Terpenes: why every CBD flower has its own scent

Citrus, pine, berries, spice: the scent of a CBD flower depends largely on its terpenes. These are aromatic compounds produced by the plant and stored in the trichomes, together with the cannabinoids. Knowing about them helps you read variety descriptions and choose according to the aroma you prefer.

What terpenes are

Terpenes are volatile molecules found in a great many plants: they give citrus fruits, conifers, lavender, pepper and hops their scent. A great many have been identified in hemp, but only a few predominate in each variety. It is precisely the proportions between these compounds that create the aromatic profile of a flower.

The most common terpenes and their aromas

• Myrcene: earthy, musky and slightly fruity notes. It is also found in hops and mango.
• Limonene: a scent of lemon and orange zest. It is the main terpene in citrus peel.
• Pinene: fresh notes of pine and resin, also present in rosemary and conifer needles.
• Beta-caryophyllene: a spicy, peppery aroma, abundant in black pepper and cloves.
• Linalool: floral notes reminiscent of lavender.
• Humulene: woody and herbaceous hints, typical of hops.
• Terpinolene: a fresh, complex scent, somewhere between floral, herbaceous and citrusy.

From terpene to the scent of a variety

You will often come across these aromas in variety descriptions. The lemon and lime notes of Super Lemon Haze and the orange scent of Orange Bud belong to the citrus family. Durban Poison combines hints of pine, pepper and citrus, while sweet, fruity varieties such as Strawberry and Candy Kush have rounder profiles.

The scent of a variety always comes from a combination of several terpenes and can change from one batch to another. Without a laboratory analysis, it is not possible to say for certain which terpene dominates in a flower: aroma descriptions remain an indication, not a measurement.

What affects terpenes

• Genetics: each variety has its own aromatic predisposition.
• Cultivation: light, temperature and the care given to the plant affect the amount of terpenes produced. The differences between methods are explained in Indoor, greenhouse, outdoor: what changes in CBD flowers.
• Drying and curing: slow, controlled drying preserves aromas better; drying that is too fast often leaves a hay-like smell.
• Storage: terpenes are volatile, so light, heat and air disperse them over time. Read How to store CBD flowers.

Terpenes and vaporizers

Terpenes evaporate at different temperatures. This is why, in a vaporizer, the vapour tends to be more aromatic at lower temperatures, while at higher temperatures the taste becomes more toasted. Many devices let you adjust the temperature degree by degree: we cover this in How to choose a dry herb vaporizer.

Frequently asked questions

Are terpenes the same as cannabinoids?

No. Cannabinoids such as CBD and terpenes are different families of compounds. Terpenes are mainly responsible for scent and taste, and they are found in a great many plants, not just hemp.

Why can two packs of the same variety smell different?

Terpene content varies with the batch, the cultivation, the drying and the time elapsed since packaging. How the product is stored after opening also affects the aroma.

How can you keep the aroma of your flowers for longer?

By storing them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place, and opening it as little as possible. Heat and air are the main enemies of terpenes.

Is the terpene profile shown on the packaging?

Usually not: the packaging shows the CBD and THC content. The terpene profile requires a specific analysis and is not measured for every batch.

Discover the aromatic profiles of the different varieties in our selection of CBD flowers, reserved for adults.