The terpene guide: understanding the aromas of CBD
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It deals solely with aromas and flavours: no physiological effect is attributed to terpenes. Golden CBD products are intended for wellness use, reserved for adults, and contain less than 0.3% THC.
Terpenes, in brief
Terpenes are the aromatic molecules produced by many plants — citrus, pines, lavender, hops, pepper — and hemp is particularly rich in them. They give each CBD strain its olfactory and gustatory signature: the lemony side of one flower, the earthy notes of another, the peppery accent of a third.
Concretely, terpenes are concentrated in the trichomes, the same resin glands that produce the cannabinoids. There are hundreds of them, but a few come up most often: limonene (citrus), myrcene (earthy, musky), caryophyllene (pepper, spice), pinene (pine, resinous) and linalool (floral, lavender). This guide describes their aromatic profile only — what your nose perceives — and illustrates each with a strain from our catalogue.
The main terpenes and their aromas
Here are the five most common terpenes in hemp, with their aromatic profile, where they are found in nature and an example of a Golden CBD strain that showcases them.
- Limonene — citrus. Bright smell of lemon, orange and zest. Present in the peel of citrus fruits, it is one of the most widespread terpenes in nature. It is found in the Orange Bud CBD, dominated by a bouquet of sweet orange and mandarin.
- Myrcene — earthy and musky. Herbaceous, earthy, slightly clove-like notes. Present in hops, thyme and mango. The Northern Lights CBD illustrates this round, enveloping profile, with its soft, earthy notes.
- Caryophyllene — pepper and spice. Peppery, warm and spicy accent. Also found in black pepper and clove. The Gelato CBD, rich in limonene and caryophyllene, owes to the latter its characteristic sweet-peppery notes.
- Pinene — pine and resinous. Fresh smell of pine and resin, evoking the forest or rosemary. It is the most abundant terpene in nature. The OG Kush CBD reveals this accent, with its woody pine notes enhanced by a hint of lemon.
- Linalool — floral and lavender. Soft, floral notes reminiscent of lavender. Produced by more than 200 plant species (lavender, laurel, cinnamon, citrus). It brings the floral touch found in the background of many gourmet strains.
A single terpene can combine with others to form a unique signature: the Jack Herer CBD, for example, blends terpinolene, caryophyllene and pinene for a bouquet that is spicy, woody, fresh and resinous all at once.
Why do terpenes vary from one flower to another?
Two CBD flowers never smell exactly the same, and that is normal. Several factors explain these variations in aromatic profile:
- Genetics. Each strain has its own aromatic heritage. A cross like the Gelato (Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint GSC) inherits a sweet, peppery profile quite distinct from that of a lemony Orange Bud.
- The cultivation method. Indoor cultivation (interior, controlled conditions of light, humidity and temperature) tends to preserve a regular and concentrated aromatic profile. Greenhouse cultivation benefits from natural light and can give slightly different expressions from one batch to another.
- Drying and curing. Slow drying and careful curing preserve the fragile terpenes; treatment that is too fast or too hot can weaken some of them.
- Freshness. Terpenes are volatile: with time and poor storage, the bouquet fades. A fresh, well-stored flower is always more expressive.
How to preserve the aromas (the terpenes)?
Terpenes are volatile molecules: they evaporate easily under the effect of heat, light, air and time. Monoterpenes such as limonene or pinene, being lighter, are the first to go; sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene are a little more stable. To preserve the bouquet as long as possible:
- Away from light, in an opaque container or stored in a cupboard.
- Cool and dry, away from heat sources; a stable, moderate temperature limits evaporation.
- In an airtight container, to avoid prolonged contact with air.
- By vaporising at low temperature: heating gently allows you to perceive the most volatile terpenes before they degrade, whereas excessive heat destroys them.
For a complete guide, see our article how to store your CBD flowers.
Exploring the aromatic profiles of our catalogue
The best way to understand terpenes remains comparing the profiles: citrus of the Orange Bud, earthy notes of the Northern Lights, sweet-peppery signature of the Gelato, pine of the OG Kush. Browse all our CBD flowers and, to find your way, read our guide which CBD flower to choose.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a terpene?
A terpene is an aromatic molecule produced by many plants. In hemp, terpenes are responsible for the smell and flavour of each strain.
Do terpenes have a specific smell?
Yes: each terpene has a signature. Limonene smells of citrus, myrcene of earth, caryophyllene of pepper, pinene of pine and linalool of lavender.
Why don't two CBD flowers smell the same?
Because their terpene profile differs according to genetics, cultivation method (indoor or greenhouse), drying and freshness.
How do you keep a CBD flower aromatic?
By storing it away from light, cool, dry and in an airtight container. Since terpenes are volatile, a fresh, well-stored flower keeps its bouquet longer.
Does vaporising change the aromas?
Vaporising at low temperature allows you to perceive the most volatile terpenes without degrading them; excessive heat makes them disappear.
