Open a jar of cannabis and the first thing you notice is the smell: citrus, pine, earth, spice. That aroma doesn’t come from THC or CBD, which have almost no scent. It comes from terpenes.
What terpenes are
Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by many plants. They give lemons their zest, pine needles their freshness and lavender its calming scent. In cannabis, they are made in the same tiny resin glands as cannabinoids: the trichomes.
For the plant, terpenes are a survival tool. Some attract pollinators, others repel insects and grazing animals.
The most common terpenes in cannabis
- Myrcene: earthy and musky, with notes of ripe fruit. Also found in mango and hops.
- Limonene: bright and citrusy, like lemon or orange peel.
- Pinene: fresh and woody, the smell of a pine forest.
- Caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also present in black pepper and cloves.
- Linalool: floral and soft, typical of lavender.
- Terpinolene: complex and herbal, with fruity and floral touches.
Why two strains smell so different
Each strain has its own combination of terpenes in different proportions. That profile is what makes one variety smell like lemon and another like diesel or berries. Growing conditions, harvest timing and curing also affect the final aroma.
How to preserve them
Terpenes are volatile and evaporate easily. Heat, light and air are their main enemies. Store flowers in airtight glass jars, in a cool and dark place, and avoid opening the container more than necessary. In a warm climate like the Costa del Sol, this makes a real difference.
Learning to recognise them
With a bit of practice, you can start identifying terpenes by smell alone. Compare two strains side by side, look for familiar notes and pay attention to how the aroma changes when the flower is gently broken apart.
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