What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Understand the scents, flavors, and effects behind your favorite strains.

So What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds found in cannabis that give each strain its distinct smell, flavor, and effect. They also exist in many everyday plants—think lemons, lavender, or pine trees.

In cannabis, terpenes influence how a product makes you feel—whether it’s relaxing, energizing, or somewhere in between.

Why Do Terpenes Matter?

It’s not just about aroma—terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to shape your high. This is called the entourage effect.

Think of terpenes as the DJ that sets the mood:

• A citrusy strain may lift your energy.
• A musky one may mellow you out.
• A piney strain might help you focus.

The Most Common Cannabis Terpenes (and What They Do)

Myrcene
Known for its earthy, musky aroma with hints of clove, myrcene is often associated with calming, sedative effects. You’ll also find it in mango and thyme.

Limonene
Bright and citrusy, limonene smells like lemon and citrus peel. It’s known for its uplifting, mood-boosting properties and is commonly found in citrus rinds.

Caryophyllene
With a spicy, peppery scent, caryophyllene offers anti-inflammatory benefits and a grounding effect. It’s also present in black pepper and basil.

Linalool
Floral and soothing, linalool gives off the familiar scent of lavender. It promotes relaxation and may help relieve anxiety. It’s found in lavender and coriander.

Pinene
Smelling like fresh pine and forest air, pinene helps enhance alertness and focus. Naturally occurring in pine needles and rosemary.

Humulene
Earthy with a hoppy edge, humulene is known for its mellowing effect and potential appetite-suppressing properties. You’ll also find it in hops and cloves.

How to Choose the Right Terpene Profile

At Le Flora, we’ve reimagined how you shop for cannabis by organizing strains into sensory-forward categories—based on how they feel, taste, and hit. Instead of deciphering complex terpene charts, Here is an easy breakdown:

Want to wind down?

Our Dessert / Cream / Cake and Mints / Floral / Herbal groups feature terpene-rich strains known for their calming, relaxing effects—perfect for cozy evenings or a restful reset. Think Myrcene, Linalool, and Humulene in action.

Craving energy, creativity, or a little mood boost?

Reach for Fruit / Citrus / Tropical or Candy / Rainbow / Exotic. These uplifting profiles are typically high in Limonene or Pinene, giving off bright aromas and feel-good vibes.

Need clarity without the crash?

Look to Earth / Woody / Spicy. With terpene blends that often include Pinene and Caryophyllene, these strains are ideal for staying grounded, alert, and in the zone.

And for those chasing intensity or nostalgia, our Gas / Chem / Garlic and OG Kush / GMO / Sour picks are full-bodied classics—think bold flavors and potent highs, often anchored by therapeutic terpenes like Caryophyllene and Myrcene.