Understanding Cannabis Terpenes: The Building Blocks of Cannabis Effects

If you’ve been using CBD regularly, you already know that it interacts with your body to promote a sense of calm, clarity, or balance. But have you ever wondered why some CBD products feel different from others, even at the same dosage? That difference may not just come from the CBD itself—it's often shaped by cannabis terpene effects on your body and mind.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that do more than just provide flavor and fragrance. In cannabis, they play an active role in shaping how you experience the plant’s benefits. Learning about the terpene profiles in cannabis, and how they interact with cannabinoids like CBD, can help you better tailor your CBD use to meet your wellness goals.

In this blog we're going to explore the science and variety of common terpenes in cannabis and what to look for when choosing a terpene-rich CBD product.

What Are Terpenes and Why They Matter

Terpenes are the natural aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of many plants, including citrus fruits, herbs, and conifers. In cannabis, they’re responsible for the plant’s wide range of scents and flavors—earthy, floral, piney, citrusy, etc. But terpenes do so much more than just smell nice!

In nature, terpenes help protect the cannabis plant by repelling predators, attracting pollinators, and even helping it survive extreme environmental conditions. For humans, these same compounds may contribute to how cannabis affects mood, stress, sleep, and more.

The smell of lavender (rich in the terpene linalool), the tangy burst of citrus (from limonene), or the deep pine aroma of a forest (thanks to pinene) aren’t just pleasant, they engage your senses and may influence your physiology. In cannabis, these effects are especially noticeable when combined with cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Each strain of cannabis contains a unique blend of terpenes, which influences how it smells, tastes, and makes you feel. That’s why understanding the terpene content can be just as important as knowing the cannabinoid content in your product.

The Science Behind Terpene Effects

Different terpenes have different effects. Some promote calm, others support alertness or mental clarity. When combined, they may amplify one another or create a more balanced overall experience. So how exactly do terpenes affect your CBD experience? It all starts with your body’s internal communication system.

Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for regulating body functions like mood, appetite, sleep, and stress response. While CBD communicates with the ECS to support balance in the body, terpenes may influence how cannabinoids are absorbed or processed, amplifying or softening their effects.

Going even further, in cannabis science the entourage effect refers to how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance the plant’s benefits. Instead of acting alone, compounds like CBD, CBG, THC, and various terpenes may interact synergistically to produce more nuanced results. 

This concept suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation. For example, some terpenes may improve how cannabinoids are absorbed or modulate their effects. A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes may offer enhanced therapeutic potential compared to individual compounds alone.This is why full-spectrum CBD products that retain the plant’s full terpene profile often feel the most effective.

Terpene Profiles in Modern Cannabis

The terpene profile of a cannabis plant refers to the specific types and concentrations of terpenes it contains. These profiles vary (depending on the plant strain and cultivar) and a deeper understanding of them will help you make informed choices when exploring cannabis products for specific desired effects. 

Terpenes are delicate. Cannabis cultivation method, harvesting time, and extraction process all affect which terpenes are preserved in the final product. At Treadwell Farms, we prioritize gentle processing and minimal heat exposure to protect each product’s terpene content. 

To do this, we steam distill terpenes to preserve them. We also handharvest, slow dry, and cure our cannabis at low temperatures to keep the terpenes and use cryoethanol extraction to retain them. Only the cannabis derived terpenes that we harvest from the plants we grow ourselves (from cultivars carefully selected for their rich terpene count) are used on our CBD products. 

Choosing full-spectrum CBD (vs. broad-spectrum or isolate CBD) is important if you want to benefit from the complete plant profile—including those naturally occurring terpenes. Our carefully crafted full-spectrum products maintain the natural cannabis flavor compounds and terpene synergy that other extraction methods may strip away.

The Most Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Distinctive Effects

There are more than 200 different terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Each one has its own aroma, origin, and effect on the body. Below are three of the most common terpenes in cannabis, along with the qualities they’re known for.

Myrcene – The Sedating Superstar

Myrcene is often the most abundant terpene in cannabis and is known for its musky, earthy aroma. It’s also found in mango, hops, thyme, and bay leaves.

Myrcene effects in cannabis may include relaxation, sedation, and muscle relief, making it a perfect partner to wind down with after a long day. Some studies suggest it may also enhance the absorption of cannabinoids by helping them cross the blood-brain barrier.

At Treadwell Farms, we select our cultivars with the plant’s natural terpene content in mind. Because many of our products are rest and relief focused, all of the cannabis varieties that we grow are high in Myrcene. 

Limonene – The Mood Elevator

Bright and citrusy, limonene gives off the zesty scent found in lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s also commonly used in natural cleaning products, body washes, and moisturizers.

Limonene terpene benefits may include mood elevation, reduced stress, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and in preclinical research it has shown promise as an antioxidant and anxiety-reducer. It’s often found in cannabis strains associated with uplifting and energizing effects.

Since our farm is located in Florida, we love having citrus in our cannabis and in our products! The cultivars we grow that feature limonene are paired with our Citrus Spice CBD Extract which offers an energizing and uplifting experience. ng 

Pinene – The Focus Enhancer

Pinene, which exists in alpha- and beta- forms, has a fresh, pine-needle aroma and is found in rosemary, basil, and—you guessed it—pine trees.

Its potential effects include enhanced memory, alertness, and counteracting some of the short-term forgetfulness linked to THC. Research suggests that pinene may have neuroprotective benefits and help improve airflow in the lungs. 

We like to pair our pinene-rich CBD products with botanicals such as rosemary and holy basil to complement the pinene’s natural aroma.  

Myrcene, limonene, and pinene are just the beginning! If you want to learn even more about terpenes in cannabis and their effects, such as linalool therapeutic effects or which terpenes may help with pain management, take a look at our blog post on How Specific Terpenes Work on Pain, Inflammation, Anxiety and More.

How Terpenes Influence Your Cannabis Experience

Your body’s unique chemistry, tolerance, and even your mood can affect how terpenes influence you. Here are a few things to keep in mind while navigating your terpene-focused CBD experience:

• Terpenes and cannabinoids work together. This synergy is at the heart of the entourage effect, where effects are shaped by multiple plant compounds—not just CBD alone.

• Each person responds differently. Your personal biochemistry can impact how you react to various terpene blends.

• Timing and dosage matter. It may take some experimentation to find the right dosage and achieve your desired effects. Start low and go slow until you find your sweet spot. It may take longer for edible CBD products to take effect than tinctures (that absorb subcutaneously), especially if you’ve recently eaten or have slow metabolism.

• Lab testing reveals terpene profiles. Look for CBD brands that provide terpene data in their product testing. Treadwell Farms includes this information in our COA lab reports.

• Storage affects potency. Terpenes are sensitive to light and heat. Store your CBD in a cool, dark place to preserve their aromatic and therapeutic value.

• Handling makes a difference. Products made with care—and minimal processing—tend to retain more of their original terpene profile.
  

Choosing Cannabis Products Based on Terpene Profiles

Now that you know about terpenes and how they offer different benefits, you can start selecting products that match your wellness goals, whether that’s stress relief, focus, or a good night’s rest.

We have some great tips to get you started:

• Read lab reports: Look for products that list terpene profiles and percentages. More transparency = better quality.

• Match terpenes to your needs: Want energy and focus? Try products high in pinene or limonene. Need calm and comfort? Myrcene or linalool might be more your style.

• Look for quality indicators: Full-spectrum products made with care, like Treadwell Farms’, preserve more of the natural terpene profiles cannabis is known for. 

• Ask smart questions: Don’t be afraid to ask CBD companies about how they extract, test, and preserve terpene content. A reputable company will have answers and offer product-selection guidance.

• Track your experience: Keep a journal or notes as you try different terpene combinations. Over time, you’ll build a personal terpene profile that helps you choose the right product for every occasion.

The future of CBD is terpene-focused! Think of this as the next step in your journey after learning how to choose CBD products based on their cannabinoid profile. Now you have the ability to add another layer for a truly customized CBD routine. Knowing what you want from your product—and how to read what’s inside the package—empowers you to truly fine-tune the experience. 

If you’re ready to explore high-quality, full-spectrum products made with terpene preservation in mind, Treadwell Farms is here to guide your journey!

About the Author 

Jammie Treadwell has co-owned and operated Treadwell Farms since 2019 handling everything from nursery operations to product development. Treadwell and her parents continue her family's Florida farming legacy by intentionally creating natural, small-batch artisanal hemp products trusted and tested with the community in mind.

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