What terpenes do you prefer? If you don’t know, terpenes are aromatic compounds that enhance and may even influence how specific cannabis strains smell, taste, and feel. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD often take center stage, terpenes are just as important to understand in your cannabis experience.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This guide from House of Strains Flushing explores the most common terpenes in cannabis and what you need to know.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in every single plant on earth. If you love the way a pine forest smells or how lemon brightens a room, you’re already familiar with the power of terpenes.
Terpenes evolved to play an important role in the life cycle of plants, helping to ward off predators, attract pollinators, and even protect against bacteria and disease. In cannabis, terpenes are thought to play an important role in the entourage effect, where compounds work together to create stronger synergistic effects.
There are tens of thousands of terpenes in the world, and a few hundred in cannabis. However, there are a few terpenes that are most common to find in cannabis strains.
Most Common Terpenes in Cannabis
- Myrcene
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Humulune
- Pinene
These are not, of course, the only terpenes found in cannabis products. You may also see terpinolene, farnesene, nerolidol, geraniol, and eucalyptol listed, but those terpenes typically don’t dominate the aroma profiles.
Understanding Terpene Profiles with House of Strains
Myrcene
Aroma: Earthy – cloves, soil, with pops of sweet fruits and spice.
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in today’s cannabis strains, so if you’ve consumed before, you’ve likely tried this terpene. It’s known for its relaxing effects that can quiet the mind and calm the body, veering into sedation depending on the dose.
Strains high in myrcene at House of Strains Queens
Beta-Caryophyllene
Aroma: Mixed spices – the warmth of cloves, the sweetness of cinnamon, and the spice of black pepper
Beta-caryophyllene is a highly abundant terpene that holds the distinct honor of being the only terpene to interact directly with your endocannabinoid system, namely the CB2 receptor. This terpene is known for its calming qualities that may help soothe anxiety or reduce physical pain.
Strains high in beta-caryophyllene at House of Strains
Lemonberry Parfait, Sour Diesel
Limonene
Aroma: Citrus – bright and fruity, usually like lemons but also like limes, oranges, and grapefruit
Known for its bright, invigorating aroma, Limonene is a common terpene in household cleaners. It’s said to help boost mood and focus, and feel uplifting
Strains high in Limonene at House of Strains Dispensary
Linalool
Aroma: Floral with a hint of spice
There’s a reason that linalool is so popular in relaxing spaces like spas and products like bath bombs; the stress-relieving qualities that Linalool has are extensively studied. If you’re looking to wind down after a long, hard day, this is the terpene you want.
Cultivars high in linalool at House of Strains NYC
Humulene
Aroma: Woody and earthy
Humulene smells like beer; earthy, hoppy, and slightly bitter, so you may not be surprised to learn it’s a major terpene in hops, which beer is made out of. This terpene may help with physical pain, mood elevation, and stress relief. It’s also being studied for appetite suppression.
Strains high in humulene at HoS
Pinene
Aroma: Woody – a combination of rich, damp earth and pine forests
There are technically two kinds of pinene, but alpha-pinene is far more commonly found in cannabis and is instantly recognizable with this Christmas tree aroma. This terpene is thought to promote physical relief and mental stimulation, as well as mood improvement.
Strains high in pinene at House of Strains Flushing
Common Terpene Categories
- Relaxation: Terpenes like linalool and myrcene are often associated with a sense of physical relaxation in a cannabis experience
- Energy or stimulation: When you need to perk up, terpenes like limonene or pinene may feel like a few shots of espresso.
- Rest: When you need some shut-eye, myrcene-heavy cannabis products can make sleep irresistible. Farnesene, linalool, and terpinolene may help too.
- Physical relief: Humulene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene may deliver relief from physical pain, particularly in topical cannabis products.
Find Terpene-Rich Cannabis Strains at House of Strains
House of Strains is more than a place to buy great cannabis; here, you can immerse yourself in the world of the cannabis plant and cannabis culture. Our budtenders are here to provide consistent, stand-out customer service with a strong focus on education to help you narrow down your choices, find the products that serve your needs, and feel confident consuming cannabis.
Key Takeaways
- Terpenes exist in every plant in nature
- In cannabis, terpenes are present in flower, prerolls, and often in concentrates
- Terpenes are thought to work as part of the entourage effect in weed
- Everyone’s terpene preference is personal and individual
- Different terpenes may elicit different effects or feelings
- House of Strains carries cannabis products with many kinds of terpenes and terpene profiles
FAQ
1. How do I know which terpenes I like?
Start by paying attention to the aromas of cannabis; make note of those you like and don’t like. You can also keep a cannabis journal to help you track the aroma of flowers and the terpenes listed on the packages. Over time, you’ll start to see a pattern of preference emerge.
2. Do terpenes interact with my endocannabinoid system?
Most of them don’t. A majority of terpenes are biologically active through mechanisms other than your ECS – except for beta-caryophyllene, which heavily interacts with the CB2 receptor.
3. How do terpenes work?
Terpenes interact with several mechanisms in your body, including brain receptors, neurotransmitters, and even hormones. Terpenes are biologically active, which means they have a measurable effect in the body. In cannabis, terpenes are thought to influence the entourage effect, where all compounds in the plant work together to create specific effects.
4. What is a lot of terpenes in cannabis?
Terpenes are powerful compounds that don’t need large quantities to have an effect. A high amount of any terpene in cannabis is between 0.5% and 1.0%. Terpenes are also sensitive to temperature and burn off very quickly during smoking or vaping.
5. Are terpenes mandatory in New York weed?
New York cannabis companies are required to include the three most abundant terpenes in a product on their packaging. This is commonly displayed as weight in milligrams or percentage of volume by weight.
Your Terpenes and Your Strains at Your House
Terpenes are an essential part of the cannabis experience, particularly when consuming flower. House of Strains is proud to carry a selection of terpene-rich cannabis products to help you find the ones that best fit your lifestyle and goals. Visit our online menu for our current product selection, with home delivery from Manhattan to Montauk.
Have questions about terpenes? Our budtenders are here to help. Stop in-store and chat with us today.
Our house is your house – come on in and get comfortable.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
