Two jars can list the same THC percentage and still be completely different experiences of smell and taste. The difference is mostly terpenes – the aromatic compounds that give every cannabis variety its particular character.
What terpenes are
Terpenes are natural aroma compounds found all over the plant world – they’re why pine trees smell like pine and oranges smell like oranges. Cannabis happens to produce a lot of them, in combinations that vary from variety to variety. When a bud smells gassy, fruity, peppery or like a forest floor, you’re smelling its terpene profile.
The ones you’ll meet most often
- Myrcene – earthy and musky, with a ripe-fruit edge. Also found in mango and hops.
- Limonene – bright citrus peel. Also in lemon and orange rind.
- Pinene – fresh pine needles. Also in conifers and rosemary.
- Caryophyllene – warm and spicy. Also in black pepper and cloves.
- Linalool – floral. The signature scent of lavender.
- Terpinolene – complex and fresh, somewhere between apple, lilac and tea tree.
Why they’re useful when you shop
THC percentage tells you strength, but it says nothing about character. Terpenes are a better way to chase what you actually liked about a previous jar. If a variety you enjoyed was heavy on limonene, other citrus-forward varieties are a smarter next pick than simply reaching for the highest THC number on the menu.
How to use this at the counter
Many Ontario products list their dominant terpenes right on the label or the menu entry, and we can look up a profile for most of what’s on our shelf. Tell us what you’ve liked – or just describe the smell – and we can usually find its relatives.
Next time you’re in the Keswick shop, ask us what’s smelling good. It’s our favourite question.