What Are Terpenes?

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Terpenes give cannabis strains their unique aromas.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Terpenes are fragrant oils found in many types of plants that produce a unique taste and smell.
  • The tastes and smells of the terpenes in cannabis products have a very diverse range of aromas. Strains can produce a terpene profile that is earthy, woodsy, herbal, spicy, diesel or cheesy, all the way to citrusy or sweet.
  • Many terpenes are unique to cannabis. 
cannabis terpenes and aromas.

Cannabis gets its scent from compounds in the plants called terpenes. Terpenes are fragrant oils found in many types of plants, especially coniferous (evergreen) varieties. The chemical compounds they secrete give fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs their signature scents. There are over 100 identified terpenes, many of which are unique to the cannabis plant.

Although cannabis is often generally associated with a certain musky aroma, each strain of cannabis has its own scent. The individual scent of a strain will be based on the amount and type of terpenes present and which ones are dominant. Terpene scents range from earthy, woodsy, herbal, spicy, diesel or cheesy, all the way to citrusy or sweet.

Making this equation even more complex, each terpene can itself have multiple aroma profiles. Also, terpene levels can vary from crop to crop, which can lead to inconsistencies in the scents within the same strain.

wide variety of terpene-infused pre-rolls available at the 6ix cannabis store in ajax.

Why are Terpenes Important?

We all have individual preferences for smells and tastes, so knowing the terpene profile of a cannabis product can help you choose one with a scent and flavour profile you’d most likely prefer.

Since many terpenes are associated with various types of plants and herbs used in naturopathic remedies, some theorize that terpenes play a role in the effect of cannabis. For instance, linalool, a common terpene found in lavender, may be associated with relaxation. Some also believe in the theory of “the entourage effect,” referring to the possibility that cannabinoids and terpenes work together in the overall effect of cannabis. As of now, these are just theories — impact of terpenes beyond flavour and aroma has yet to be scientifically proven. 

how do terpene works

Top 5 Most Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis

  • Myrcene
  • Pinene
  • Limonene
  • Linalool
  • Beta-Caryophyllene

Terpenes: Complex Aromas in Cannabis

Earthy Terpene

Earthy

  • MYRCENE – Scents: Musk, Earth, Ripe Fruit – Found in: Mango, Lemongrass, Hops, Thyme
  • HUMULENE – Scents: Woody, Earth – Found in: Hops, Coriander
  • TERPINOLENE – Scents: Smoke, Wood, Pine – Found in: Apples, Cumin, Lilac, Tea Tree Oil, Conifers
  • BORNEOL – Scents: Menthol, Camphor, Rich Earth – Found in: Wormwood, Cinnamon
  • NEROLIDOL – Scents: Wood, Bark, Flowers, Apples – Found in: Citronella, Ginger, Orange Peel
  • CEDRENE – Scents: Cedar, Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli – Found in: Cedar
  • CARENE – Scents: Earth, Pine, Forest Scents, Citrus – Found in: Bell Pepper, Pine, Citrus Fruits
  • ALPHA PINENE – Scents: Pine, Rosemary – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
Spicy Terpene

Spicy

  • BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE – Scents: Peppery Spice, Wood – Found in: Black Pepper, Cloves, Balsam
  • SABINENE – Scents: Wood, Pepper, Spices – Found in: Oak, Tea Tree Oil, Black Pepper, Carrot Seed
  • TERPINEOL – Scents: Florals, Lilac, Lime, Cardamom, Clove – Found in: Cypress, Juniper Berries, Cardamom, Marjoram, Thyme
  • BORNEOL – Scents: Menthol, Camphor, Rich Earth – Found in: Wormwood, Cinnamon
Sweet Terpene

Sweet

  • MYRCENE – Scents: Musk, Earth, Ripe Fruit – Found in: Mango, Lemon Grass, Hops, Thyme
  • GERANIOL – Scents: Geranium, Rose, Citronella, Stone Fruits – Found in: Geraniums, Tobacco, Lemons
  • TERPINEOL – Scents: Florals, Lilac, Lime, Cardamom, Clove – Found in: Cypress, Juniper Berries, Cardamom, Marjoram, Thyme
  • NEROL – Scents: Bitter, Citrus, Rose – Found in: Cumin, Lilac, Apple, Tea Tree, Conifers
  • CITRONELLOL – Scents: Floral, Sweet Citrus, Rose – Found in: Roses, Geraniums, Lemon Grass
Floral Terpene

Floral

  • TERPINEOL – Scents: Florals, Lilac, Lime, Cardamom, Clove – Found in: Cypress, Juniper Berries, Cardamom, Marjoram, Thyme
  • OCIMENE – Scents: Flowers, Fruit, Herbs – Found in: Mint, Parsley, Pepper, Basil, Mango, Orchids
  • LINALOOL – Scents: Sweet Flowers, Citrus – Found in: Lavender and Many Flowers, Mint, Cinnamon
  • BISABOLOL – Scents: Fresh Flowers – Found in: Chamomile
Fruity Terpene

Fruity

  • GERANIOL – Scents: Geranium, Rose, Citronella, Stone Fruits – Found in: Geraniums, Tobacco, Lemons
  • LINALOOL – Scents: Sweet Flowers, Citrus – Found in: Lavender and Many Flowers, Mint, Cinnamon
  • OCIMENE – Scents: Flowers, Fruit, Herbs – Found in: Mint, Parsley, Pepper, Basil, Mango, Orchids
  • NEROLIDOL – Scents: Wood, Bark, Flowers, Apples – Found in: Citronella, Ginger, Orange Peel
  • CITRONELLOL – Scents: Floral, Sweet Citrus, Rose – Found in: Roses, Geraniums, Lemon Grass
Citrus Terpene

Citrus

  • LIMONENE – Scents: Lemon or Lime – Found in: Citrus Fruits, Juniper
  • VALENCENE – Scents: Oranges, Tangerines or Grapefruit – Found in: Citrus fruits, Valencia oranges
  • PHELLANDRENE – Scents: Citrus, Mint, Herbs, Pepper – Found in: Eucalyptus, Pine, Parsley, Dill, Mint, Lavender
  • CYMENE – Scents: Tangy Oranges, Carrots, Musk – Found in: Cumin, Thyme
  • CARENE – Scents: Earth, Pine, Forest Scents, Citrus – Found in: Bell Pepper, Pine, Citrus Fruits
Herbal Terpene

Herbal

  • ALPHA PINENE – Scents: Pine, Rosemary – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • BETA PINENE – Scents: Dill, Parsley, Basil – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • EUCALYPTOL – Scents: Eucalyptus, Mint, Spice – Found in: Eucalyptus
  • OCIMENE – Scents: Flower, Fruit, Herbs – Found in: Mint, Parsley, Pepper, Basil, Mango and Orchids
  • FENCHOL – Scents: Camphor, Pine, Lemon – Found in: Basil
  • MENTHOL – Scents: Cooling Mint – Found in: Various Mints
  • PHYTOL – Scents: Green Tea, Light Florals, Jasmine, Balsam – Found in: Green tea
  • ISOPULEGOL – Scents: Sweet Mint, Eucalyptus – Found in: Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Geranium
  • PHELLANDRENE – Scents: Citrus, Mint, Herbs, Pepper – Found in: Eucalyptus, Pine, Parsley, Dill, Mint, Lavender
  • PULEGONE – Scents: Mint, Camphor – Found in: Peppermint, Catnip, Pennyroyal
Skunky Terpene

Skunky

  • MYRCENE – Scents: Musk, Earth, Ripe Fruit – Found in: Mango, Lemon Grass, Hops, Thyme
  • ALPHA-PINENE – Scents: Pine, Rosemary – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • BETA-PINENE – Scents: Dill, Parsley, Basil – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE – Scents: Peppery Spice, Wood – Found in: Black Pepper, Cloves, Balsam
  • LIMONENE – Scents: Lemon, Lime – Found in: Citrus Fruits, Juniper
  • LINALOOL – Scents: Sweet Flowers, Citrus – Found in: Lavender and Many Flowers, Mint, Cinnamon
Cheesy Terpene

Cheesy

  • ALPHA-PINENE – Scents: Pine, Rosemary – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • BETA-PINENE – Scents: Dill, Parsley, Basil – Found in: Pines, Conifers, Rosemary, Sage
  • BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE – Scents: Peppery Spice, Wood – Found in: Black Pepper, Cloves, Balsam
  • LIMONENE – Scents: Lemon, Lime – Found in: Citrus Fruits, Juniper
  • HUMULENE – Scents: Wood, Earth – Found in: Hops, Coriander
  • LINALOOL – Scents: Sweet Flowers, Citrus – Found in: Lavender and Many Flowers, Mint, Cinnamon
  • NEROLIDOL – Scents: Wood, Bark, Flowers, Apples – Found in: Citronella, Ginger, Orange Peel

Terpenes are one of many factors to consider when choosing the right cannabis product for you.

Even though the world of cannabis has continued to experience changes every day, certain fundamental truths still hold. For example, decades ago (even when weed was illegal), people preferred getting their stash from one dealer they could trust and depend on, which is still the case today. Most marijuana enthusiasts, after trying out a new cannabis store and loving it, tend to stick by it for as long as possible. 

In this digital world, where you can access hundreds of cannabis dispensaries from the comfort of your home, make sure your weed vendor is the best option you have.

A good dispensary provides a wide variety of products under the same roof while maintaining a sense of culture, style, and class. A good dispensary is also conveniently located and can facilitate delivery right to your doorstep. 

At 6ix Cannabis, we pride ourselves in operating one of the best marijuana stores in the city and even the country. We are locally-owned and managed, which explains why you can feel the pulse of the city in everything we touch. If you’re looking for the best spot to buy weed in Ajax, look no further!

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