What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils produced by plants — including cannabis. They're responsible for the citrus smell of orange peels, the calming scent of lavender, and the pine aroma of conifer trees. Cannabis produces dozens of terpenes that combine to create each strain's signature profile.

In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the same trichomes as cannabinoids. A frosty, sticky bud is rich in both — which is why properly grown, cured, and stored flower smells and tastes so much better than poorly handled flower.

The entourage effect is the theory that terpenes and cannabinoids work better together than apart. Pure THC isolated from the plant feels different — typically more anxious and less nuanced — than THC consumed with its native terpene stack.

This is why most experienced consumers prefer live resin and live rosin over pure distillate, and why full-spectrum flower remains the most popular form of cannabis.

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in most cannabis cultivars. It carries an earthy, slightly fruity aroma and is also found in mangoes, hops, and bay leaves. Myrcene-heavy strains skew relaxing and are common in indicas.

Strains high in myrcene include Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, and OG Kush.

Limonene is the citrus terpene — bright, energizing, and mood-elevating. Found in citrus rinds and many sativa-dominant strains.

Strains high in limonene include Wedding Cake, Runtz, and Permanent Marker.

Caryophyllene has a peppery, woody aroma and is the only terpene known to directly interact with the body's CB2 receptors. It's commonly associated with anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

Strains high in caryophyllene include GMO, Gelato, and Sour Diesel.

Pinene smells like its namesake — fresh pine needles. It's commonly associated with alertness, focus, and counteracting some of THC's short-term memory effects.

Strains high in pinene include Jack Herer and Blue Dream.

Linalool is the same compound that gives lavender its calming scent. In cannabis, linalool-heavy strains are commonly chosen for anxiety relief and stress reduction.

Linalool typically appears as a minor terpene rather than dominant, but it shapes how strains feel when paired with THC.

If you know which terpenes work for you, you can predict how a strain will feel before buying. Most product pages on the Good Grades menu list the dominant terpene — use that as your guide rather than relying only on the indica/sativa label.