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Terpenes give the weed and hash we smoke their unmistakable scent and taste. From pine tree to citrus fruit: weed and hash often taste completely different. Have you ever wondered why that is? In this blog, we explain. Terpenes do more than just smell good; they actually work together with cannabinoids (read our blog about this here here) such as THC and CBD, giving each strain its unique sativa and/or indica effects. Below, we explain how terpenes inform you about the taste and effect of the weed strain you are smoking!
Terpenes are not uniquely linked to weed: they are volatile aromatic compounds produced by almost all plants! For instance, more than 20,000 terpenes are known in nature; and more than 400 are now known in cannabis plants.
In the cannabis plant, terpenes are produced by trichomes: minuscule, glistening resin glands that give weed buds and the leaves of the cannabis plant a typical "frozen" layer. In addition to the production of terpenes, these same resin glands are also responsible for the production of CBD and THC. Terpenes and cannabinoids therefore literally come from the same "factory" within the plant.
You might be wondering: what function do terpenes have within the plant itself? Terpenes form a natural defense mechanism for cannabis plants that protects them against voracious insects and fungi, attract pollinators, and protect the plant against excessive UV radiation.
Upon entering the coffeeshop, many visitors immediately look at the THC and CBD percentage of a strain. Although this is logical, the THC content only tells you part of the story. For instance, two strains with an identical THC percentage can feel completely different; one makes you energetic and social, while the other lays you flat on the couch. That difference lies in the terpene profile.
Although it is true that the THC percentage tells you something about the potency of the strain, it is actually terpenes that say something about the character of the high. That is why our budtenders at Coffeeshop Relax always let you smell the strain before you buy it. Does the weed smell sourer and fruitier? It is probably a punchy sativa that makes you social and energetic. Do you smell more low pine notes? Then the strain is more of a Kush or an Indica, perfect for an evening at home on the couch! At Coffeeshop Relax, we have all our strains tested. So be sure to ask the staff for the folder with lab reports, so you can find out exactly which terpenes are present in which samples! A super informed high :)!
The so-called entourage effect is the hypothesis that the various substances in cannabis – terpenes and cannabinoids – influence each other and enhance each other's effects! The entourage effect, described in 2011 in the British Journal of Pharmacology, describes how terpenes adjust the action of THC and CBD: weakening or strengthening the sharp edges of THC, prolonging the effect of the strain, or making it calming.
A prime example of this is the terpene caryophyllene. This is currently the only known terpene that binds directly to a cannabinoid receptor in the human body. The so-called CB2 receptor has a particularly strong anti-inflammatory effect. So, terpenes are not just scents, but biologically active components in your weed strain! Important side note here: the entourage effect is still the subject of scientific research. Although some studies, such as the one above, seem to find evidence for this effect, there are other studies that are more cautious about what exactly the effect entails.
Meanwhile, you are probably wondering which terpenes are most prevalent in the world of cannabis, and which scents and effects are associated with these terpenes.
Terpenes are volatile substances: they burn at relatively low temperatures, and some terpenes are more sensitive to this than others. When you vape weed instead of smoking it, you taste this the most. With vaping, you can specifically target certain temperatures where only specific terpenes evaporate. This allows you to determine not only the taste but also the effect of the cannabis you smoke! Due to the high temperature of a joint, most terpenes burn without you ingesting them (read all about vaping here). To give you a complete overview, here is a brief overview of the combustion points of the most common terpenes:
| Terpene | Fragrance | Evaporation temperature |
| Pineen | Pines | 155°C |
| Caryophyllene | Pepper | 160°C |
| Myrcene | Earthy/Mango | 167°C |
| Limonene | Citrus | 176°C |
| Terpinolene | Floral-spicy | 186°C |
| Linalool | Lavender | 198°C |
| Humulene | Hop | 198°C |
A practical rule of thumb: vaping around 180-190 degrees provides a good balance between tasty terpenes and active cannabinoids!
Fortunately, you don't need to be a chemist to make an informed choice given a cannabis's terpene profile. Use your nose above all, and the following guidelines:
Are you unsure about weed and hash? The terpene profile often differs there too; read all about the difference between weed and hash here.
Terpenes are the underrated heroes of cannabis. They not only determine why one strain smells like citrus and another like a pine forest, but together with cannabinoids, they also shape the character of your experience. The next time you stand in front of the menu: forget the THC number for a moment, and trust your nose.
