What are terpenes? When you open a jar of cannabis and notice the sharp citrus scent of a sativa or the earthy, musky aroma of an indica, you’re experiencing terpenes. But what are terpenes exactly?
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that give each strain its unique smell, taste, and even part of its effect. For beginners, think of them as the essential oils of cannabis. Beyond just aroma, terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, shaping the experience of every cannabis strain or vape.
Cannabis Terpenes Explained
Every cannabis strain has its own unique terpene profile — a mix of different terpenes that work together to define its aroma, flavor, and effect. Think of it like a recipe: just as food flavors come from combining herbs and spices, cannabis effects and aromas come from a specific balance of terpenes.
For example, a strain might be dominant in myrcene (earthy, relaxing) but also contain smaller amounts of limonene (citrusy, uplifting) and caryophyllene (spicy, anti-inflammatory). The combination creates a complex experience that’s very different from strains with the same THC level but a different terpene profile.
This explains why two strains with identical THC percentages can feel completely different — terpenes are a major driver of whether cannabis feels calming, energizing, euphoric, or even focused.
Top 10 most occuring terpenes in cannabis
| Terpene | Flavor / Aroma Profile | Entourage Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, herbal | Relaxation, sedation, pain relief |
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon, orange | Uplifting mood, energy, stress relief |
| Pinene | Pine, fresh forest | Focus, alertness, respiratory support |
| Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery, woody | Anti-inflammatory, stress reduction |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender | Calming, anti-anxiety, sleep aid |
| Humulene | Earthy, hoppy, herbal | Appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory |
| Terpinolene | Sweet, fresh, herbal | Creative boost, mild sedation |
| Ocimene | Sweet, citrus, tropical | Energizing, uplifting, antiviral properties |
| Eucalyptol | Minty, cooling, fresh | Mental clarity, focus, respiratory support |
| Nerolidol | Woody, floral, slightly fruity | Sedative, relaxing, anti-anxiety |
Click here for a larger list of terpenes.
Botanical Terpenes in THC Vapes
While cannabis naturally produces terpenes, many THC vapes on the market today are made with botanical terpenes.
What are botanical terpenes?
Botanical terpenes are the exact same aromatic compounds found in cannabis, but sourced from other plants such as citrus fruits, pine, or lavender. Extracted through methods like steam distillation, they are blended into THC oils to recreate specific strain profiles — or to design completely new flavors.
Why use botanical terpenes?
One major advantage is variety. Botanical terpenes make it possible to create flavor profiles that don’t exist in cannabis itself, such as fruity blends like mango, strawberry, or exotic candy-inspired flavors. This is why many THC vapes can deliver both an authentic cannabis effect and a sweet, enjoyable taste.
Botanical vs. cannabis-derived terpenes:
Authenticity: Cannabis-derived terpenes mirror the original strain most closely, but are limited in variety and harder to scale.
Flavor flexibility: Botanical terpenes unlock flavor options that cannabis alone cannot provide, adding a creative dimension to vapes.
Safety & consistency: Produced at scale, botanical terpenes are highly consistent and lab-tested for purity.
Entourage effect: Just like cannabis terpenes, botanicals carry their own terpene profiles. This means they still contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing and shaping the overall THC experience.
Because of these benefits, botanical terpenes are widely used in premium THC vapes. They allow producers to pair authentic THC effects with enjoyable flavor experiences, giving consumers the best of both worlds.
Live resin terpenes
When it comes to capturing the most authentic cannabis flavor and effect, live resin terpenes are in a league of their own. Unlike botanical or cannabis-derived terpenes that are extracted after the plant has been dried and cured, live resin terpenes are pulled from fresh-frozen cannabis plants. This process preserves the full spectrum of delicate, volatile compounds that are normally lost during curing — resulting in a richer aroma, truer-to-flower taste, and a stronger entourage effect.
For vape users, this means a noticeably fuller experience: smooth pulls, strain-accurate flavors, and effects that feel more balanced and true to the original plant. While live resin terpenes are more complex and expensive to produce, many consumers consider them the gold standard for premium THC vapes.
Want to dive deeper into how they’re made and why they matter? Check out our full guide here.
- Botanical terpenes are extracted from non-cannabis plants such as mango, lavender, or pepper. They are chemically identical to terpenes found in cannabis (for example, limonene from oranges = limonene in cannabis). These are reliable, cost-effective, and allow for consistent flavor replication.
- Live resin terpenes, on the other hand, come directly from cannabis plants. They deliver a “true-to-flower” taste that reflects the original strain’s complexity. This means subtle nuances of pine, citrus, spice, or sweetness are preserved in ways botanicals cannot always replicate.
Why Terpenes Matter for Cannabis Consumers
For cannabis consumers, terpenes aren’t just about smell — they are one of the most important factors in shaping how a strain feels, tastes, and performs. By learning to recognize terpene profiles, you gain much more control over your cannabis experience.
Daytime vs. nighttime use
Different terpenes can help guide when to enjoy a particular strain. A limonene-rich profile, with its bright citrus notes, is often linked to uplifting, energizing effects, making it a popular choice for mornings, social activities, or creative sessions. In contrast, strains high in myrcene tend to promote deep relaxation and body calm, which makes them ideal for unwinding in the evening or before bed.
Natural quality markers
A strong, pleasant aroma is one of the clearest signs of terpene richness. Fresh cannabis with a terpene profile intact smells vibrant, while poorly stored or low-quality products often lack that signature scent. In vapes, a rich terpene blend separates a smooth, flavorful draw from a bland or harsh experience.
Lab testing and COAs
Trusted suppliers provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that don’t just measure THC and CBD, but also list terpene profiles. These reports confirm authenticity, purity, and safety, proving the oil is free from contaminants while delivering the effects and flavors promised. Checking for a terpene profile on a COA is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting quality cannabis.
The bottom line
Terpenes are what transform cannabis from “just THC” into a full-spectrum experience. Whether you’re choosing flower or THC vapes, understanding terpene profiles helps you pick strains that fit your mood, your taste, and your lifestyle.
Why TERPLABZ Uses Live Resin Terpenes and botanical terpenes in Select Blends
TERPLABZ is proud to offer both botanical and live resin terpenes across our lineup. Why both? Because we want to give our community the freedom to choose.
- Some customers love the consistency and bold flavors of botanicals.
- Others prefer the complexity and authenticity of cannabis-derived live resin terpenes.
- By offering both, we make sure every consumer finds a blend that matches their taste and vibe.
