What are Terpenes in CBD?

Introduction

Terpenes are everywhere — even if you don’t realise it. That fresh pine smell in a forest, the zing of orange peel, or the calming scent of lavender? All terpenes. In cannabis, terpenes do much more than smell nice. They help shape flavour, influence effects, and may even play a role in how CBD and other cannabinoids work in the body.

In fact, research suggests there are over 20,000 terpenes identified in nature, with more than 140 found in cannabis alone — although only a small number are well studied. That’s why terpenes have become such a hot topic in recent years, especially as people move beyond THC percentages and start asking deeper questions about how cannabis products actually feel.

This guide breaks down what terpenes are, what they do, and how you can use terpene knowledge to make better choices — in simple, clear language.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in plants (and some animals). They are responsible for the smell, taste, and sometimes even colour of plants.

You’ll find terpenes in:

• Citrus fruits (limonene)
• Pine trees (pinene)
• Lavender (linalool)
• Herbs like thyme and basil
• Cannabis plants (many different terpenes)

In plants, terpenes act as defence tools. Some repel insects, others attract pollinators, and some help plants recover from damage or fight off germs.

Terpenes vs terpenoids:
Terpenes exist in live plants. When plants are dried and cured (like cannabis flower), terpenes oxidise and become terpenoids. People often use the terms interchangeably.

The Nose Knows: Aroma, Flavour, and Plant Defence

Smell is the first thing people notice about cannabis — and that’s terpenes doing the work.

Different terpene combinations create very different experiences:

• Earthy and herbal
• Sweet and fruity
• Piney and fresh
• Spicy and peppery

In nature, these smells aren’t accidental. Terpenes help plants:

• Deter predators
• Attract beneficial insects
• Protect against bacteria and fungi
• Survive harsh environments

That same chemistry is why terpenes are widely used in essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, foods, and even pharmaceuticals.

Terpenes vs Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids and terpenes are often mentioned together — but they’re not the same thing.

Cannabinoids

• Examples: THC, CBD, CBG
• Interact directly with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
• THC causes intoxication (“the high”)
• CBD does not

Terpenes

• Responsible for aroma and flavour
• May influence mood, focus, relaxation, or alertness
• Processed differently by the body
• Not intoxicating on their own

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids and dozens of terpenes, all working together in different ratios.

The Entourage Effect: How Terpenes and Cannabinoids Work Together

The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids is often called the entourage effect.

This theory suggests that:

Cannabis compounds work better together than alone.

For example:

• Two strains with the same THC level can feel very different
• Full-spectrum CBD products often feel stronger than CBD isolate
• Terpenes may influence how THC or CBD is experienced

Studies have shown that CBD-rich extracts can be more effective than pure CBD alone, suggesting that terpenes and minor cannabinoids play a supporting role.

Do Terpenes Affect People?

Yes — many terpenes are bioactive, meaning they can affect the body.

That’s why terpenes are widely used in:

• Aromatherapy
• Essential oils
• Herbal medicine

Smelling or inhaling certain terpenes may influence:

• Mood
• Stress levels
• Relaxation
• Energy
• Focus

Terpenes may also influence how cannabinoids behave in the body, which is why terpene profiles are becoming more important than THC percentages alone.

Are Terpenes Psychoactive?

This is a common question.

Terpenes will not get you high.
They are not intoxicating.

However:

• Some terpenes affect the brain
• They may shape how THC feels
• They can influence calmness, alertness, or sedation

Think of terpenes like seasoning in food. Salt won’t make you drunk — but it absolutely changes the experience.

Dominant Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Across cannabis strains, a few terpenes show up most often:

• Myrcene
• β-Caryophyllene
• Limonene
• Terpinolene
• α-Pinene
• Ocimene

The ratio matters more than the presence alone.

Effects of Common Terpenes

Myrcene

• Earthy, herbal aroma
• Found in mango, hops, thyme
• Often linked with relaxing or sedating effects
• Common in evening-style strains

Example:
People who feel “heavy” or sleepy after certain strains are often experiencing high myrcene levels.

Limonene

• Citrus aroma
• Found in lemon and orange peel
• Associated with uplifting, energising effects
• May support mood and digestion

Example:
If a strain smells like citrus and feels mentally bright, limonene is likely involved.

α-Pinene

• Pine-like scent
• Found in pine needles and rosemary
• Associated with alertness and memory support
• May counteract some THC-related brain fog

β-Caryophyllene

• Spicy, peppery aroma
• Found in black pepper and cloves
• Unique because it interacts directly with CB2 receptors
• Linked with anti-inflammatory effects

Linalool

• Floral, lavender scent
• Associated with calm and relaxation
• Often linked with stress relief

Terpinolene

• Woody, floral, slightly sweet
• Less common as a dominant terpene
• Linked with sedating effects in some studies

Ocimene

• Sweet, floral aroma
• Produced by plants as a defence response
• May have anti-inflammatory properties

Secondary and Lesser-Known Terpenes

Even terpenes present in small amounts matter.

Examples include:

• Humulene – anti-inflammatory
• Carene – sleep support
• Camphene – lipid and cholesterol research
• Terpineol – mood-related effects

Together, these smaller players help shape the overall experience.

Tips for Using Terpene-Rich Products

Here’s how to put terpene knowledge into action:

• Read lab reports for terpene profiles
• Choose fresh products (strong smell = better terpene retention)
• Avoid excessive heat, which degrades terpenes
• Be cautious with synthetic terpenes
• Track how different terpene profiles make you feel

A simple note on your phone can help you spot patterns over time.

Terpenes in Everyday Life (Beyond Cannabis)

Terpenes are used in:

• Food flavouring
• Cosmetics and skincare
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Pharmaceuticals

Some terpene-based medicines are already used in conventional healthcare, including anti-cancer and anti-malarial treatments.

What Research Says (and What It Doesn’t)

What we know:

• Terpenes influence aroma, flavour, and experience
• Many show promising biological activity
• Synergy with cannabinoids matters

What we don’t know yet:

• Exact therapeutic doses for humans
• Long-term effects
• How individual biology changes terpene response

More human studies are still needed.

Takeaway: Why Terpenes Matter

Terpenes are a huge part of what makes cannabis — and many plants — unique. They shape smell, taste, and potentially how products feel.

They won’t get you high, but they may help you:

• Choose better products
• Understand why strains feel different
• Find profiles that suit your lifestyle

Terpenes aren’t everything — but they’re an important piece of the puzzle.