Terpenes play a significant role in the way we experience cannabis. The distinct and unique aroma of cannabis that we know and love comes from aromatic oils secreted in trichomes called terpenes. Terpenes are found in many kinds of plants beyond cannabis and in a few types of insects. In plants, terpenes have an important evolutionary function, as these aroma-heavy oils developed over time to ward off herbivores, attract predator insects that feed on a plant’s “enemies”, and attract pollinators. Cannabis plants are known to produce well over 100 different terpenes in varying concentrations and combinations, accounting for the variety of aromas our modern strains provide. 

Terpenes, like cannabinoids, are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic effects. Similar to cannabinoids, terpenes are pharmacologically active, with the ability to interact with our lipids, cell membranes and membrane receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, second messenger systems, and enzymes.
Upon consumption, terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through our fat cells; some even permeate the blood-brain barrier with inhalation. While many terpenes have been identified in cannabis, only a few consistently appear on lab tests of our flower. The predominant terpenes found in Higher Grade flower are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene, and Bisabolol.