Disclaimer: This content is for adults 19+ and for educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice. Experiences vary widely between individuals. Terpenes do not indicate effects, benefits, or outcomes.
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, and they play a major role in shaping how adults describe the aroma and flavour of different cannabis strains. These aromatic organic compounds also appear in other plants, such as pine trees, herbs, flowers, and citrus fruits, which is why cannabis aromas often resemble scents familiar from essential oils or natural botanicals.
When adults ask what do terpenes do, they are usually referring to how these chemical compounds influence the plant’s sensory presentation. Each cannabis cultivar contains a unique mix of terpenes, and this terpene content helps explain why one strain presents bright citrus notes while another may carry earthy, fuel-like, or peppery characteristics. Many adults also say terpenes shape how they perceive aroma or flavour when used alongside other cannabis compounds. Some adults discuss terpenes in relation to the “entourage effect,” a community term describing subjective impressions of how cannabis components may interact. This is not a medical concept and remains user-reported only.
How Terpenes Shape Aroma
A strain’s aroma comes from the terpenes present in its trichomes. As these compounds evaporate, they produce noticeable scents that many adults identify quickly. Depending on how the cannabis plant develops, terpenes may be associated with:
- A brighter interpretation of citrus-forward profiles, as some adults describe the scent as fresh or stimulating to the senses
- Deep, earthy, or woody notes are common in many cannabis cultivars
- Sharp, fuel-like characteristics are found in strains such as Sour Diesel
- Sweet, fruity, or floral tones from various natural compounds
- Peppery or spicy hints similar to black pepper
The combination of various terpenes contributes to why certain strains present more layered or pronounced aromas.
How Terpenes Influence Flavour
Terpenes also shape how adults perceive flavour during inhalation or exhalation. As part of the plant’s essential oil profile, they may contribute to recognizable taste notes such as:
- Lemon, lime, or orange from citrus-associated terpenes
- Pine or wood-like sharpness found in other plants
- Sweet, herbal, or floral characteristics
- Diesel or gas-forward flavours in cannabis cultivars like Sour Diesel
- Earthy or musky tones observed in certain strains
The relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes is often noted in how adults interpret a strain’s overall sensory character.
User-Reported Perceptions
While experiences vary widely, some adults personally describe certain terpene profiles as giving them different impressions. Common descriptions include:
- A brighter interpretation of citrus-forward profiles, which some adults describe as fresh or lively in scent
- A heavier or more grounded impression from earthier terpene blends
- A sense of balance or hybridity, depending on how adults interpret the combined aromas of different cannabis compounds
These descriptions are not effects or outcomes. They are individual, subjective impressions and not medical or therapeutic claims.
Why Terpene Diversity Matters
Cannabis contains many terpenes, and each cultivar expresses a distinct combination. Environmental factors such as light exposure, cultivation style, drying, and curing can influence terpene levels. As a result, two versions of the same strain may present different aromas or flavours depending on how they were grown and processed.
Adults also encounter terpenes in various product formats, including:
- Cannabis extract
- Cannabis oil
- Concentrates containing other natural compounds
- Full-spectrum products with additional cannabinoids
Each format may highlight different aspects of a plant’s terpene profile.
FAQs
What do terpenes do in cannabis and what do they do?
Terpenes help shape the aroma, flavour, and user-reported sensory impressions of cannabis, giving each cultivar its own character.
How do terpenes influence the effects of cannabinoids in cannabis strains?
Some adults perceive differences when terpenes appear alongside cannabinoids, but these impressions are subjective and non-medical.
What is the purpose of terps?
Terps contribute to a strain’s scent, flavour, and overall sensory presentation.
What gives cannabis its aroma?
Cannabis aroma comes from terpenes, the natural aromatic compounds concentrated in the plant’s resin.
