Cannabis terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its wide range of scents and flavors — from pine and citrus to spice and earthiness. But they do more than just smell good. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and our body’s systems to shape cannabis’s overall effects and medicinal benefits. Here’s a complete guide to the key cannabis terpenes, their aromas, and their therapeutic benefits.

Why Terpenes Matter

Terpenes work alongside cannabinoids through the “entourage effect,” enhancing the medicinal potential of cannabis. Understanding terpene profiles helps you select strains tailored for your desired effects — whether it’s uplifting focus, deep relaxation, or pain relief.

From the alertness-boosting pinene to the calming linalool and the CB2-targeting caryophyllene, terpenes add a powerful dimension of healing that goes beyond THC and CBD alone.