What Are Cannabis Terpenes and Why Do They Make Weed Smell So Distinct

Written by Brandon Topp

October 22nd, 2025

If you've ever wondered why some cannabis smells like citrus while other strains hit you with intense skunk or gasoline notes, you're not alone. 

Most people assume terpenes explain everything about cannabis aroma.

Recent research reveals a more interesting story.

Terpenes create the broad aromatic families like citrus, pine, floral, and earthy.

But those coveted "loud" skunk, gas, and garlic notes? They actually come from volatile sulfur compounds, particularly 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol.

This is the same compound family found in actual skunk spray. It explains why certain strains have that unmistakable pungency.

Understanding this distinction helps you make smarter choices when buying cannabis.

It also shows you how to preserve aroma in your own stash.

We'll show you how to evaluate cannabis by smell and why your nose beats THC percentages.

You'll also learn what happens when flower loses its scent during storage.

Table of Contents

• Why That 'Loud' Smell Isn't What You Think

• The Seven Terpenes You Actually Smell in Cannabis

• Terpenes vs THC vs Those Sulfur Compounds

• How to Pick Cannabis Using Your Nose (Not Just THC Numbers)

• Why Your Homegrown Lost Its Smell After Drying

• What Terpenes Actually Do Beyond Smell

• When Terpenes Can Be Too Much

• Your Nose Knows More Than the Label

Why That 'Loud' Smell Isn't What You Think

Here's where cannabis chemistry gets interesting.

Terpenes set the foundation with citrus, pine, and earthy character.

But they're not responsible for the skunky, gassy notes everyone chases. 

Recent scientific studies have identified volatile sulfur compounds as the true drivers of those intense aromas.

The Sulfur Connection

The primary culprit is 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol. This sulfur compound is chemically similar to what skunks spray for defense.

Even in trace amounts, these VSCs dominate the aroma profile. They create that "loud" quality that makes people say a strain "reeks."

The Supporting Cast

Esters contribute fruity and sweet notes that blend with terpenes to create candy-like or berry aromas.

You'll notice these in strains described as having grape, strawberry, or tropical fruit character.

Skatole adds chemical or funky tones in small amounts. While it sounds unappealing, it contributes to the complex aroma profiles people describe as "dank" or having unusual depth.

Which Terpene Smells Skunky?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer surprises people.

No single terpene creates the skunky smell.

While myrcene contributes earthiness and other terpenes add to the overall profile, the skunk note itself comes from those volatile sulfur compounds.

This explains why two strains can have nearly identical terpene lab results but smell completely different. The VSCs are what make the difference between a mellow earthy strain and one that clears the room when you open the jar.

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The Seven Terpenes You Actually Smell in Cannabis

While VSCs create the loud notes, terpenes shape the broad aromatic families that define a strain's character. Cannabis with 2-5% total terpenes typically smells aromatic to most people.

The presence of VSCs can make even lower percentages seem intense. 

Here are the seven terpenes you'll encounter most often.

Myrcene: Earthy and Musky

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in many cannabis strains. It often makes up more than 20% of the terpene profile.

It creates earthy, musky aromas with hints of cloves or ripe mango. You'll recognize myrcene-dominant strains by their grounded, herbal character.

This terpene forms the base note that other aromas build upon. Think of it as the foundation of the scent profile.

Limonene: Bright Citrus

Limonene delivers the unmistakable scent of lemon, lime, and orange.

When you open a jar and get hit with citrus brightness, you're smelling limonene at work.

This terpene provides the sharp, refreshing quality in strains that smell like citrus peel or lemon zest. Strains like Super Lemon Haze and Tangie showcase limonene-forward profiles.

It's one of the easiest terpenes to identify by scent alone. The zesty citrus character announces itself immediately.

Pinene: Fresh Pine

Pinene comes in two forms that both smell like forest freshness.

Alpha-pinene recalls fresh pine needles.

Beta-pinene brings notes of fir, basil, and rosemary.

Strains high in pinene often smell like walking through a pine forest.

This sharp, clean aroma cuts through heavier notes. It adds clarity to complex profiles and is associated with mental clarity.

Linalool: Soft Floral

Linalool creates the lavender-like floral character found in certain strains. It's the same compound that gives lavender flowers their signature scent.

When cannabis has a soft, floral quality with hints of lavender, you're experiencing linalool.

This terpene adds smoothness and a gentle aromatic quality.

Caryophyllene: Peppery Spice

Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to interact directly with cannabinoid receptors in the body.

It provides spicy, peppery notes similar to black pepper or cloves.

You'll notice caryophyllene in strains with sharp, spicy character. This terpene adds a bite to the aroma that tingles your nose.

Terpinolene: Complex and Layered

Terpinolene offers one of the most complex aroma profiles. It combines floral, herbal, piney, and citrus notes all at once.

It's harder to pin down than single-note terpenes. Strains with terpinolene have a sophisticated, layered quality.

You might notice different aspects of the scent depending on how closely you smell it.

The aroma seems to shift and evolve.

Humulene: Woody and Hoppy

Humulene delivers earthy, woody, and herbal aromas. It's the same terpene found in hops.

That's why some strains smell like craft beer. This terpene adds depth and a mature, grounded quality to cannabis aroma.

It's especially prominent in strains described as "earthy" or having an old-growth forest character.

Humulene provides substance to lighter, fruitier profiles.

Terpenes vs THC vs Those Sulfur Compounds

Understanding the different roles of these compounds clears up confusion. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create scent and flavor.

Cannabinoids like THC interact with your endocannabinoid system to create effects.

Both are produced in the same trichomes but serve completely different purposes.

Why VSCs Dominate Your Nose

Here's what trips people up. VSCs and esters can completely dominate the nose even in tiny amounts.

A strain might have 3% total terpenes and still smell louder than one with 5% terpenes if it has more VSCs present. The numbers don't tell the whole aromatic story.

The Percentage Mixup

Lab results showing terpene percentages give you part of the picture.

They don't measure VSCs or other aromatic compounds.

This is why you can't predict how strongly something will smell just from terpene numbers. Your nose provides information the lab report misses.

The other common mixup is thinking higher terpene percentages mean stronger effects.

Terpenes influence the experience, but THC and other cannabinoids drive the primary effects you feel.

How to Pick Cannabis Using Your Nose (Not Just THC Numbers)

Your nose provides more useful information than you might think.

Fresh, aromatic cannabis with a recent pack date often delivers a better experience than higher-THC flower that's been sitting around.

The scent tells you about freshness, storage conditions, and the full aromatic profile.

Here's how to use your nose effectively.

The Jar Test

When you smell cannabis, open the bag or jar and note your immediate reaction.

Look for citrus, pine, fuel, or garlic notes.

These indicate fresh, properly stored flower. Avoid anything that smells like hay, cardboard, or has very faint aroma.

Pay attention to how the scent develops. Quality cannabis reveals layers as you smell it.

Different notes emerge over a few seconds. Flat, one-dimensional scents suggest degraded or low-quality flower.

Check the Dates

Harvest date or pack date matters more than most people realize. Terpenes and VSCs are volatile.

This means they evaporate over time even in sealed containers.

Flower that's been packaged within the last few months typically retains better aroma than older product.

When comparing similar options, fresher usually wins. A three-month-old jar with 25% THC often disappoints compared to fresh 20% THC flower with strong aroma.

How Can You Tell If Weed Is Terpy?

Terpy cannabis announces itself. You don't need to hold it close to your nose.

When you open the container, the aroma should be immediately noticeable and distinct. Good indicators include strong, clear notes of citrus, pine, or gas that fill the air around the jar.

The scent should have complexity rather than a one-dimensional profile.

Our Top Shelf THCa flower collection features strains with robust terpene profiles and transparent lab testing.

For Those Who Can't Smell Well

If you have limited sense of smell, focus on visual and tactile cues. Look for visible trichomes coating the flower and vibrant colors.

Check for springy texture rather than brittle dryness. Ask about pack dates and storage conditions.

Many people with reduced smell can still detect some aromas more than others.

VSC-heavy strains might come through even when subtler terpene profiles don't register.

Why Your Homegrown Lost Its Smell After Drying

This is one of the most frustrating experiences for home growers.

Buds that reeked during harvest end up smelling like hay after drying.

The most common cause is drying too quickly in conditions that are too warm or too dry. Temperature and humidity make all the difference.

The Community Gold Standard

Experienced growers consistently recommend drying at 60°F and 60% relative humidity.

This differs from the 70°F and 50% RH that some official guides suggest.

The slower, cooler dry better preserves volatile compounds. This process takes patience.

Plan for at least 10-14 days of drying before moving to curing. Rushing this step is where most aroma loss happens.

The Curing Phase

Real curing takes 4-8 weeks, not the 2 weeks often mentioned in quick guides. During this time, you're allowing the remaining moisture to distribute evenly through the flower.

You're also maintaining the right environment for aroma preservation. Store in airtight glass jars.

Open them briefly each day for the first couple of weeks. This is called "burping."

Keep jars in a cool, dark place. Monitor for any signs of excess moisture that could lead to issues.

Why Won't My Buds Keep Smelling?

The hay smell indicates chlorophyll breakdown happening too fast. This usually comes from heat or rapid drying.

Once it sets in, it's difficult to reverse. That's why prevention matters so much.

If you catch it early, try bringing the humidity back up slightly to around 62%.

Use humidity control packs designed for cannabis storage.

This won't restore lost terpenes but can prevent further degradation. Temperature control remains critical throughout the process.

That Weird Onion or Garlic Smell

Unexpected onion, garlic, or sulfurous notes during drying can indicate VSCs surfacing.

This happens as other compounds volatilize.

In some cases this is actually characteristic of certain strains. However, it can also signal improper drying conditions.

If the smell develops suddenly or comes with signs of excess moisture, check your storage conditions immediately.

Proper airflow and temperature control usually prevent these issues.

Storage for Purchased Flower

The same principles apply to storing cannabis you buy. Keep it in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Heat and light accelerate terpene loss. Flower left in cars or on sunny windowsills loses its smell quickly.

Glass jars work better than plastic bags for longer-term storage. If you plan to keep cannabis for more than a few weeks, consider humidity control packs.

Look for packs designed to maintain 58-62% RH. They help preserve aroma and prevent the flower from getting too dry.

What Terpenes Actually Do Beyond Smell

You've probably heard about the "entourage effect." There's something to it.

This theory suggests that terpenes work together with cannabinoids to shape the overall experience.

It helps explain why strains with similar THC levels can feel quite different.

The Volume and Playlist Analogy

Think of THC as the volume. Terpenes are the playlist that sets the mood.

The same level of THC can feel more energizing, calming, or creative depending on which terpenes are present. This is why identical THC percentages don't guarantee identical experiences.

Setting Realistic Expectations

We can't make health or wellness claims. We're not a medical authority.

What we can say is that the combination of compounds in cannabis creates different sensory experiences for different people. Individual responses vary significantly.

Some folks notice that strains with limonene feel more energizing and focused.

Others find linalool-heavy strains create a more mellow experience for evening use.

These experiences are subjective. They vary based on individual body chemistry, tolerance, and countless other factors.

Why Your Experience Varies

Two strains with identical THC content might feel completely different. Their terpene and cannabinoid profiles create distinct experiences.

This is why nose-first shopping actually makes sense. Your body's response correlates more with the full chemical profile than with THC percentage alone.

Keep notes about which aromatic profiles work well for you.

Over time, you'll recognize patterns in what you enjoy.

This makes it easier to pick new strains with confidence. You'll develop your own personal aromatic preferences.

When Terpenes Can Be Too Much

While naturally occurring terpenes in flower are generally well-tolerated, there are situations where concentrated terpenes can be harsh. Inhaling pure, concentrated terpenes causes lung irritation.

They're meant to be experienced in the balanced ratios found in natural cannabis. Isolated terpenes at high concentrations behave differently than the natural plant matrix.

Heat and Terpene Degradation

Very high heat breaks down terpenes and can create unpleasant byproducts.

This is one reason why dabbing at extreme temperatures can lead to harsh experiences.

Using cheap combustion methods can have similar effects. Lower-temperature consumption preserves more of the aromatic profile and tends to be smoother.

Vaporizers designed for precise temperature control give you more access to the full terpene experience. They also reduce the harsh byproducts that come from excessive heat.

Added Terpenes in Products

Some vape cartridges and concentrates have terpenes added back in after extraction. This isn't inherently problematic.

It's worth knowing whether you're experiencing natural plant profiles or formulated blends.

Quality products use cannabis-derived terpenes and disclose what's been added.

If a product lists botanical terpenes or doesn't specify the source, ask questions before purchasing. Our disposable vapes feature transparent terpene information.

Is Inhaling Terpenes Safe?

In the natural concentrations found in cannabis flower, terpenes are part of the normal consumption experience. Issues typically arise only with highly concentrated forms or synthetic additives.

As with any cannabis consumption, proper ventilation and moderation make sense.

If you're trying concentrates with added terpenes, start with smaller amounts.

Gauge how your body responds before increasing your intake. Everyone's tolerance and sensitivity differs.

Your Nose Knows More Than the Label

We've covered a lot of ground. It comes down to this.

Understanding that terpenes create aromatic families while VSCs deliver those loud, skunky notes gives you the real story of cannabis smell. This knowledge transforms how you shop and what you look for.

Next time you're at a dispensary, trust your nose first. Check pack dates before focusing on THC numbers.

When storing your own flower, remember that patience during drying and curing preserves what you worked hard to grow or carefully selected.

Temperature and humidity control make the difference between hay and heaven.

At Mood, we believe in transparent labeling and proper handling. We know how much aroma matters to your experience.

Our products go through rigorous testing. We're committed to helping you make informed choices about what you're consuming.

Whether you're chasing citrus brightness, pine sharpness, or those intense gassy notes, now you know what you're really smelling.

You also know how to keep it smelling good from purchase through consumption.