Do you smell what your cannabis is telling you?

There’s never a bad time to stop and smell the roses—or any other kind of flower, for that matter. If you’re taking the time to smell cannabis flower before deciding which strain to bring home, you may have noticed a distinct smell. So what exactly is the reason why some strains smell so unique? The short answer is terpenes.

Terpenes are a naturally occurring substance found in all kinds of plants, and even some insects. Sometimes called terpenoids, they’re the aromatic oil that gives all varieties of plants their distinctive smells. In addition to giving plants like lavender their unique scents, they act as a preservation tool for many plants by attracting pollinators and warding off any hungry herbivores looking for a snack. When it comes to cannabis flowers, terpenes serve another purpose as well.

If you’re looking for a better way to guide your selection process, then you should start paying attention to the terpenes that are in your favorite strains. Most casual consumers are already aware of the differences between indica, sativa and hybrid strains. If you have an idea of what you like, you might also look for a THC or CBD percentage to guide your decision-making process when deciding between strains. However, terpenes may be the best indicator of what smoking a strain will actually be like.

More than just smelling pleasant, terpenes are also a major reason why some cannabis strains, such as Kosher Kush, are more calming while others, like Mob Boss, tend to be more uplifting. Terpenes affect the taste, smell and specific effects of a strain — so if you haven’t been paying attention to the terpenes in your favorite flower, there’s no time like the present to start.

There are thousands of terpenes, and each strain will have more than one present. While it may sound overwhelming to try to learn about all the different terpenes, most cannabis users only need to know a handful of common ones. This allows us to gain a better understanding of the science behind why you might prefer a sweet-smelling flower to one with a more earthy fragrance, or vice-versa.

In commercial cannabis, Myrcene is the most common terpene. Found in mangos, lemongrass, hops and Blue Dream, Myrcene has an earthy aroma much like cardamom and cloves. Also present in chamomile, it should be no surprise that this common compound is great for relaxation. 

Another common terpene is Limonene. As you may have guessed from its name, this citrus-smelling oil is common in lemons, oranges and strains like Wrecking Ball. In addition to acting as a mood booster, Limonene also makes it easier for other terpenes to be absorbed by the body, boosting their effects.

If you’re in search of more uplifting strains, then look for a strain with a heavy presence of Terpinolene. These strains shouldn’t be hard to find, as approximately 10% of strains are Terpinolene-dominant. Found in lilacs, cumin and Golden Goat, Terpinolene not only acts as a mood-lifter, but also as an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer.

So, next time you see your favorite budtender, be sure to ask which terpenes are present in your favorite strains. Don’t be afraid to use that knowledge to branch out and try something new! 

To learn more about which terpenes are in some of the most popular strains available today, check out LivWell Enlightened Health’s flower guide at LivWell.com/marijuana-flower.