Terpenes 101: What They Are and Why They Matter More Than THC
Most people shopping for cannabis look at two things. The strain name and the THC percentage. Neither one reliably tells you how a product is going to make you feel.
Terpenes do.
TLDR:
Terpenes determine your experience. THC determines intensity. A product with the wrong terpene profile for your goals will not serve you no matter how high the THC is. A product with the right terpene profile at a moderate THC level almost always will.
Start paying attention to terpenes. It changes everything about how you shop.
What Are Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. Not just cannabis. Every plant that has a smell produces terpenes. The citrus punch of a lemon peel. The calm of a lavender field. The sharpness of a pine forest. All terpenes.
In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD. They give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor. More than that, they interact with cannabinoids to shape the effect the plant produces. That interaction is why two products at the same THC percentage can feel completely different.
Why Terpenes Matter More Than THC
THC percentage tells you one thing. How potent a product is. It tells you nothing about whether you will feel relaxed or anxious, sleepy or focused, creative or foggy.
Terpenes fill that gap.
A myrcene dominant product will feel physically heavy and sedating. A limonene dominant product will feel uplifting and mood elevating. A pinene dominant product will feel clear headed and alert. Same THC percentage across all three. Completely different experiences.
This is why at Mosaic we built the entire store around terpene and cannabinoid profiles rather than strain names or potency numbers. The terpene profile is the most honest thing a cannabis product can tell you about itself.
The Terpenes You Will See Most Often
You do not need to memorize all of them. Start with these six. They show up on most menus and once you know what they do, labels start making a lot more sense.
Myrcene The most common terpene in cannabis. Earthy, musky, and herbal. Myrcene produces heavy, relaxing, physical effects. Products dominant in myrcene tend to sit on the REST or REFLECT end of the Spectrum.
Limonene Citrusy and bright. Limonene is associated with mood elevation, stress relief, and uplifted energy. You will find it in products on the CASUAL, INSPIRE, and ACTIVE end of the Spectrum.
Beta Caryophyllene Spicy, peppery, and woody. Beta caryophyllene is the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid, binding directly to receptors associated with stress and inflammation. It shows up across multiple Spectrum states and is one of the most versatile terpenes in the plant.
Linalool Floral and soft. The same terpene responsible for the calming quality of lavender. Linalool is associated with anxiety relief and sedation and appears most often in REST state products.
Alpha Pinene Sharp and fresh. Think pine trees. Pinene is associated with mental alertness and clarity. It is a common terpene in FOCUS state products and is one of the reasons certain cannabis products help some patients feel sharp rather than foggy.
Terpinolene Floral, herbal, and slightly fruity. Terpinolene tends to produce uplifting, mildly energetic effects and appears most often in INSPIRE and REFLECT state products.
How to Use This at Mosaic
Next time you are in, ask your budtender about the terpene profile of a product you are curious about. Most products on our menu list the top three terpenes. Cross reference those with what you just read and you will have a much clearer picture of what to expect before you ever try it.
Or just tell us how you want to feel. Our Spectrum of Effects does the terpene translation for you. Every product on our menu is already placed on the Spectrum based on its profile. You start with the experience you want and we find the product that fits.
See how the Spectrum of Effects works here.
Come Talk to Our Budtenders
Have questions about a specific terpene or product? Come in and ask. That is exactly what our staff is trained for.
3703 N Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405.768.4944
