Terpenes 101: Aromas, Flavor, and Effects
Quick Terpene Facts
150+ terpenes in cannabis, but fewer than 10 dominate most strain profiles.
Terpenes = scent, flavor, and effect shaper in cannabis. There’s more to it than just THC percentages.
60% of consumers don’t know what terpenes are — meaning you can shop smarter than most.
How Cannabis Really Works
Terpenes are more than just the reason your weed smells amazing — they’re key to understanding how different strains make you feel. Whether you love the citrus punch of Super Lemon Haze or the earthy calm of Granddaddy Purple, terpenes help explain why.
Yet nearly 60% of cannabis consumers don’t know what terpenes are (BDSA, 2023). Those who do? They’re far more likely to consistently buy cannabis they enjoy.
This guide will cover:
What terpenes are and why they matter
The most common cannabis terpenes and their effects
How terpenes influence your high (the entourage effect)
How to find the right terpene-rich strain using the Cirro app
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic oils in cannabis that give each strain its signature scent, flavor, and — potentially — influence over its effects.
Cannabis contains 150+ terpenes, though a handful dominate the lab-tested terpene profiles of popular strains in California and Colorado. These compounds also appear in other plants — like limonene in citrus peels or linalool in lavender — which is why certain strains smell so familiar.
Through the entourage effect, terpenes may work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance or modify your high.
Top Cannabis Terpenes and Effects
Terpene Aroma / Effects / Example Strains
Myrcene Earthy, musky • Sedating, relaxing; enhances THC uptake • Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple
Limonene Citrus, lemon • Uplifting, stress relief • Super Lemon Haze, Lemon Cherry Gelato
Pinene Pine, rosemary • Boosts alertness, supports memory • Jack Herer, Blue Dream
Beta-Caryophyllene Peppery, spicy • Anti-inflammatory, calming • Gelato, GSC
Linalool Floral, lavender • Calming, promotes sleep • LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze
Humulene Woody, hoppy • Potential appetite suppression • White Widow, Headband
Why Terpenes Matter More Than THC Percentage
Two strains with 25% THC can feel totally different if their terpene content varies:
High THC + myrcene → heavy, couch-lock relaxation
High THC + limonene/pinene → bright, energetic head high
In California and Colorado, many dispensaries now list terpene percentages on product packaging, giving consumers a better way to shop than chasing THC alone.
How to Shop for Terpenes Like a Pro
Read the Label – Look for top three terpenes and their percentages.
Smell Before Buying – If legal in your state, trust your nose.
Track Your Highs – Keep notes on terpene-heavy strains you like.
Use Cirro’s Terpene Search – Our app lets you filter strains by terpene profile, desired mood, and local availability.
Terpenes Beyond Flower
Vapes – Many cartridges use cannabis-derived terpenes for authentic strain flavor.
Edibles – Full-spectrum or strain-specific edibles may retain terpene effects.
Topicals – Some terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene are included for their calming or anti-inflammatory benefits.
Recap: Your Terpene Takeaways
Terpenes = scent, flavor, and effect shapers in cannabis.
The entourage effect means terpenes and cannabinoids work together.
Shop by terpene profile, not just THC percentage, for better results.
Use Cirro to instantly find terpene-rich strains that match how you want to feel.
Want to find the perfect cannabis strain without trial and error?
Download the Cirro App and search by terpene profile today.
