessing game and help you choose cannabis that you’ll really love. Learn more about terpenes, how they work, and why they matter to your overall experience.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the molecules in plants that give them smell and flavor. (This is true for all plants, not just cannabis.) They are why lemons smell zesty and pine trees smell fresh. In cannabis, terpenes are what you notice when you open the jar and what you taste when you exhale.
Do terpenes affect taste?
Absolutely. They are the main reasons one strain can taste like orange peel, and another can be earthy or floral. When you see terpene profiles on a label, that’s the list of the compounds behind the main aromas in that product.
How do terpenes work?
Your body has a built-in balance system called the endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD interact with the system, and terpenes can influence the mood of the experience.
Do terpenes get you high?
No, terpenes can’t get you high by themselves, but alongside cannabinoids, they can make the vibe feel brighter, cozier, cleaner, or spicier. This teamwork between cannabinoids and terpenes is known as the entourage effect.
Common Cannabis Terpenes
A terpene profile will list the dominant terpenes in a product, usually the top three to five, and sometimes their percentages. Looking at these side-by-side across products is one of the best ways to predict flavor and vibe. It gives you a clearer sense of what to expect before you try it.
Here are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and the qualities they tend to bring forward:
Myrcene
Associated with ripe mango and herbs, this is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. Fans describe it as musky, earthy, and smooth. In many strains, myrcene creates that classic cannabis aroma and mouthfeel.
Limonene
Bright and zesty, this one is easy to spot. Limonene-forward flower and vapes often taste like lemon candy or orange peel. If you like uplifting scents and a crisp taste, limonene-heavy profiles will deliver.
Pinene
Imagine a fresh pine forest after the rain. Pinene’s aroma is easy to identify and shows up in both old-school favorites and modern hybrids. It pairs well with outdoor plans or when you crave a clean, foresty note.
Caryophyllene
Peppery, spicy, and warm. Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it can interact with certain endocannabinoid receptors in the body. Flavor-wise, it can carry notes of cracked pepper, clove, or even a subtle diesel.
Choosing Cannabis With Terpene Awareness
Cannabis labels in New York increasingly list terpene information. Here’s how to factor terpenes into your shopping decisions:
- Find the terpene info on the label. If you can’t find it on the label, scan the QR code to see a breakdown. You’ll often see totals like “2.1% terpenes” and then the top three to five with their specific percentages, such as “myrcene 0.8%, limonene 0.6%, caryophyllene 0.4%”.
- Don’t focus only on THC percentage. Two products labeled at 22% THC can deliver very different experiences if one is rich in myrcene and the other in limonene. If flavor matters to you, use the terpene profile as your guide.
- Note your favorites. When you love a jar, make a note of its terpenes. Next time, scan the shelf for similar profiles to find new favorites with a familiar flavor experience.
Explore Terpene-Rich Strains at Clouditude
Nothing clarifies terpenes like a side-by-side sniff test. At Clouditude in Staten Island, our menu highlights the dominant terpenes, allowing you to compare two similar THC options based on aroma notes and choose the one that resonates.
Into bright lemon zest? We’ll point you toward a citrus-forward flower. Prefer cool pine or a tropical punch? We’ve got terp profiles to match. After a visit or two, you’ll be able to shop by flavor instead of a strain name or THC%.
Visit Clouditude on Hylan Blvd to explore cannabis with terpene profiles that suit your preferences.