Flavor and aromas in cannabis are created by terpenes. Terpenes also shape the effects of cannabis -- just think of smelling lavender and the calmness it instills.
For years, the cannabis industry has sidelined terpenes as "supporting" characters even as science increasingly has shown they play a huge role in the experience of different strains, a role known as the "entourage effect".
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Despite this, most dispensaries push the strains with the highest THC % even though lower testing cultivars that are terpene rich often have more pleasant and intense effects.
In 2021, Terpene Journey introduces our exclusive terpene-first shopping experience -- a carefully curated menu paired with a thoughtfully designed terpene bar, a colorful spectrum of cannabis terpene icons arranged left to right from more energizing terpenes to more calming terpenes.
Use the terpene bar icons to help select products using filters on our online menu or visit our store to see the terpene bar in living color. Our aim is to simplify, inform, and celebrate in full color.
Read more below about what to look for in your cannabis. Prominent cannabis terpenes listed in order from generally most energizing to generally most calming. The effects of any given terpene may change in the presence of other compounds.
More research is needed to understand each terpene’s effect when used with others.
Our goal at Terpene Journey is to bring awareness of terpenes to help consumers make more informed decisions about their cannabis and their experience.
Aromas:
Complex aroma, essences of wood and essences of fruit -- in a word, fresh.
Also found in:
Lilacs, sage, rosemary, apples, tea tree, cumin, nutmeg
Why add to your entourage:
Terpinolene is rarely going to be the most prominent player in a strain but that’s part of its beauty -- mildly sedating on its own, terpinolene can sometimes pair well with the more energizing terpene limonene. Add terpinolene to your entourage to give an energy infused with the wonder and awe afforded by taking a step back and just letting the energy flow through you.
Aromas:
Citrus
Also found in:
Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint
Why add to your entourage:
Just thinking of lemonade conjures up images of sunshine and stress relief and that’s just how limonene can infuse the energy in a cannabis strain. For some, limonene adds that crucial aspect of motivation to a high to get things done.
Aromas:
Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
Also found in:
Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Why add to your entourage:
The zest of life one can feel when smelling something spicy greatly embodies this terpene. Caryophyllene appears to more directly impact the body than mind with relaxation properties for the body that set the stage for directing your mind in energetic ways, potentially with other terpenes in your entourage.
Aromas:
Hops, woody, earthy
Also found in:
Hops, coriander, cloves, basil
Why add to your entourage:
A close relative of Caryophyllene, Humulene helps amplify the relaxing body effects of caryophyllene.
Aromas:
Floral, honey, sugar, apples
Also found in:
Chamomile
Why add to your entourage:
Think of a garden walk in the summer evening and you’re transported instantly to the relaxing, creative vibe Bisabolol gives some people. More relaxing than Pinene, Bisabolol may suit activities where focus is less of a concern, potentially creative pursuits.
Aromas:
Cardamom, cloves, musky, earthy, herbal
Also found in:
Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
Why add to your entourage:
The most prevalent terpene in cannabis, Myrcene is well known to promote relief from body associated pain and will give that ‘couch lock’ effect. Can be mildly sedative for some and induce sleep.
Aromas:
Floral
Also found in:
Lavender, birch bark
Why add to your entourage:
For some, linalool unlocks the ability to melt all your cares down the drain (just think of a lavender bath bomb). Look for linalool to calm the energy in your mind.
Terpene Journey aims to change how cannabis is bought and bring greater transparency and understanding of what’s in our weed.
Join us on this journey.
