What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Walk into any Bud Mart location, open a jar of craft cannabis, and take a deep breath. That unmistakable aroma — piney, citrusy, earthy, floral, skunky, fruity — comes from terpenes. These tiny aromatic compounds are produced in the same resin glands (trichomes) that make cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and they are far more important than most people realize.
Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. They are found in every plant on earth. Limonene is what makes lemon peel smell citrusy. Pinene gives pine trees their fresh scent. Linalool is the reason lavender is calming. What makes cannabis special is that a single plant can produce over 200 different terpenes in varying combinations, creating an almost infinite range of aromas and effects.
Why Terpenes Matter More Than THC Percentage
One of the biggest misconceptions in cannabis is that higher THC automatically means a better or stronger experience. In reality, two strains with identical THC percentages can produce wildly different effects based on their terpene profiles.
Research increasingly shows that terpenes interact with cannabinoids and with your body's own receptors to shape the character of your high. A strain rich in myrcene will feel deeply sedating, while a strain with the same THC but loaded with limonene and pinene will feel alert and uplifting.
This is why experienced consumers and budtenders have moved beyond chasing THC numbers and started paying close attention to terpene data on product labels.
The Entourage Effect: How It All Works Together
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work better together than any single compound works alone. It was first proposed by cannabis researchers Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat in 1998 and has gained significant scientific support since.
In practical terms, the entourage effect means:
- THC paired with myrcene may produce deeper physical relaxation than THC alone
- CBD combined with linalool may produce a more mellow experience than either compound individually
- Caryophyllene adds a distinctive body-focused quality that pure THC does not provide
- A full-spectrum product (containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes) often feels more nuanced and balanced than a distillate with only THC
This is why whole-flower cannabis and full-spectrum extracts tend to deliver richer, more well-rounded experiences compared to highly processed products that strip away terpenes.
The Top 8 Cannabis Terpenes You Should Know
#### 1. Myrcene - Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal — think ripe mangoes and hops - Found in: Mangoes, lemongrass, hops, thyme - Effects: Deeply relaxing, sedating, body-heavy. Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and is a key contributor to the heavy, sleepy character of many indica-dominant strains. - Best for: Evening use, deep relaxation, winding down - Strains high in myrcene: OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream
#### 2. Limonene - Aroma: Bright, citrusy, zesty — like fresh lemon or orange peel - Found in: Citrus fruits, juniper, rosemary - Effects: Uplifting, energizing, bright. Limonene is associated with uplifted, happy feelings and a cheerful experience. - Best for: Daytime use, socializing, uplifting experiences - Strains high in limonene: Super Lemon Haze, Tangerine Dream, Wedding Cake
#### 3. Pinene - Aroma: Fresh, piney, woodsy — like walking through a conifer forest - Found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill - Effects: Alertness, mental clarity, improved focus. Pinene may counteract some of the short-term memory impairment caused by THC, making it a favourite for consumers who want to stay sharp. - Best for: Focus, daytime productivity, creative work - Strains high in pinene: Jack Haze, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat
#### 4. Linalool - Aroma: Floral, sweet, lavender-like — calming and soft - Found in: Lavender, birch bark, coriander - Effects: Calming, mellow, soothing. Linalool is one of the reasons lavender is commonly associated with relaxation, and it contributes a similar character to cannabis strains. - Best for: Evening use, unwinding, mellow experiences - Strains high in linalool: Lavender, Amnesia Haze, Granddaddy Purple
#### 5. Caryophyllene - Aroma: Spicy, peppery, warm — like cracked black pepper and cloves - Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano - Effects: Warm, spicy, grounding. Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it directly interacts with CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body. It contributes to a deep, body-focused experience. - Best for: Body-focused experiences, evening use, grounding sessions - Strains high in caryophyllene: GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), Bubba Kush, Chemdawg
#### 6. Humulene - Aroma: Earthy, woody, hoppy — similar to craft beer - Found in: Hops, sage, ginseng, coriander - Effects: Earthy, grounding, subtle. Humulene works synergistically with caryophyllene and is found in many of the same strains. It contributes a rounded, balanced character to the experience. - Best for: Consumers who enjoy earthy, hoppy flavour profiles - Strains high in humulene: White Widow, Headband, Pink Kush
#### 7. Terpinolene - Aroma: Fresh, herbal, slightly floral — complex and multi-layered - Found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, lilac, apples - Effects: Uplifting, cerebral, slightly sedating in higher amounts. Terpinolene is less common but highly prized when it appears as a dominant terpene. It tends to produce a dreamy, creative headspace. - Best for: Creative projects, gentle euphoria, unique experiences - Strains high in terpinolene: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze
#### 8. Ocimene - Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous, woody — like fresh basil and orchids - Found in: Mint, parsley, basil, orchids, mangoes - Effects: Uplifting, energizing, fresh. Ocimene is one of the less studied cannabis terpenes but is found in strains known for their energetic and clear-headed effects. - Best for: Daytime use, gentle energy, clear-headed experiences - Strains high in ocimene: Clementine, Golden Goat, Strawberry Cough
How to Shop by Terpene at Bud Mart
Here is a simple process to start using terpenes to guide your purchases:
- Identify your goal. Do you want relaxation, energy, creativity, focus, or something mellow?
- Match to a terpene. Use the profiles above to find the terpene most associated with your desired effect.
- Ask our budtenders. Tell them which terpene you are looking for and they will point you to the best current options on the shelf.
- Check the label. AGLC-compliant products often list terpene profiles or at least the dominant terpenes. Look for the terpene names on the packaging.
- Use your nose. In stores where you can smell the product, your nose is a surprisingly reliable guide. If a strain smells like exactly what you want, your instincts are usually right.
Quick Reference: Terpenes by Desired Effect
| Desired Experience | Primary Terpenes | Secondary Terpenes | |------|-----------------|-------------------| | Deep Relaxation | Myrcene, Linalool | Caryophyllene | | Energy | Limonene, Pinene | Terpinolene, Ocimene | | Body-Focused Effects | Caryophyllene, Myrcene | Humulene, Linalool | | Mellow & Calm | Linalool, Limonene | Myrcene, Caryophyllene | | Creativity | Terpinolene, Pinene | Limonene, Ocimene | | Socializing | Limonene, Terpinolene | Pinene |
Preserving Terpenes: Storage Tips
Terpenes are volatile compounds that degrade with heat, light, and air exposure. To preserve the flavour and effects of your cannabis:
- Store in a cool, dark place. Room temperature or slightly below is ideal.
- Use airtight containers. The original sealed packaging works well, or transfer to a glass jar with a tight seal.
- Avoid heat. Do not leave cannabis in your car, near a window, or in direct sunlight.
- Consume within a reasonable timeframe. Terpenes degrade over months, so fresher products deliver better flavour and effects.
Explore Terpenes at Bud Mart
Every Bud Mart location in Calgary carries a curated selection of terpene-rich products from top licensed producers. Our staff can walk you through terpene profiles, help you compare options, and recommend products based on the specific effects and flavours you are after.
Visit us in-store for the full sensory experience, or order online for weed delivery Calgary and have terpene-rich cannabis delivered to your door within the hour.
*All cannabis products sold at Bud Mart are AGLC-compliant, lab-tested, and sold only to adults 18+.*