This is Part 2 in our series on cannabis Terpenes. Read Part 1: Terpene Deep Dive: Limonene, Myrcene & Pinene
The cannabis plant is made up of far more than its most famous cannabinoids: THC and CBD. While they may take a starring role in most cannabis products on shelves today, it’s terpenes — the aromatic compounds responsible for each strain’s distinctive scent and flavor — that shape and enhance your experience.
Terpenes influence how your flower smells and tastes — and, in combination with cannabinoids, how it makes you feel. That interaction is known as the entourage effect, and it’s one of the reasons why two strains with the same THC level can have completely different effects.
In our previous terpene deep dive, we got to know limonene (bright and citrusy), myrcene (mellow and sedative) and pinene (sharp and focus-friendly). This time around, we’re shining the spotlight on three more terpene all-stars: caryophyllene, linalool and humulene.
Caryophyllene: The Spicy Protector
Even if your stash is running low, you can probably find caryophyllene (or beta-caryphyllene) in your pantry right now. The terpene is common in oregano, cloves, cinnamon and hops. It’s also responsible for the sharp pungency of cracked black pepper.
Mood and Benefits
Caryophyllene is known for its spicy, peppery flavor profile, but its benefits are wellness-related. The terpene is unique because it’s the only known terpene to bind directly to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, the receptors associated with anti-inflammatory responses. This direct connection has caught the attention of researchers exploring cannabis for pain relief, swelling and stress management. Ask your budtender for high-caryophyllene strains paired with CBD to make the most of this terpenes pain relief properties.
Finding Caryophyllene-Rich Strains
Look for products whose labels list β‑caryophyllene among the top terpenes. On menus and brand pages, aroma notes like peppery, spicy, clove‑like or woody often indicate its presence. To stay close to the plant’s native terpene profile, prioritize flower, live resin or rosin; highly refined distillates may use added terpene blends.
If terpene data isn’t printed, ask a budtender to pull the batch COA or check the producer’s website or retailer listings for a terpene breakdown before you buy.
Linalool: Lavender Calm
The rich, citrusy, floral essence of linalool can be found in a wide variety of foods and spices. Everything from spearmint, blackcurrant and coriander to limes, grapes and grapefruit carries this calming terpene.
Its prevalence in lavender and mint have made it popular for aromatherapy use. In cannabis, it adds a gentle, floral-spice note that can offer a calming, mood-balancing experience.
Mood and Benefits
Some research shows that linalool might interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which could explain the mood-balancing effect. Animal studies have found it useful for anxiety relief and as a sleep aid, and it’s been studied as an anti-depressent.
Finding Linalool-Rich Strains
Seek out products that show linalool as a primary terpene by percentage. Descriptors such as lavender, floral or soft herbal spice can be useful clues when labels are light on details. For products that retain delicate aromatics, consider fresh‑frozen/live resin or rosin; these processes are designed to preserve native terpenes more than high‑heat, heavily refined extracts.
When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable budtender to point you to batch lab results or the brand’s published terpene reports so you can confirm linalool content before purchasing.
Humulene: Earthy Appetite Tamer
Humulene has a subtle, earthy aroma that might be easy to miss. It’s found in hops, coriander and ginseng. In the wild, it can be used as an insect repellent and may be found in insecticides. Humulene is prevalent in cannabis but typically occurs in smaller amounts.
Mood and Benefits
Humulene has a number of distinct benefits. It is thought to be one of the few terpenes linked to appetite suppression, and has shown potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s also been studied alongside other terpenes as a potential cancer-fighting agent.
Find Humulene-Rich Strains
Choose items with humulene listed near the top of the terpene profile. Aroma language like earthy, woody, herbal or “hoppy” is commonly associated with humulene and can guide your shortlist.
To keep the original profile intact, opt for well‑stored flower or concentrates made to preserve native terpenes (e.g., live resin/rosin), and check whether any vape uses reintroduced blends versus native terpenes. If labeling isn’t explicit, ask your budtender to retrieve the lab sheet, or visit the producer’s batch page to verify humulene content before you commit.
FAQs: Choosing and Using Terpenes
Q: How do I figure out which terpene I like?
A: Smell is your fastest route to finding terpenes you enjoy. If a jar of flower makes you smile, there’s a good chance its terpene profile will complement your body’s chemistry. Keep a simple “strain diary” noting aromas, effects and activities for each product you try.
Q: Are terpenes found in other types of cannabis than flower?
A: Absolutely. While terpenes occur naturally in cannabis, some extraction and preparation methods can dilute or remove them. Many producers reintroduce terpenes or use techniques such as live resin, live rosin or other fresh-frozen extractions to preserve more of the plant’s original profile.
Our budtenders can help you find terpene-rich cartridges, dabs and even edibles.
Q: Can I combine terpenes for a custom effect?
A: Yes. That’s one of the joys of cannabis. For example, a caryophyllene-rich strain with hints of linalool could offer a balanced, relaxing experience that’s great for winding down after work.
Q: How should I store terpene-rich products?
A: Keep flower in airtight, lightproof containers in a cool space. Avoid excess heat, light and oxygen exposure to preserve delicate terpene molecules.
Give Terpenes a Try
Shopping for terpenes can feel overwhelming. It can seem like it’s more lab reports, strain names and marketing claims than a chill bud buying experience. That’s where our knowledgeable budtenders come in. As educators first, they take the time to walk you through terpene profiles and help you match them to your goals. They can introduce you to high-quality, lab-tested products that fit within your budget and give you the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Stop by Bahama Buds, chat with a budtender, and explore our terpene-rich flower, vapes and more. You might just discover your new go-to strain and learn a whole lot more about cannabis along the way.