If youâve ever opened a jar of cannabis and immediately caught notes of citrus, pine, pepper, or something sweet and floralâyouâve already met terpenes.
Theyâre the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its signature scent.
But hereâs the fun part: they also play a major role in how cannabis makes you feel.
At Buzzy, we believe cannabis should be explored with curiosity and confidenceânot confusion. So we created this guide as your go-to resource for understanding terpenes, how they work, and how to choose products with intention.
Letâs dive in.
đż What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural aromatic oils found in plantsâfrom lavender to lemons to pine needles. Theyâre responsible for scent, flavor, and even some of the therapeutic properties we associate with herbs and botanicals.
In cannabis, terpenes help shape:
- aroma
- taste
- effects
- how THC and CBD interact in your body
This is why two strains with the same THC percentage can feel totally different.
Terpenes add personality, depth, and nuance to your experience.
đ Why Terpenes Matter More Than THC Percentage
Weâll say it loudly for the people in the back:
THC percentage does not tell you how youâll feel.
Terpenes + cannabinoids = the real vibe.
This synergy is known as the entourage effectâwhere compounds work together to create a fuller, more balanced experience.
Think of THC as the engine, and terpenes as the steering wheel.
One gives power. The other guides direction.
đ Meet the Major Terpenes (and What They Do)
Below are the most common terpenes in cannabis. Each one brings its own aromatic fingerprint and its own âmood.â
1. Myrcene
Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal
Think: Mango skin, cloves, forests at dusk
Potential Effects: Relaxation, calm, body ease
Great For:
- unwinding
- sleep support
- soothing tension
Myrcene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes. If a strain feels mellow, grounding, or âclassic indica,â myrcene is likely leading the charge.
2. Limonene
Aroma: Bright, lemony, citrus-forward
Think: Fresh-squeezed lemons, orange rind
Potential Effects: Uplifting, mood-boosting, energizing
Great For:
- daytime creativity
- social events
- stress relief
Limonene often accompanies strains that feel cheerful, bubbly, and clear-headed.
3. Pinene
Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary, fresh forest air
Potential Effects: Focus, clarity, alertness
Great For:
- productivity
- outdoor activities
- staying mentally sharp
Pinene-rich strains may help counterbalance THCâs fogginess and support a more functional high.
4. Caryophyllene
Aroma: Peppered spice, clove, cinnamon
Potential Effects: Comforting, warm, tension-easing
Fun Fact: It interacts with your bodyâs CB2 receptors, similar to CBD.
Great For:
- stress relief
- body comfort
- cozy evenings at home
Cannabis with strong caryophyllene often feels grounding and comfortingâperfect for winding down.
5. Terpinolene
Aroma: Floral, herbal, citrusy, slightly sweet
Potential Effects: Balanced, creative, lightly energizing
Great For:
- inspiration
- early afternoons
- mood support
This is a âsupporting actorâ terpene that often brings complexity and softness to a strain.
6. Linalool
Aroma: Lavender, soft floral, calming
Potential Effects: Relaxation, tranquility
Great For:
- evening unwinding
- soothing anxiety
- bedtime
If you love lavender tea or aromatherapy, youâll love linalool-rich cannabis.
7. Humulene
Aroma: Hops, wood, earth, herbs
Potential Effects: Grounding, centering
Great For:
- settling into a cozy night
- mellow moods
- earthy, natural profiles
Humulene adds depth and complexity to terpene profiles.
đ§Ș The Science: How Terpenes Shape Your High
Terpenes work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), the internal network that helps regulate mood, sleep, stress, appetite, and more.
When paired with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes can influence:
- onset speed
- type of high
- emotional tone
- clarity vs. haze
- body vs. head effects
- duration
This is why we encourage customers to choose cannabis based on aroma and effectânot just THC percentage.
Your nose is often your best guide.
How to Shop Terpenes at Buzzy
We make terpene exploration simple.
Hereâs how to dial into your perfect match:
1. Smell the product when possible
If flower jars are scent-ready, follow your instincts. The terpene profile that smells good to you often aligns with the effects your body prefers.
2. Read terpene charts on packaging
We highlight terpene percentages when available so you know exactly whatâs inside.
3. Shop by mood or effect
Our team organizes recommendations based on how you want to feelâenergized, calm, creative, cozy, social, or sleepy.
4. Ask your budtender
Our team LOVES terpene talk. Ask anythingâfrom which terpene is best for anxiety to which strains smell like citrus and pine.
đż How to Find Your Terpene Personality
Everyone has a terpene âtype.â
You might gravitate toward:
âš The Citrus Crew (Limonene, Terpinolene)
Bright, upbeat, creative.
đ The Relaxers (Myrcene, Linalool)
Calm, cozy, soothing.
đČ The Outdoorsy Ones (Pinene, Humulene)
Fresh, focused, grounding.
đ„ The Spicy Types (Caryophyllene)
Warm, comforting, mellow.
We help you discover your profile through exploration, conversation, and a little sensory intuition.
đ Why Terpenes Make Cannabis More Personal
Cannabis isnât just about getting high.
Itâs about how you want to feel in your day, in your body, and in your mind.
Terpenes make that experience:
- more nuanced
- more predictable
- more enjoyable
- more you
The more you learn about them, the more intentional your cannabis journey becomes.
Visit Buzzy & Explore Your Terpene Match
Ready to smell, explore, and discover what truly speaks to your senses?
Stop by Buzzy, 137 Court Street in Cobble Hill, and let our team guide you through the scents, moods, and science behind each product.
Whether you’re new to cannabis or deep into your connoisseur era, weâre here to help you find what feels right.
