What’s in Your Favorite Flower?

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about THC.

Let’s clear something up.
You shouldn’t be picking your product solely on percentage.
You should be choosing based on the experience you’re looking for.
And that experience? It’s crafted by more than cannabinoids.

Meet the Terps:

Terpenes (pronounced tur-peens) are the aromatic compounds responsible for how your flower smells, tastes, and how it makes you feel. They’re not just about scent. They help shape the entire sensory experience for you.

They’re found in the essential oils of all plants — from basil and pine to mangoes and lavender. You know the jolt of aroma you get when you crack open a jar and smell berry, citrus, or skunky notes? That’s your nose picking up on the terpene profile loud and clear.

In cannabis, terpenes are secreted in the same resin glands (trichomes) that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Over 100 unique terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant alone. Each strain has its own special signature.

So terpenes do more than smell nice. They interact with cannabinoids to shape effects in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This explains why two strains with the same THC level can feel completely different. One will chill you out. The other will sharpen your focus. That’s an example of terpenes in action.

Terpenes have evolved – they do everything from attracting pollinators to defending the plant from predators. In your body, they can have a major influence on everything from mood to clarity to appetite.

Let’s look at a few of our favorites:

Myrcene
Think calm evenings, sunsets and relaxing vibes.
This is the mellow one. It’s found in mangoes, hops, and thyme. It’s often associated with indica-dominant strains.
Surprising note: Myrcene may help THC cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively — making effects stronger and faster.

Pinene
Perfect for busy days, Pinene offers focus & clarity.
Fresh and piney. Found in rosemary and—as you probably guessed—pine trees.
Fun fact: Pinene may help counteract THC-related memory issues. For those “Wait, what was I saying?” moments.

Limonene
Like its name, Limonene is sunshine in every breath. Associated with mood boost.
Citrusy and bright. Found in orange peels and those strains that make a rough day feel lighter.
Believe it or not: Limonene is also used in cleaning products for its mood-lifting and antimicrobial properties.

A few other Terps you may want to know:

Caryophyllene
Think black pepper. Spicy and bold. Caryophyllene is the only terp that binds to CB2 receptors, meaning it may offer deeper physical support. In other words, iIt behaves like both a terpene and a cannabinoid.

Linalool
Like a lavender field, Linalool is flloral and calming. It’s often found in strains that promote wind-down mode.
Therapeutic edge: When paired with certain cannabinoids, Linalool may help reduce stress.

Humulene
This one conjures up hops and sage. It’s earthy and herbal.
Surprise!: This terp might actually suppress appetite. Not all terpenes are team munchies.

Bottom Line?
Terpenes are the plant’s personality and they tell your brain how to feel — from sleepy to sharp, chill to charged. Whether you’re smoking flower, vaping oil, or using concentrates, the terpene profile is doing some major behind-the-scenes work.

So next time you’re choosing a product, don’t just ask about THC. Ask about the terps The more you know, the more you will be able to create your ideal effect. We call it the art of experience.

High regards,

The Agriculturalist

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects individuals differently, and its use for pain management should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. The Agriculturalist does not make any medical claims regarding the efficacy of cannabis for treating pain or any medical conditions. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your wellness routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication. Cannabis products are intended for adult use only (21+). Please consume responsibly and in compliance with local laws.

Sources:
Leafly – What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?
A foundational guide explaining the role of terpenes in cannabis aroma, effects, and the entourage effect.
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Cannabis Pharmacology
A peer-reviewed resource detailing how terpenes contribute to the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

Wikipedia – Terpene
Offers background on the biological function and general properties of terpenes, including their roles in plants and use in various industries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene