How Terpenes Actually Affect Your High: Breaking Down the Myths and Science

Terpenes do more than give cannabis its smell. They help define how each strain affects you, shaping the scent, the feel, and the way it interacts with THC and other cannabinoids. Whether you’re chasing pain relief, clarity, or full-body relaxation, understanding what terpenes do for your high can help you choose the right cannabis strains for your needs.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature, in pine trees, citrus fruits, lavender, and yes, the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds help serve as a natural defense mechanism that repels predators and attracts pollinators.

In cannabis plants, terpenes are produced in the same trichomes as cannabinoids. They give different strains their distinctive aromas, which can be sweet, earthy, gassy, or fruity, and influence the overall experience of the high. But these aren’t just scent molecules. Many cannabis terpenes have several benefits, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and even anticancer properties. Several are even being investigated as potential active ingredients in new drugs.

Limonene, for example, is a significant component in citrus rinds and has shown anticancer and anti-anxiety activity in early stages of research. Beta-caryophyllene interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and may offer better pain relief when combined with other cannabinoids.

So, what are terpenes in weed? They’re not just there to make your flower smell nice. Terpenes play a significant role in the therapeutic and medicinal uses of cannabis.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects most associated with cannabis. Terpenes, on the other hand, are not cannabinoids and do not contain THC. So, do terpenes have THC? No. But their relationship with THC matters.

Think of THC as the fuel and terpenes as the steering wheel. THC initiates the high, but different terpene profiles may guide how it feels. That’s why two strains with the same THC percentage can produce totally different effects. Terpenes may contribute to whether a high feels uplifting or sedating, focused or foggy, clear-headed or couch-locked.

While THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, terpenes interact more broadly throughout the human body, including with neurotransmitter systems, ion channels, and inflammatory pathways. They shape the experience without being the primary driver of intoxication.

The “entourage effect” refers to the potential synergistic effects between cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds, including terpenes. This concept suggests that cannabis works best as a full-spectrum plant extract, not just as isolated THC or CBD.

Terpenes won’t get you high on their own, but they might change how a THC high feels. Some, like myrcene, tend to appear in strains known for their heavier, more relaxing effects. Others, like limonene, are often found in strains people describe as bright or energizing.

While much of what we know comes from experience and pattern recognition, some studies have begun to investigate the underlying mechanisms. A 2023 paper in Biochemical Pharmacology examined several terpenes, including linalool, α-humulene, geraniol, and β-pinene, and found that they reduced pain-related behaviors in mice. Some terpenes even performed similarly to morphine. What stood out was that these effects didn’t seem to rely on the same pathways as THC, which opens the door to exploring terpene-based strategies for pain relief.

This supports the growing view that terpene combinations may be used strategically to enhance the potential benefits of cannabis, especially for pain relief and potentially other symptoms, without relying solely on THC content.

For a breakdown of common terpenes and their potential effects, check out our comprehensive terpene guide.

Strains with higher terpene content usually have bolder aromas and richer flavor. Some people believe that these terpene levels can also influence how the effects are experienced. Still, more isn’t always better. For some, 1.5% total terpenes in flower is plenty. Others prefer strains that test over 4%, especially if they’re looking for something that helps with focus, relaxation, or discomfort.

In cannabis extracts, terpene concentrations can reach much higher levels, often exceeding 10%. Once terpene content pushes past 13% to 15%, especially in live resin or terp sauce, it can lead to noticeably harsher hits for some users. High levels of volatile aromatic compounds can irritate the throat or lungs, even in high-quality extracts. This is one reason why balance matters, not just in cannabinoid content, but also in terpene intensity.

Not all terpenes appear in high concentrations, either. Myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, and linalool are among the most common terpenes to reach higher levels in flower. Others, like ocimene, nerolidol, or fenchol, tend to remain in trace amounts and rarely exceed 0.5%, even in well-cured, terp-rich cannabis.

Some strains naturally contain more terpenes than others, although exact numbers can vary depending on how the plant was grown, harvested, and cured. A few go-to examples include:

• Tangie – Bright and citrusy, often rich in limonene
• GMO (Garlic Cookies) – Heavy in myrcene and caryophyllene, with a savory punch
• Blueberry Muffin – Tends to lean toward pinene and linalool
• Zkittlez – Sweet and tropical, usually high in limonene and myrcene
• Chem Dawg – Pungent and sharp, commonly high in caryophyllene and terpinolene

Testing and COAs (Certificates of Analysis) can help confirm terpene percentages and profiles in specific batches, as no two batches will be the same.

Myth 1: Some terpenes can cause psychedelic effects.
There is no terpene that causes psychedelic effects in the way THC or psilocybin does. Terpenes may enhance or modulate the psychoactive effects of THC, but they do not trigger hallucinations or psychedelic states on their own.

Myth 2: Terpenes only affect the smell of cannabis.
While aroma is a significant role of terpenes, many also have therapeutic and medicinal uses. Some terpenes have shown potential as antioxidants, anticancer agents, or anti-inflammatory compounds in early-stage research. Terpenes can interact with the human body in complex ways, far beyond their role in scent.

Myth 3: Synthetic terpenes are the same as natural terpenes.
Synthetic terpenes have the same molecular formula as the ones found in nature, but how they’re made is where things differ. They’re usually produced in labs from non-cannabis plants, and depending on the process, there’s a chance for unwanted substances, such as leftover solvents or other contaminants, to end up in the final product.

Myth 4: Terpenes work the same in edibles as they do in flower.
Terpenes are volatile and often degrade during the production of edible products. While some edibles retain terpene content, it’s not equivalent to smoking or vaping flower. Terpenes may also be metabolized differently when ingested.

Myth 5: Higher terpene percentage will always result in stronger effects.
More terpenes don’t always mean more impact. Some people are more sensitive to specific terpene profiles than others. The synergistic balance with cannabinoids matters just as much as the quantity.

Myth 6: Terpenes affect everyone the same.
Like cannabinoids, terpene effects are individualized. Factors such as body chemistry, metabolism, and even sex differences can influence how you respond to different strains and terpene combinations.

Myth 7: Terpenes are only activated if THC is present.
Terpenes can have therapeutic potential on their own. You don’t need THC to “activate” them. They’re active ingredients in many traditional medicines and essential oils used outside of cannabis.

Myth 8: All terpene effects have been scientifically proven.
While research on terpenes is expanding, not all of their effects have been fully confirmed. Much of the current evidence is based on preclinical data or early human studies. Many terpenes show promise, but clinical confirmation is still being established.

Terpenes aren’t just about smell. They shape aroma, may influence how cannabis feels, and show promising potential for therapeutic applications like pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. While terpene interactions with cannabinoids haven’t been definitively proven in humans, preclinical research and consumer reports suggest they may play a role in the overall effects of different cannabis products.

When it comes to terpene content, more isn’t always better. High percentages in extracts can lead to a harsher experience, and chasing numbers on a label won’t always tell you how a product will feel. Paying attention to which terpenes are present and how your body responds is more useful than focusing solely on quantity.

Research is still catching up, but for now, understanding terpene profiles is one of the best tools cannabis consumers have to guide their experience.