Written by Shepherd King

Cannabis is full of organic chemical compounds, which give the plant its unique effects and characteristics.

Some of these compounds are cannabis terpenes, which are responsible for the way cannabis plants smell and taste.

Table of Contents

• Cannabis Terpenes Explained

  • Terpenes 101

  • Terpenes in Nature

  • What are Monoterpenes?

  • What are Terpenoids?

• Cannabis Terpenes vs Cannabinoids: What's The Difference?

• Terpene and Cannabis Cannabinoid Symmetry

• What Are The Effects of Terpenes?

• Common Terpenes in Cannabis

• How To Enjoy Terpenes

• Cannabis Terpene FAQs

• The Best Terpene-Rich Products at the Mood Shop

Cannabis Terpenes Explained

Knowing about terpenes and understanding how they work can enrich your cannabis use and help you find strains of the cannabis plant that best fit your tastes.

Let’s look at the most common terpenes, their effects, and the best ways to enjoy them.

Visit Mood, an online dispensary, for high-quality products loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes. Subscribe to recurring orders to save 15%.

Terpenes 101

Terpenes aren’t just found in cannabis; they’re also key components in many other plants.

These volatile compounds regulate color, smell, and taste in quite a few fruits, flowers, and plants, including lavender, citrus fruits, pine trees, and more.

In cannabis, terpenes are produced by gland-like structures called trichomes. These structures are also the key producers of cannabinoids, some of which are compounds that give hemp its psychoactive effects.

Experience highly concentrated terpenes and cannabinoids with 3.5g of THCa Moonrocks for just $49. Subscribe and save 15%.

Terpenes in Nature

Terpenes play different roles for different plants.

These compounds sometimes protect plants from predators, while others attract pollinators. Others still have antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect cannabis plants from other organisms.

What Are Monoterpenes?

Monoterpenes are a specific class of terpenes with a simple molecular structure.

These compounds are made up of 10 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms, making them the simplest types of terpenes on a molecular level.

Unlike some more complex terpenes, monoterpenes are very volatile, which means they evaporate quickly when exposed to heat. Monoterpenes are usually responsible for the powerful aromas that you smell when you first light a joint.

What Are Terpenoids?

Terpenoids (sometimes called isoprenoids) are chemically modified terpenes. These compounds form naturally from terpenes in some plants, including cannabis.

Like terpenes, terpenoids can work alongside the psychoactive components in cannabis for a more powerful, stimulating high.

Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids: What’s the Difference?

Both terpenes and cannabinoids are produced by the cannabis plant, but these two groups of compounds have their own unique sets of purposes.

Cannabinoids, which include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and more, interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, changing how you feel mentally and physically.

The cannabinoids in cannabis can affect everything from your mood to your awareness of pain to your appetite. Most importantly, these are the compounds in cannabis products that get you high — specifically Delta-9 THC.

On the other hand, terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant that influence the way your senses react to a cannabis strain. Different terpenes can change how the plant tastes, smells, and even its color.

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Terpene and Cannabinoid Synergy: How They Work Together

Terpenes and cannabinoids work in tandem to enhance your cannabis experience.

This fascinating phenomenon is called the entourage effect, and it’s best demonstrated by the way that certain types of cannabis terpenes can influence cannabinoid absorption.

One of the biggest examples of the entourage effect is the relationship between THC and the terpene myrcene. This common terpene can boost the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis strains and lead to a more relaxing and peaceful high.

In the same way, the terpene limonene can enhance the uplifting effects of Cannabis Sativa strains of cannabis, making your high more energizing and mind-clearing.

What Are the Effects of Terpenes?

Terpenes can have a broad spectrum of effects on the human body.

These compounds often fall somewhere between calming and uplifting, and you can feel these effects without using cannabis products — just smelling terpenes can be a form of aromatherapy.

Some of the effects of terpenes show up when these compounds are used in topical form as well.

Common Terpenes in Cannabis

There are over 200 terpenes found in different cannabis strains, and each one has its own distinct flavor, smell, and effects. The best way to experience as many terpenes as possible is to diversify your cannabis selection — something you can do easily with help from the Mood Shop.

These are some of the most common terpenes found in the cannabis plant:

Myrcene

This terpene is known for its earthy and musky smell and flavor. Interestingly, it’s one of the main hydrocarbons responsible for the smell of hops in beer.

Myrcene is abundant in lemongrass, a soothing herb with a distinct citrusy smell. It has natural analgesic effects, which can work at random with certain cannabinoids to make you feel relaxed.

Limonene

This compound is abundant in citrus fruit rind. It has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Some folks report that it smells like a mix of pine and turpentine.

In cannabis, limonene is known for supporting high energy and positive vibes. It’s most commonly found in Sativa-dominant cannabis strains.

Pinene

As the name suggests, this aromatic compound has a piney, woody, fresh smell. It’s thought to promote focus, and it’s a common part of the terpene profile of Sativa cannabis strains.

Linalool

Linalool is linked to calming and relaxing effects, and its floral aroma might remind you of lavender. Like myrcene, it has analgesic properties and is more common in Indica cannabis strains.

Caryophyllene

This terpene directly interacts with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which most terpenes don’t. In this sense, caryophyllene functions similarly to a cannabinoid.

Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma with a hint of cinnamon.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes. It's one of the most prominent Cannabis Sativa terpenes and has a sweet, floral, piney aroma and flavor. It’s loaded with antioxidants — molecular compounds.

Humulene

This compound is one of the primary components of the terpene profile of hops — the key ingredient in beer. It's also found in hemp and is a key part of the makeup of many cannabis strains.

Humulene has natural appetite-suppressing properties, but it’s mainly known for its earthy, woody aroma and slightly spicy flavor.

How To Enjoy Terpenes

You can find terpenes in any cannabis product, but some have much higher terpene content than others.

Let’s take a look at some of the richest sources of terpenes that the Mood Shop has to offer:

Cannabis Concentrates

These cannabis extracts are loaded with both terpenes and cannabinoids, and they’re known to produce a potent high. They come in many forms, including:

• Dab Badders: These concentrates have a whipped, buttery consistency and are full of flavor thanks to their high terpene content. The terpenes alter the flavor and scent of badders, making them intensely aromatic.

• THCa Diamonds: This highly concentrated form of THCa is extremely pure and powerful, and it looks remarkably similar to a real diamond.

• Hash: One of the oldest concentrates in the world, hash is extracted from cannabis with a process that preserves the cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Moonrocks: This concentrated cannabis product is a combo of THCa, CBD Kief, and THC distillate.

Grab 1g of THCa Diamonds for just $55. Subscribe to save 15%.

Edibles

Edibles are extremely yummy, and they’re also infused with terpene-heavy cannabis. While you’re more likely to taste the sweet flavors of an edible when you take a bite, you’ll still get plenty of terpenes in each edible you enjoy.

You have plenty of options when it comes to edibles, including:

• Gummies: These classic edibles are easy to enjoy and pack a serious punch despite their small size.

• Tinctures: Convenient and discreet, tinctures often contain a mix of multiple cannabinoids.

• Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, and other yummy cannabis-infused baked goods are some of the most fun ways to get high.

• Candies: From Peach Rings to Sour Rainbow Belts, these delicious edibles are nostalgic and iconic. Many of the edibles in the Mood Shop are faithful recreations of classic candies.

Pick up a 30-count of Delta-9 THC Sour Rainbow Belts for just $75. Subscribe to save 15%.

Flower

You can enjoy Cannabis Sativa, Indica, or hybrid flower by smoking a bong, pipe, or joint, and it’s one of the most legendary ways to get high.

Smoking flower is an easy way to take in plenty of cannabinoids and terpenes. While not as intense as a concentrate, flower still produces potent effects, especially when it’s high in Delta-9 THC.

Save $25 or more when you order 7g of Dante’s Inferno flower for just $93. Subscribe to save 15%.

Vapes

Vapes are convenient, discreet sources of cannabinoids and terpenes. The vapes in the Mood Shop are disposable, rechargeable, and loaded with high-potency THCa, which converts into Delta-9 THC when heated.

Grab a Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape for just $46. Subscribe to save 15%.

FAQs About Terpenes

Q: Can terpenes get you high?

A: Terpenes don’t have psychoactive properties like some cannabinoids do. That means they can’t get you high, but they can impact how you feel when you enjoy cannabis products.

Q: Will terpenes make me fail a drug test?

A: These compounds are found in the cannabis plant, but they don’t get you high. That means the answer to this question is a bit complicated.

Terpenes on their own won’t make you fail a drug test, but cannabis products will. It’s not the terpenes that will cause your problems, but they coexist with the psychoactive components in cannabis.

Q: Are terpenes legal?

A: Terpenes don’t fall under the same regulations as cannabinoids. As you know, these compounds don’t have any psychoactive effects, which takes away the need for state and federal laws surrounding them.

Outside of the cannabis industry, terpenes are sometimes included in products like essential oils, and they're fully legal in this form as well.

Q: What if I can’t taste the terpenes?

A: Terpenes have subtle flavors — think of the notes in wine rather than the fruits in a smoothie. You might not notice these little aromas and tastes right away, especially if your palate for cannabis hasn’t had time to develop.

The Best Terpene-Heavy Products From the Mood Shop

The Mood Shop is home to a wide selection of high-quality cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, and much more.

These are some of our favorite terpene and cannabinoid-heavy products for an intense high:

THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder

This dab badder has exceptionally high THCa content, and it’s also full of flavorful, aromatic terpenes. We recommend our THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder primarily to experienced cannabis enthusiasts looking for an intense high.

Snag 2g of THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder for just $89. Subscribe to save 15%.

Classic Hash

One of the oldest cannabis concentrates in the world, hash is made from the terpene and cannabinoid-rich trichomes of the cannabis plant. Our Classic Hash is a fantastic introduction to this iconic concentrate.

Pick up 1.5g of Classic Hash for just $46. Subscribe and save 15%.

THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder

This dab badder is high in THCa and has the signature whipped, buttery consistency that makes badders so fun to use. High-quality and ready to smoke, dab, or vape, it’s ideal for beginners and seasoned vets alike.

Pick up 1g of THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder for just $49. Subscribe to save 15%.

Discover more cannabis products at the Mood Shop today.

Prices subject to change.