Last updated: October 2025

Introduction

When most people bring up cannabis or CBD, the conversation usually stops at THC or CBD itself. That is kind of where all the focus has been. But there is another part of the plant that explains why one strain makes you feel relaxed and another makes you feel more awake. These are terpenes.

Terpenes are the natural scents of the plant. They are the reason one jar smells like citrus and another like pine. But they are not only smell. Researchers believe they also have something to do with how cannabis feels in the body. They may even change the way CBD or THC work.

So in this guide, I am going to walk through what terpenes actually are, some of the main ones in cannabis, and why they might matter when you are choosing CBD products. If you want to see terpene-rich CBD oils, you can check out Mary Jane’s Bakery Co.

What Are Terpenes? Definition & Role

Terpenes are small compounds that come from plants. They float into the air easily, which is why they are so strong in smell. They are not unique to cannabis. Limonene is in lemons. Pinene is in pine needles. Lavender has linalool.

Cannabis just happens to have a big mix of them. There are over 200 identified in the plant, although most strains only carry a handful in noticeable amounts.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are odorless, so when you smell cannabis it is the terpenes you are picking up. They also do practical jobs for the plant itself, like protecting it from bugs or too much sunlight.

For a good starter read, Project CBD: What Are Terpenes? explains it.

How Terpenes Interact with Cannabinoids (The Entourage Effect)

Something you will hear about often is the entourage effect. That is the idea that terpenes and cannabinoids play off each other instead of working alone.

So, for example, a strain with THC and certain terpenes may feel calmer than THC by itself. CBD with terpenes may feel stronger than CBD isolate. This is still being studied but it is something users have noticed for years.

There was a study sometimes called Watson’s resin experiment. People said that extracts with terpenes felt stronger than extracts with only THC. The NIH review on the entourage effect goes over this idea in more detail.

It is almost like music. One instrument sounds fine. Add others and suddenly you have a full band.

Major Cannabis Terpenes & Their Effects

α-Pinene

• Smells like pine or rosemary

• Research suggests it may support focus and memory

• Some early notes about helping with airways

Myrcene

• Smells earthy and a bit musky

• Often linked with relaxation or drowsiness

• This is the terpene people blame for the heavy “couch lock” feeling

Limonene

• Smells like citrus

• Associated with mood lift and less stress

• Some animal studies say it may support digestion

Linalool

• Smells like lavender

• Often tied to calmness and sleep support

• Found in both cannabis and lavender essential oils

β-Caryophyllene

• Smells like pepper or spice

• Special because it binds to CB2 receptors in the body

• Studied for possible anti-inflammatory effects, though it is still early

If you want to dig into the science, here is the NIH study on cannabis terpenes.

Volatility, Degradation & Extraction

Terpenes are fragile. Heat makes them evaporate and bad storage can change them.

That means smoking can burn some of them away before you even inhale them. Oils or extracts can also lose terpenes during processing. To get around this, some companies add terpenes back into the product so the oil smells and feels more like the original plant.

Labs can test for terpene profiles too. They almost act like fingerprints for strains. Two buds may look alike but the terpene profile shows the real difference.

The FDA has guidance on how cannabis products should be tested for quality.

Therapeutic Roles & Ongoing Research

Researchers are interested in how terpenes may interact with the body. A few things they are looking at:

• Limonene and serotonin receptors

• Linalool and stress response

• β-Caryophyllene and inflammation

But this is where things get tricky. Most studies are in animals or in labs. Human research is not as far along. So while terpenes may do interesting things, it is too soon to call them treatments.

CBD and cannabis in general can have side effects too, especially if mixed with other drugs. The NIH review on CBD side effects covers this.

How to Choose CBD Products with Terpenes

If you are trying to keep terpenes in your CBD routine, here are a few easy things:

1. Look for Certificates of Analysis. These reports should show terpene content as well as cannabinoid levels.

2. Go for full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oils. Isolate will not have terpenes.

3. Pay attention to labels. Some brands highlight if a product is high in limonene or pinene.

If you want to try something with a natural terpene profile, check out CBD Oil & Tinctures.

Limitations & Research Needs

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most research is still in early stages.

• Strain names do not always match the actual terpene breakdown.

• Effects are not the same for everyone. What feels relaxing for one person may not do the same for another.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Terpenes are not just about smell. They may be part of why cannabis and CBD feel the way they do. From the lavender-like calm of linalool to the sharp citrus of limonene, they add another layer to the experience.

If you are shopping for CBD, it might help to check the terpene profile along with the CBD or THC amount. That will give you a better idea of what you are getting.

You can see terpene-rich oils and tinctures at Mary Jane’s Bakery Co.

FAQ

Do terpenes make CBD stronger?
They may. Some people find CBD with terpenes feels more noticeable than CBD isolate.

Are terpenes safe to consume?
Usually yes in the amounts in cannabis or CBD oil, but some people may feel sensitive to certain ones.

Do all CBD oils have terpenes?
No. Isolate has none. Full spectrum or broad spectrum usually still have them.

Can I see terpene content before buying?
Yes, if the company shows a COA. That is the best way to know.

Author Bio

Written by: Denial, digital marketing professional and cannabis wellness writer. Article reviewed and fact-checked with government and peer-reviewed sources. Reviewed in October 2025.