What Gives Weed Its Flavor?
What Are Terpenes in Cannabis?
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found not only in cannabis but also in plants like lavender, citrus fruits, and black pepper. They are responsible for the distinct flavors and smells of cannabis strains everything from sweet berries to spicy pine. Terpenes also work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to shape how cannabis affects your mind and body through the entourage effect.
If you want to explore flavorful strains rich in terpenes, check out our Flavors Collection featuring top picks like Lemon Cherry Gelato and Pineapple Express.
Limonene – The Citrus Powerhouse That Brightens Your Smoke
Limonene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes, known for its bright, citrusy lemon and orange aroma. It’s found in strains such as Lemon Cherry Gelato, which combines lemon zest with sweet cherry flavors, the tropical Pineapple Express, and the candy-sweet Runtz.
Besides flavor, limonene is studied for its mood-boosting and anti-anxiety properties, making it popular for daytime use (Healthline on Limonene). Cannabis fans often discuss limonene-heavy strains on Reddit (Leafly Limonene Profile).
Explore more citrus-flavored strains in our Flavors Collection.
Myrcene – The Earthy, Musky Terpene That Brings Relaxation
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, offering earthy, musky, and herbal flavors reminiscent of cloves and hops. It contributes relaxing and sedative effects.
Strains like Grape Ape, Strawberry Cough, and Watermelon Zkittlez feature this terpene.
Myrcene is known to promote relaxation and aid sleep (Leafwell on Myrcene), and users often share its calming effects on Reddit (PubMed Study).
Browse indica and hybrid strains with myrcene on our site.
Caryophyllene – The Spicy, Peppery Terpene with Medicinal Benefits
Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery, and woody flavor and uniquely acts as a cannabinoid. It is present in strains like Gelato #33, Runtz, and Lemon Cherry Gelato.
It offers anti-inflammatory and stress-relief benefits (Leafly Caryophyllene Profile) and is popular among medicinal users (Project CBD Terpenes Guide).
Find spicy, flavorful strains on our site.
Linalool – The Floral, Lavender Scented Terpene That Calms Your Mind
Linalool carries a floral, sweet lavender aroma, often associated with calm and relaxation. It appears in strains like Gelato #33, Runtz, and Lemon Cherry Gelato.
Linalool is prized for anti-anxiety and sleep-promoting effects (Healthline on Linalool) and has a strong community presence on Reddit (Leafwell on Linalool).
Discover relaxing, linalool-rich strains in our Flavors section.
How Terpenes Affect Your High
Terpenes influence more than flavor — they also shape your cannabis experience:
Limonene uplifts mood and energy — ideal for daytime
Myrcene relaxes and sedates — great for evening use
Caryophyllene reduces inflammation and stress without heavy sedation
Linalool calms anxiety and aids sleep
This synergy is known as the entourage effect. Learn more at our post on Full Spectrum vs Isolate THC.
Which Terpene Flavor Matches Your Mood?
| Terpene | Flavor Profile | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon, fruity | Energy, mood uplift, creativity |
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, herbal | Relaxation, pain relief, sleep |
| Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery | Stress relief, inflammation |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender | Anxiety, insomnia, calmness |
Take our quiz: Which Terpene Matches Your Personality?