What Are Cannabis Terpenes? A Complete Guide to Aroma, Flavour and Strain Profiles

Citrus fruit and green leaves illustrating aromatic notes
Illustrative image · Photo by Elsa Olofsson / Unsplash

Quick answer: Cannabis terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds that contribute to a cultivar’s smell and flavour. They also occur in many other plants, and a terpene profile does not reliably predict a product’s effects.

What are terpenes?

Produced mainly in the plant’s trichomes, terpenes contribute to the distinctive smell and flavour of each cultivar. Two strains with similar THC percentages can still have very different sensory profiles.

Common aroma profiles

  • Myrcene: earthy, herbal and musky.
  • Limonene: bright lemon, orange and citrus.
  • Pinene: fresh pine and forest notes.
  • Linalool: floral and lavender-like.
  • Caryophyllene: peppery, spicy and woody.
  • Terpinolene: fresh, herbal, floral and sometimes citrusy.
  • Humulene: earthy, woody and herbal.

How to use terpene information

Consider aroma and flavour alongside THC or CBD information, genetics, cultivation method and quality tier. Indoor or greenhouse growing can influence the finished flower, but genetics, harvest, curing and storage also matter.

Terpenes are not a guarantee of effects

Terpenes clearly contribute to aroma and flavour. Research into how they interact with cannabinoids is still developing, and individual responses vary. Do not treat a terpene profile as a guaranteed prediction of how a product will feel.

Read product profiles beyond THC

Aroma notes are descriptive rather than a guarantee: the same named cultivar can vary between growers and batches. Drying, curing and storage also influence the sensory profile, so use the current product listing for batch-specific information where available.

When comparing FOUR20SA products, look for strain type, potency, aroma, flavour, terpene notes, cultivation method and quality tier. Explore the Shop and Product Tier Guide to compare available profiles.

For adults only. Educational information, not medical advice. Cannabis affects individuals differently; consume responsibly and follow applicable laws.

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