What Are Terpenes in Weed? How They Affect Flavour and High

When choosing cannabis, many people focus on THC or CBD levels — but there’s another key factor that significantly influences your experience: terpenes. These aromatic compounds do more than just make your weed smell and taste amazing — they also play a crucial role in the effects and therapeutic benefits of different weed strains.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about terpenes in weed, including what they are, how they influence cannabis strains, and how they affect your weed flavour profiles and high.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in many plants — including cannabis. They’re responsible for the distinctive aromas of herbs like lavender, pine, citrus, and pepper. In weed, terpenes give each strain its unique scent and flavour profile.

Cannabis plants produce terpenes in the same glands that create cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While cannabinoids are famous for altering your state of mind, cannabis terpenes influence how those cannabinoids interact with your body and mind.

The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis

Terpenes do more than just smell good — they also interact with your endocannabinoid system, working synergistically with cannabinoids in what’s known as the entourage effect. This phenomenon suggests that the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of cannabis are enhanced when terpenes and cannabinoids are consumed together.

That means two cannabis strains with the same THC level could feel totally different, depending on their terpene profiles.

Common Terpenes Found in Weed

Here are some of the most common terpenes in weed, their aromas, and how they may affect your experience:

1. Myrcene

Aroma: Earthy, musky, with hints of clove
Effects: Relaxing, sedative
Found In: Mangoes, thyme, lemongrass
Common Strains: Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream

Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene in modern cannabis strains, often associated with calming and couch-lock effects. If you’re looking for a deep, full-body high, strains high in myrcene may be the way to go.

2. Limonene

Aroma: Citrus, lemon, orange
Effects: Uplifting, mood-boosting, stress relief
Found In: Citrus rinds, peppermint
Common Strains: Super Lemon Haze, Wedding Cake

Limonene is known for its cheerful, energizing effects and is often found in weed strains with citrus-forward flavour profiles.

3. Caryophyllene

Aroma: Peppery, spicy, woody
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, stress relief
Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Common Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato

Caryophyllene is unique because it can interact directly with the body’s CB2 receptors, offering potential anti-inflammatory benefits along with a warm, spicy aroma.

4. Linalool

Aroma: Floral, lavender, slightly spicy
Effects: Sedative, anti-anxiety, calming
Found In: Lavender, mint
Common Strains: LA Confidential, Do-Si-Dos

If you’re seeking a soothing and sleep-promoting high, linalool-rich cannabis may be your best friend.

5. Pinene

Aroma: Pine, fresh forest
Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory
Found In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
Common Strains: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat

Pinene is ideal for those who want to stay focused and avoid memory fog often associated with high-THC weed strains.

6. Humulene

Aroma: Earthy, woody, hoppy
Effects: Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory
Found In: Hops, coriander
Common Strains: White Widow, Headband

Looking to avoid the munchies? Try a strain high in humulene.

Terpenes and Weed Flavour Profiles

Terpenes are the key players when it comes to the flavour of weed. Think of them as the “seasoning” of your cannabis. Depending on the strain, the combination of terpenes can create flavour profiles such as:

Fruity (e.g., Limonene, Myrcene)
Earthy (e.g., Myrcene, Humulene)
Spicy/Herbal (e.g., Caryophyllene, Linalool)
Citrusy (e.g., Limonene)
Piney (e.g., Pinene)

Each weed strain can have a unique terpene fingerprint, meaning two strains with similar THC levels can have completely different weed flavour profiles and effects.

How Terpenes Affect Your High

While THC and CBD play the primary roles in how you feel, terpenes influence the quality of your high.

Here’s how:

1. Enhancing or Balancing the Effects of THC

Some terpenes like myrcene enhance THC’s sedative properties, while others like pinene may reduce THC-induced anxiety or short-term memory loss.

2. Altering the Mood or Experience

Limonene can elevate mood and energy
Linalool may promote relaxation and calmness
Caryophyllene can help reduce stress and inflammation

This is why understanding cannabis terpenes is just as important as looking at THC content when choosing your ideal weed strain.

Choosing Weed Strains Based on Terpenes

If you’re shopping online at Get Kush, looking for the right weed strain can feel overwhelming — especially with so many options available. Here’s how you can narrow it down using terpenes:

Want to Relax or Sleep?

Look for strains with:

Myrcene
Linalool
Humulene

Need a Mood Boost?

Strains rich in:

Limonene
Pinene

Seeking Pain or Stress Relief?

Try strains high in:

Caryophyllene
Myrcene
Linalool

Popular Strains and Their Terpene Profiles

Let’s explore some well-known cannabis strains and the terpenes that define them:

Strain	Main Terpenes	Effects	Flavour Profile
Blue Dream	Myrcene, Pinene	Uplifting, creative	Berry, sweet, earthy
Gelato	Caryophyllene, Limonene	Relaxing, euphoric	Sweet, creamy, citrusy
Jack Herer	Pinene, Terpinolene	Focused, energetic	Pine, herbal, earthy
Girl Scout Cookies	Caryophyllene, Limonene	Happy, stress relief	Sweet, earthy, minty
Granddaddy Purple	Myrcene, Linalool	Sedative, full-body high	Grape, berry, floral

By understanding the terpene content, you can shop smarter and find the perfect strain for your needs — whether you’re chilling out, getting things done, or chasing that blissful buzz.

How to Preserve Terpenes in Your Weed

Terpenes are sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. To maintain the flavour and potency of your weed, follow these tips:

Store in a cool, dark place (preferably in an airtight glass jar)
Avoid high heat when smoking or vaping
Use a grinder gently to avoid damaging the delicate terpenes
Don’t over-dry your bud — that’s a fast way to lose flavour

If you want to enjoy the full weed flavour profile and effects, terpene preservation is essential.

Can You Buy Terpene-Rich Cannabis at Get Kush?

Absolutely. At Get Kush, we curate top-tier weed strains from across Canada, and our product descriptions highlight key terpenes so you can shop by flavour and effect. Whether you’re after a citrusy sativa marijuana strain to spark creativity or an earthy indica weed strain to wind down, you’ll find terpene-rich cannabis that fits your vibe.

Looking for something new? Try strains like:

Mimosa – bursting with limonene and citrus zest
Pink Kush – a myrcene-dominant powerhouse for deep relaxation
Sour Diesel – energetic and piney with high levels of pinene

Explore our full collection and buy weed online with fast, discreet shipping across Canada.

Final Thoughts: Why Terpenes Matter in Weed

Understanding terpenes in weed gives you the power to elevate your cannabis experience. Instead of just chasing high THC numbers, you can tailor your sessions based on how you want to feel — energized, relaxed, focused, or euphoric.

Whether you’re a seasoned toker or new to cannabis, choosing the right cannabis terpenes can help you unlock better highs, tastier smoke, and more personalized effects.

Start Your Terpene Journey with Get Kush

Ready to try terpene-rich weed? Browse our premium selection of cannabis flower strains at GetKush.cc, Canada’s trusted online dispensary. Discover your favourite weed flavour profiles, find your ideal high, and get top-quality cannabis delivered to your door.

REFERENCES:

Johnson, J. (2020, March 6). What to Know About Terpenes. Medical News Today. Available At: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes

Project CBD. (2020). Terpenes & The “Entourage Effect”. Available At: https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-entourage-effect

Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, Shbiro L, Weller A. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96. doi: 10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923. PMID: 31481004; PMCID: PMC7324885. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31481004/