Ever wondered why some strains smell like lemon zest and others like pine or black pepper? Those scents aren’t just for show. As we explain here at MoodShine, they come from natural compounds called terpenes—and they can do a lot more than just smell nice.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils found in many plants, including cannabis. They’re what make oranges citrusy and pine trees smell like the forest. In cannabis, terpenes play a huge part in the scent, flavor, and effects of different strains. They’re produced in the same part of the plant that creates cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

While terpenes won’t get you high, they can change the way a strain feels. That’s because terpenes interact with cannabinoids in what’s called the “entourage effect.” It’s a kind of team effort that shapes the overall experience—from how relaxed you feel to how energized or clear-headed you might become.

Terpenes have always been around us—every time you sniff lavender oil to calm down or smell fresh basil in a kitchen, that’s terpenes at work. They’re not just found in cannabis. They’re in everything from tea to spices to flowers. What makes them stand out in cannabis is how they interact with THC and CBD to influence not just how a strain smells, but how it feels.

They’re also the reason different strains can feel so different, even when THC levels are similar. A strain with 20% THC and high myrcene can feel totally different from one with the same THC and high limonene.

Five Key Cannabis Terpenes

Here are five of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, and what they might bring to the table:

1. Limonene

• Aroma: Citrus (think lemon or orange peel)
• Possible Effects: Uplifted mood, stress relief, mental clarity
• Found In: Citrus rinds, peppermint, rosemary

You’ll find limonene in bright, zesty strains. It’s the one people often reach for before a social event, a walk, or a task that needs a little mental pep. Some folks find it helpful when they’re feeling mentally heavy or low-energy.

2. Myrcene

• Aroma: Earthy, musky, slightly fruity
• Possible Effects: Deep relaxation, sleepiness, the classic “couch-lock”
• Found In: Mangoes, hops, thyme

Myrcene is often associated with strains that make your body feel heavy. It’s common in products that support evening use. Some users even eat a mango (which contains myrcene) before consuming cannabis to increase its intensity.

3. Pinene

• Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary
• Possible Effects: Mental clarity, alertness, might help with memory
• Found In: Pine trees, basil, parsley

Pinene is crisp and clear. People drawn to its scent often say it helps them stay present, especially when they want to be productive or social without feeling spacey. It’s also one of the terpenes that might help counteract some of THC’s fuzzier effects.

4. Caryophyllene

• Aroma: Black pepper, cloves, spice
• Possible Effects: Reduced stress, pain relief, inflammation support
• Unique Feature: It’s the only terpene known to act like a cannabinoid, directly affecting the body’s endocannabinoid system

Its spicy, earthy flavor makes it easier to recognize. Some use it regularly to help manage physical discomfort or body tension—especially in combination with CBD.

5. Linalool

• Aroma: Floral, lavender-like
• Possible Effects: Calm, reduced anxiety, sleep support
• Found In: Lavender, coriander, jasmine

Linalool is the classic scent linked with winding down. People seeking relief from mental overstimulation, restlessness, or emotional overload often lean toward strains high in linalool.

How to Read a Terpene Profile

Most terpene profiles on lab-tested products list concentrations either as percentages or in parts per million (PPM). A terpene like myrcene might show up as 1.2%, while limonene might be 0.4%. On some labels, this could be displayed as 12,000 PPM and 4,000 PPM, respectively.

Here’s how to make sense of that info:

• Dominant Terpenes: These are listed first and usually drive the strain’s main effect.
• Total Terpene Content: Anything between 2–5% is considered aromatic and flavorful.
• Minor Terpenes: These often fly under the radar but can shape the background of the experience.

Some terpene combinations also work together. For example, limonene and pinene together may create a mood-lifting effect that still feels mentally sharp. Or caryophyllene and myrcene may combine into something deeply calming and body-focused.
Knowing what to look for on a terpene label can help you anticipate how a product will feel. It can also help explain why one strain feels just right and another doesn’t—even when THC levels match.

Choosing by Scent and Mood

People choose by aroma all the time—just not always consciously. The smell of fresh rosemary can feel invigorating. Lavender makes you want to exhale. Terpenes offer a similar shortcut in cannabis. Here’s how that plays out:

• Limonene strains might make social situations more approachable or make a to-do list feel less daunting.
• Linalool could be your go-to for a night in, after a long, overstimulating day.
• Caryophyllene might help settle a tight neck and shoulders after working at a desk too long.

Some users build their whole approach to cannabis around scent. If it smells like it fits your mood, it often does.

Start by noting what you gravitate toward. A few basic notes like “this one smells like lemon and made me feel light,” or “smelled earthy, helped me sleep” can go a long way in understanding your preferences.

Rethinking THC: It’s Not Just About the Numbers

It’s natural to focus on THC percentage, especially when product labels display it front and center. But that number alone won’t tell you how something will feel.

A product with 28% THC but no terpenes might hit hard but feel flat. Meanwhile, a 17% THC strain with strong limonene and caryophyllene might give a fuller, longer-lasting experience.

Some people say they feel more anxious with very high-THC strains unless it’s buffered by calming terpenes like linalool. Others find that moderate THC plus uplifting terpenes is enough to shift their mindset without couch-lock.

In other words, terpenes shape the tone of the experience. If THC is the volume, terpenes are the playlist.

How Terpenes and Cannabinoids Work Together

This is where the entourage effect comes into play. Here’s how a few pairings might feel:

• Limonene + THC: Energetic, chatty, mentally bright. Might help with low mood or inertia.
• Myrcene + THC: Sedating. Great for easing into rest or settling a tense body.
• Caryophyllene + CBD: May help address inflammation or body discomfort without a head change.
• Pinene + THC: Focused, clear, and easier to stay present.

Think of terpene and cannabinoid combos like cooking. Salt and heat give food a foundation, but herbs and spices bring flavor. Similarly, terpenes bring nuance, texture, and variation to the cannabis experience.

How to Use This Info When Shopping

If you’ve ever picked a strain based on its name alone and ended up disappointed, you’re not alone. Names don’t mean much anymore. But aroma, effect, and terpene content do.

Try this next time:

• Open the jar or bag and take a slow breath in.
• Notice your reaction. Did it smell comforting? Sharp? Sweet?
• Ask for lab results or terpene content, especially for flower and cartridges.
• Look for trends in what you like. Citrus-heavy? Earthy and musky? Floral and sweet?
• Track how you felt later. Did it meet your needs?

Some people make a quick rating system—strain name, terpene notes, initial aroma reaction, and how they felt 30 minutes later. It can be surprisingly helpful.

Budtenders often know terpene trends too. Don’t hesitate to ask things like, “Do you have anything with high pinene?” or “What do you recommend for a creative afternoon?”

And if you’re new to terpene profiles, our terpene wheel in-store is a great way to visualize everything in one place. It’s color-coded, scent-based, and linked to common effects.

Conclusion

There’s more to cannabis than just THC. Terpenes shape how cannabis smells, tastes, and makes you feel. Learning to read them, trust your nose, and think in terms of aroma and mood gives you a more personal and consistent experience.

MoodShine, we’re all about helping people get better at choosing what fits their needs. If you’re curious or looking to try something new, stop by and check out. It’s one of the best ways to start tuning into what works for you.