Terpene
Pronunciation: /TUR-peen/
Definition
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor — and may contribute to its effects.
Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene (earthy, found in mangoes), limonene (citrus, found in lemon peel), pinene (pine), linalool (lavender), and beta-caryophyllene (peppery, also in black pepper).
Terpenes are theorized to be a key part of the entourage effect — the synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes that gives full- and broad-spectrum products different qualities than isolated CBD. Most research on cannabis terpenes is still emerging.
Related terms
- Entourage EffectThe entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically — that whole-plant extracts produce different effects than isolated compounds.
- Full Spectrum CBDFull spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in the hemp plant, including up to 0.3% THC.
- Broad Spectrum CBDBroad spectrum CBD contains the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of the hemp plant with the THC removed.
- CannabinoidCannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 100 of them.
Last reviewed: