Terpenes in Cannabis – The Aromatic Building Blocks

The world of cannabis isn't just about cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. A large part of a cultivar's character comes from terpenes —natural aromatic compounds that shape aroma, flavor, and the overall plant experience. In this guide, you'll discover what terpenes are, why they're important, and how to use them to make more informed choices.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants in trichomes (resin glands). You find them in citrus fruits, lavender, pine needles, and countless herbs—and in cannabis. Their composition determines whether a flower smells and tastes fresh, spicy, floral, or earthy. Each cultivar has its own terpene profile, a unique combination and ratio of different terpenes.

Terpenes also have a clear function for plants: they attract pollinators, help with environmental stressors, and can deter unwanted insects. For us, they serve as the sensory compass we use to recognize and evaluate flowers.

Macro of trichomes: this is where terpenes and cannabinoids are formed.

The entourage effect

Cannabis is a team game. Cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBG, CBN) and terpenes interact with other plant components. This natural interplay—the entourage effect —means that the overall profile of a flower often reveals more about your experience than a single molecule. In practice, this translates into recognizable differences between cultivars that, on paper, have similar cannabinoid percentages but still smell, taste, and feel different.

The entourage effect is a framework for understanding why aroma profiles matter. It's not a medical claim and doesn't guarantee specific outcomes; the experience remains individual.

Abstract infographic about the interplay of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Infographic showing the interplay between components.

Why are terpenes important?

Aroma & taste
Terpenes give a cultivar its recognizable signature: citrus, pine, spice, floral, or earthy. Your nose is often your best guide.
Context of experience
Combined with cannabinoids, the complete profile shapes the "tone" of the experience. This makes terpenes relevant when choosing.
Natural function
In nature, terpenes attract pollinators and help plants respond to environmental stressors.

Well-known terpenes (selection)

Cannabis contains dozens of terpenes. The six below are commonly encountered, each with a recognizable aroma profile. The descriptions are informative and free of claims.

C 10 H 16
Limonene
Aroma: citrus, fresh • Sources: citrus peel, rosemary, juniper berry.
Often responsible for bright, fruity top notes. Common in cultivars with a pronounced citrus note.
C 10 H 16
Myrcene
Aroma: earthy, musk, spicy • Sources: mango, hops, thyme.
One of the most common terpenes; gives a deeper, spicier character with sometimes a soft fruity note.
C 10 H 16
Pineen
Aroma: pine, resin • Sources: pine needles, sage, rosemary.
Provides a woodsy, refreshing profile that pairs well with spicy terpenes.
C 10 H 18 O
Linalool
Aroma: lavender, floral • Sources: lavender, coriander, bergamot.
Soft, perfumery-like note that often creates a rounded, floral scent.
C 10 H 16
Terpinolene
Aroma: floral, spicy with citrus accent • Sources: apple, cumin, tea tree.
Less often dominant, but loved for its complex, elegant scent.
C 15 H 24
β-Caryophyllene
Aroma: peppery, spicy, woody • Sources: black pepper, cloves, cinnamon.
Warm and spicy aroma; often found in spicy profiles. (Formula badge indicates molecular composition.)
Tip: There are many more terpenes (including humulene, ocimene, nerolidol, and borneol). The combination of major and minor components determines the final result.

Why Terpene Profiles Differ

Genetics
Determines which “palette” of terpenes the plant can produce.
Environment
Light intensity, temperature, humidity and nutrition influence production.
Harvest time
Harvesting too early or too late changes the balance of volatile components.
Drying & curing
Gentle drying and controlled curing help preserve volatile terpenes.
Result
Even with identical genetics, two growers can produce flowers that smell and taste completely different.

Terpenes outside of cannabis

Terpenes occur everywhere in nature and are also used outside of cannabis:

  • Limonene in citrus peel – loved in perfumery and cleaning for its fresh scent.
  • Pinene in pines – recognizable in forest air and spicy essential oils.
  • Linalool in lavender – a classic in cosmetics and aromatic products.

This broad presence explains why scents are so recognisable: you smell what you already know from nature, but in your own combination.

Preserving terpenes: storage & quality

Terpenes are volatile : heat, light, and oxygen break them down. Here's how to optimally store the profile:

  • Cool & dark: avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.
  • Airtight: close jars or bottles carefully and do not open them unnecessarily often.
  • Gentle drying and curing: give flowers time; drying too quickly will destroy their aroma.
  • Traceability: Choose suppliers who share batch analyses (terpenes + cannabinoids).

At House Jane, we select products with transparent origins and, where possible, reported terpene profiles. This way, you know what you're buying.

Practical storage principles for aroma preservation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do terpenes influence the experience?
Terpenes contribute to aroma and flavor and are part of the overall profile. Together with cannabinoids and flavs, they can influence the experience. This is for informational purposes only and not a medical claim.
Are terpenes legal?
Yes. Terpenes themselves are legal aromatic compounds. House Jane products comply with Belgian regulations and are traceable.
Can I smell terpenes in oil?
Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oils often retain some of the natural terpenes. Isolates have a more neutral odor.
Is “indica/sativa” necessary to understand aroma?
Not necessarily. The chemical profile (terpenes + cannabinoids) says more about the scent and experience than the name.

Want to experience the aromas yourself?

View our current selection of flowers online, or visit our stores for transparent explanations.

Our teams will help you make informed choices.
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