Understanding Terpenes and Cannabinoids: A Guide to Cannabis Compounds
Terpenes and cannabinoids are two fundamental classes of chemical compounds found in
the cannabis plant. While terpenes are responsible for the plant’s distinctive aromas and
flavors, cannabinoids are primarily responsible for its effects on the body. Together, they
create a unique therapeutic experience known as the entourage effect. Understanding these
compounds can help consumers select the right strains and products for their desired
experiences.
The Role of Terpenes
Terpenes act as the guiding force of your cannabis experience, shaping the direction and
character of each strain. Two strains with identical THC levels can feel different because of
their unique terpene profiles. By 2025, terpenes became a focal point in cannabis research.
Dispensaries list them on their menus, brands feature them on product labels, and labs
analyze them alongside cannabinoids. Consumers increasingly use terpenes to shop for
products, moving beyond outdated indica and sativa labels.
Terpenes are organic compounds found not only in plants but also in fruits, herbs, and spices.
They are responsible for the scents and flavors in nature, such as the zesty aroma of lemons,
the earthiness of pine, or the soothing scent of lavender. In cannabis, terpenes determine the
aroma and flavors, influence effects, and enhance cannabinoid performance. The cannabis
plant produces nearly 200 terpenes, but fewer than 20 dominate most strains’ profiles.
Terpene levels can vary based on genetics, cultivation environment, harvest timing, drying
methods, and curing processes.
Beyond THC Percentage
In the past, consumers chose products based solely on THC percentages. However, more
consumers now understand that THC levels alone won’t determine how a product makes you
feel. The outdated belief that THC percentage is everything has shifted, as has reliance on
indica and sativa labels. Modern consumers, through brand education and discussions with
budtenders, are learning to make informed choices based on terpenes and cannabinoids.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect describes the synergistic relationship between terpenes and
cannabinoids. While THC alone offers one experience, its effects become richer and more
directed when combined with terpenes. Some terpenes are considered psychoactive as they
impact the brain, but they won’t make you feel high in the traditional sense.
Common Terpenes and Their Benefits
Beta-caryophyllene: Found in cloves, rosemary, hops, black pepper, and cinnamon. It
helps manage anxiety, depression, and pain with anti-inflammatory properties.
Beta-pinene: Common in forests, it has antidepressant and anticancer properties and
can help manage anxiety.
Humulene: Present in ginseng, basil, and sage, it provides energizing effects, aids pain
management, and suppresses appetite.
Limonene: Found in citrus fruits and rosemary, it offers anticancer, anti-anxiety, and
uplifting properties.
Linalool: Found in lavender, rosewood, and mint, it’s great for relieving stress, anxiety,
and pain.
Myrcene: Found in mangoes, hops, and lemongrass, it has antifungal and antibacterial
properties, sedative effects, and aids pain management.
Exploring Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the chemical components of cannabis that act as messengers, interacting
with receptors in the endocannabinoid system to regulate mood, memory, appetite, and pain.
THC and CBD are the two primary cannabinoids. THC is mainly responsible for the
psychoactive and intoxicating effects, while CBD is known for its therapeutic benefits, such as
pain relief and anxiety management.
When cannabinoids are consumed, they send signals throughout the body, triggering various
effects from happiness and relaxation to pain relief or improved sleep. Each cannabinoid has
unique properties and effects:
CBG: Known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” it is non-psychoactive and has anti-
inflammatory and antibacterial properties, aiding in reducing GI symptoms.
CBC: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and antidepressant
effects.
CBD: Widely used for its therapeutic benefits, it is non-psychoactive and helps with
anxiety, pain, epilepsy, and sleep disorders.
THC: The primary psychoactive cannabinoid, it provides pain relief, appetite stimulation,
and mood elevation, and can help with nausea.
CBN: A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid resulting from THC degradation, known for its
sedative effects aiding sleep.
Cannabinoids are often used to treat chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, epilepsy,
anxiety disorders, appetite stimulation, multiple sclerosis spasticity, PTSD, glaucoma,
IBS/Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, Tourette syndrome tics, autism, and insomnia.
Understanding terpenes and cannabinoids is crucial for choosing products that meet your
needs. For recreational users seeking a high, THC percentage may suffice. However, for
medical users or those seeking a more intentional experience, a combination of specific
terpenes and cannabinoids will provide a broader range of effects.