What are terpenes?

The cannabinoids THC and CBD have been known by most people for a while. However, it’s becoming more evident that there is another completely different class of active compounds that’s just as important. Some say, even more important… 

What are terpenes? 

Whether you call them terps or terpenes, you have surely heard about these by now. If you’ve ever peeled an orange, seasoned food with black pepper or crushed a pine needle, you can probably already guess what their function is. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. So far, scientists have discovered around 20,000 terpenes.

Approximately 200 terpenes have been identified in Cannabis. Their chemical structure makes them aromatic molecules, meaning they are responsible for giving marijuana its vast array of unique flavours and pungent aromas. And they even influence its effect. 

The key role of terpenes in cannabis: influencing flavor, aroma, and the overall effects of the plant, beyond THC and CBD.

Terpene profile 

A ‘terpene profile’ is the combination of terpenes present in a plant. Every plant that contains terpenes has a terpene profile —even if a particular plant only contains one type of terpene. Are you still following us?

Cannabis is renowned for its varied and rich terpene profiles. The dozens of terpenes that have been found in cannabis can be combined in hundreds of different ways, and each cannabis terpene profile has unique attributes.

Terpenes vs. THC: what to look for

You can’t have one without the other, cannabinoids & terpenes work together. It’s the whole plant that does the best job, not just a single compound.  However, choosing the right terpene profile is more important than choosing the highest THC percentage!

Terpenes decide how the cannabinoids that are present in the flower, will act when inside your system, dictating your experience and the benefits.