Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive scents—think citrus, pine, or fuel. But they might also play a role in how cannabis affects your body and mind. Let’s talk about what terpenes are, how they interact with cannabinoids like THC, and how following your nose might just lead you to your perfect product.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the natural compounds responsible for the aromas and flavors of many plants—including cannabis. If you’ve ever opened a jar of flower and smelled citrus, diesel, or pine, you’re picking up on its terpene profile.
Cannabis contains dozens of different terpenes. Some of the most common include:
- Myrcene – earthy and musky, sometimes linked to sedating effects
- Limonene – citrusy, often associated with uplifting feelings
- Pinene – fresh and piney, may help with focus
- Linalool – floral and lavender-like, potentially calming
These aren’t just for smell. In many plants, terpenes have documented effects—like acting as anti-inflammatories or mood modulators.
Do Terpenes Actually Affect the High?
The short answer: possibly—but it’s complicated.
THC and CBD are the headline cannabinoids in cannabis, but terpenes may play a supporting role in how those cannabinoids affect you. This idea is often called the “entourage effect”—the theory that all the compounds in cannabis work together to create unique effects.
While the science is still emerging, many users report noticeable differences between strains, even with similar THC content. These differences are often chalked up to terpene profiles.
One interesting finding? A 2022 study found that cannabis users reported greater enjoyment and more pleasant effects from strains with aromas they personally found appealing—even when the THC levels were the same. That means if a strain smells good to you, it might also feel better to you. (Source: Plumb et al., 2022)
So while we’re still waiting on more scientific consensus, the anecdotal and early research is pointing to something that’s actually kind of intuitive: follow your nose.
How to Use Terpenes When Choosing a Product
Instead of shopping by just strain name or THC percentage, consider:
1. Smell Test
Even though most dispensaries don’t allow customers to smell the product directly before buying, you can still pay attention to which aromas you like after purchase, or when trying a friend’s favorite strain. If it smells good, your body might respond well too.
2. Read the Lab Results
Some producers list terpene percentages on packaging. A flower with a strong limonene or pinene content might be more uplifting, while a myrcene-rich strain may be more sedating.
3. Track What You Like
Keep a cannabis journal or use a notes app to track the strains and products you’ve tried and how they made you feel. Pay attention to recurring terpenes in products you enjoy.
4. Ask Your Budtender
Not sure where to start? A knowledgeable budtender can point you toward products with certain terpene profiles that fit your goals, whether that’s winding down or staying social.
→ You can also use our online store to filter by common effects like Calm, Inspired, or Focused.
So, Do Terpenes Really Matter?
If you care about how cannabis makes you feel, terpenes matter—maybe not as much as THC or CBD, but enough to pay attention to.
They’re also a great way to personalize your experience. Not every strain affects every person the same way, and terpenes may be one reason why. The scent you’re drawn to might align with how your body responds best.
Tips for Finding the Right Terpenes for You
- Don’t chase THC percentage alone; look for terpene info on the label.
- Smell strains as you come across them, and see which ones stand out.
- Take notes! Start tracking which products you like and look for patterns in the terpene profiles.
- Still unsure? Our budtenders at JDM Cannabis can help guide you based on what scents and effects you’re drawn to.
So…Do Terpenes Actually Matter?
At the end of the day, terpenes do matter—but maybe not in the rigid, overhyped way some marketing suggests. They’re part of a bigger picture that includes THC and CBD levels, your body chemistry, and even your mood and setting.
Instead of chasing the “perfect” terpene, focus on building your own preferences. Keep track of strains you’ve tried, how they smelled, and how they made you feel. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns—maybe citrus-heavy strains help you focus, or earthy ones are best for winding down. It’s one more reason to trust your senses and tune in to how cannabis works for your unique body.
And when in doubt, talk to a budtender at JDM Cannabis. They can help you decode product labels, suggest strains with specific terpene profiles, and steer you toward an experience that actually feels good for you.
