Terpenes are the aromatic compounds behind the smell and flavor of cannabis. The same family of compounds gives lemons, pine needles, lavender, black pepper and hops their scents. Cannabis plants make terpenes in their trichomes, alongside cannabinoids.
Each strain has its own terpene mix, and that mix is a big reason why one flower smells like citrus while another smells earthy, gassy or floral. The most common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene and terpinolene.
Terpenes are also part of the "entourage effect" idea, which suggests they may shape how a product feels in combination with cannabinoids. That idea is widely discussed but not fully proven, so we treat terpene profiles as a guide to aroma and flavor, and a helpful way to compare products, rather than a guarantee of a particular effect.
Terpenes are delicate. Heat, light, air and time all reduce them, which is why fresh, well-cured flower smells stronger. Concentrates like live resin and live rosin are prized because they keep more of the original terpene profile.
Some lab reports include a terpene panel, listed as a percentage. A total terpene content of 1-3% in flower is common. Ask our staff if a terpene panel is available for a product.