Open a jar of flower and inhale. Whether it’s citrus, pine, diesel, or sweet berries, that first scent says something important. It says this strain is more than just THC. What you’re smelling is the plant’s terpene profile, and if you’re not paying attention to it, you’re missing half the story.
At Commencement Bay, we’ve seen a shift in what people ask at the counter. It’s no longer just “What’s the highest THC?” It’s “What terpenes are in this?” or “Which one has more myrcene?” This shift is smart. Because terpenes are not just aromatics, they’re bioactive compounds that influence how cannabis feels in the body. So let’s walk through what terpenes are, what they do, and why they’re fast becoming the secret ingredient savvy consumers look for when shopping at dispensaries in Washington.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants. You’ll find them in lavender, oranges, pine needles, hops, and of course, cannabis. They’re responsible for how a plant smells, but they also do much more than that.
In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the trichomes: the same glands that make THC and CBD. And just like cannabinoids, terpenes interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, shaping the physical and psychological effects you feel after consumption.
According to a peer-reviewed article published in Frontiers in Plant Science, terpenes serve as a plant’s natural defense system, protecting it from pests, fungi, and environmental stressors. But when humans consume them, those same compounds can modulate mood, inflammation, focus, and more.
The Entourage Effect: Terpenes + Cannabinoids
One of the most important ideas in cannabis science today is the entourage effect, the theory that cannabinoids like THC and CBD work best when combined with terpenes and other plant compounds. It’s not just about the quantity of THC, but the quality of the entire chemical orchestra.
Imagine THC as the lead singer. Terpenes are the band, guiding the genre, rhythm, and vibe. Some terpenes boost the relaxing properties of THC, while others counterbalance them, leading to a more alert or focused experience. The therapeutic potential of cannabis increases significantly when terpenes are present, working in concert with cannabinoids to fine-tune effects and outcomes.
Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
Let’s break down some of the most well-known terpenes you’ll encounter at our Tacoma and Fife dispensary locations in Washington, and what they might mean for your body and mind:
Myrcene
- Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal (think cloves or ripe mango)
- Potential effects: Sedating, muscle-relaxing, body-heavy
- Often found in: Indica-dominant strains
- Fun fact: Some believe eating mango (which contains myrcene) before consuming cannabis may enhance its effects.
Limonene
- Aroma: Citrus, lemon peel, fresh
- Potential effects: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, stress-reducing
- Often found in: Sativa-dominant or hybrid strains
- Bonus: Also common in cleaning products due to its antimicrobial properties.
Pinene
- Aroma: Pine, forest, evergreen
- Potential effects: Alertness, memory support, anti-inflammatory
- Found in: Many Sativa-leaning strains
- Real world use: Also found in rosemary and pine trees.
Linalool
- Aroma: Floral, lavender, perfumed
- Potential effects: Calming, sleep-inducing, anti-anxiety
- Found in: Strains often used for nighttime relaxation
- Crossover: Abundant in lavender essential oils.
Caryophyllene
- Aroma: Peppery, spicy, woody
- Potential effects: Stress relief, anti-inflammatory
- Unique trait: The only terpene known to directly activate CB2 receptors, giving it a dual function as a terpene and cannabinoid.
Humulene
- Aroma: Hoppy, earthy, slightly bitter
- Potential effects: Appetite-suppressing, anti-inflammatory
- Common in: Both cannabis and hops (used in beer brewing)
Why Terpenes Matter More Than You Think
Most cannabis consumers have a strain or two that just hits differently. Sometimes that has less to do with THC and more to do with terpenes. Two flower strains with identical THC percentages can produce completely different experiences depending on their terpene content.
That’s why we don’t just stock products, we stock information. We’ll walk you through terpene profiles, effect expectations, and how to explore them in a way that’s right for your body and routine. Think of it this way: terpenes are the steering wheel for your high. THC might be the gas pedal, but without a good grip on the wheel, you don’t know where you’re going.
Choosing a Strain by Terpene, Not Just Type
We’re seeing more people come in not looking for “Indica vs Sativa” but for “something with high limonene” or “a hybrid with a lot of pinene but not too much myrcene.” That’s because strain names can be inconsistent, but terpene testing is more reliable.
Here’s how you might think about shopping by terpene:
Desired Effect
Go For Terpenes Like…
Try Strains With…
Deep relaxation
Myrcene, linalool
Granddaddy Purple, Ice Cream Cake
Uplifted, energized mood
Limonene, pinene
Tangie, Jack Herer
Focused and alert
Pinene, terpinolene
Durban Poison, Green Crack
Pain relief or inflammation
Caryophyllene, humulene
Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush
Balanced calm without couch-lock
Limonene + caryophyllene combo
Gelato, Wedding Cake
If you’re unsure where to begin, our staff can help you filter products not just by strain name, but by chemovar: the unique chemical fingerprint that includes cannabinoids and terpenes.
Terpenes in Other Products: It’s Not Just Flower
Terpenes aren’t just in flower, they’re also part of:
- Live resin and rosin concentrates: These often preserve full terpene profiles due to fresh-frozen processing.
- Vape cartridges: Look for “live” or “full-spectrum” carts if you want real cannabis-derived terpenes.
- Edibles: Some infused gummies and tinctures retain terpenes for tailored effects, although cooking can degrade them.
- Topicals: Many cannabis lotions and balms rely on terpene content to support soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
If it smells good, chances are terpenes are doing the heavy lifting.
How to Preserve Terpenes
Terpenes are volatile compounds, which means they’re delicate. Too much heat or light can break them down, changing not only flavor but also the potential benefits. To get the most out of your cannabis:
- Store in airtight containers, ideally in a dark, cool place.
- Avoid over-handling flower; trichomes (where terpenes live) can break off.
- Use lower temp settings when vaping concentrates or flower, this helps preserve terpene content rather than burning them off.
Treat them like fine essential oils and you’ll experience their full potential.
Scent Is the Signal
At the end of the day, your nose knows. If a jar smells irresistible, that’s your body responding to specific terpenes, and it’s probably a better indicator of the experience than THC alone.
So next time you walk into Commencement Bay Cannabis, lean into that first sniff. Ask what the dominant terpenes are. Try something based not just on the percentage, but on the profile. Because terpenes don’t just change how cannabis tastes: they change how it works. Let your senses guide you. Let the plant speak in scent. And let us help you listen.
