In cannabis, they do more than just smell good, they may help shape the overall experience. From the citrusy lift of limonene to the earthy calm of myrcene, terpenes help define the character of each strain.

In nature, terpenes serve as a plant’s first line of defence, helping to repel predators and withstand environmental stress. In humans, their role is still being explored. However, growing evidence suggests that terpenes may work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD to influence how cannabis affects the body and mind. This interaction, known as the “entourage effect,” proposes that the full spectrum of cannabis compounds, terpenes included,works synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits.

Research supports this idea. A 2010 study found that a combination of THC and CBD was more effective for pain relief than THC alone. Similarly, a 2018 study showed that cannabis extracts had a stronger impact on breast cancer cells in vitro than isolated THC. While terpenes don’t produce a high on their own, some are considered psychoactive due to their subtle influence on mood and cognition.

Though still in the early stages of scientific understanding, terpenes are gaining attention for their potential medicinal value. As cannabis research progresses, terpenes are becoming an essential part of how consumers and clinicians classify and select strains. Still, it’s important to remember that effects are influenced by more than just plant compounds, your unique physiology, previous experience, and setting all play a role in how cannabis feels.