What are terpenes, really?

Terpenes are the aromatic oils plants make. They're what makes one strain smell of pine and another of lemon or fuel. They aren't unique to cannabis — the same myrcene is in mangoes, the same limonene in citrus peel.

Beyond smell, there's a popular idea called the "entourage effect": that terpenes work alongside THC and CBD to nudge the overall experience. The science is still early and far from settled, so treat strong claims with healthy skepticism — but the aromas themselves are real and a great way to choose what you'll enjoy.

The ones you'll meet most

• Myrcene — earthy, musky; the most common, associated with relaxing strains.
• Limonene — bright citrus; often in uplifting profiles.
• Caryophyllene — peppery, spicy; the only terpene that also binds cannabinoid receptors.
• Pinene — fresh pine; the sharp note in many sativas.
• Linalool — floral lavender; calming reputation.

In Greenpert, every strain has a terpene profile you can see on its page, and the breeding simulator blends parent terpenes when you cross strains — so you can chase a flavour, not just potency.