What Are Terpenes in Cannabis?

When you pop open a jar of cannabis flower and get hit with a wave of citrus, pine, or even cheesy funk—that’s terpenes at work. Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in a wide range of plants, including cannabis. They’re responsible for the way a strain smells, tastes, and can even influence how it makes you feel.

But here’s the game changer: in Maryland, cannabis products don’t just list total THC or CBD percentages—they include detailed terpene profiles on the label. That means you can shop not just by strain name, but by effect and aroma.

Most states only give you a THC number and maybe a category like “sativa” or “indica.” But here in Maryland, you can actually see which terpenes dominate a strain and how they may affect your experience.

Why Terpenes Matter in Your High

Terpenes don’t just smell good—they interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to influence how your body and mind respond to a strain. This is known as the “entourage effect.” For example, some terpenes may make THC feel more energizing, while others enhance its relaxing qualities.

So, if you’ve ever had two strains with the same THC % but very different effects, terpenes are the reason why.

The Top 10 Terpenes in Cannabis (and What They Do)

Here’s your guide to the most common terpenes you’ll find on Maryland cannabis labels, what they smell like, how they work, and what they’re known for.

1. Myrcene

Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal (like cloves or cardamom)
Effects: Sedating, relaxing
Found in: Mangoes, hops, lemongrass
Known for: Being the most common cannabis terpene. It’s associated with the “couch-lock” effect in indicas. Myrcene is believed to help cannabinoids cross the blood-brain barrier faster, intensifying the high.

2. Limonene

Aroma: Bright citrus—lemon, lime, orange peel
Effects: Uplifting, mood-boosting, stress-relieving
Found in: Citrus fruits, peppermint
Known for: Enhancing mood and potentially easing anxiety. Limonene is often found in strains labeled as sativa or hybrid and is thought to have anti-depressant and anti-fungal properties.

3. Caryophyllene

Aroma: Spicy, peppery, herbal
Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, calming
Found in: Black pepper, cinnamon, cloves
Known for: Being the only terpene known to bind directly to CB2 receptors in your body, which may help with pain and inflammation. Great for those seeking body-focused relief.

4. Linalool

Aroma: Floral, lavender, slightly spicy
Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, sleep-promoting
Found in: Lavender, basil, coriander
Known for: Its soothing scent and anti-anxiety effects. Linalool is popular in nighttime strains and may help reduce stress and insomnia symptoms.

5. Pinene

Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary, fresh forest
Effects: Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory
Found in: Pine trees, parsley, basil
Known for: Enhancing mental clarity and possibly counteracting some of the memory loss associated with THC. It also acts as a bronchodilator, which may help open airways.

6. Terpinolene

Aroma: Complex—floral, piney, citrusy, sometimes smoky
Effects: Uplifting, energetic, slightly sedative in high doses
Found in: Apples, tea tree, lilacs
Known for: Being rare as a dominant terpene but often present in small amounts. Strains with high terpinolene often feel more upbeat or creative, even if labeled indica.

7. Ocimene

Aroma: Sweet, woody, herbal with hints of mint
Effects: Energizing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
Found in: Mint, parsley, orchids
Known for: Its potential antiviral and antifungal properties. Ocimene can bring a refreshing energy to certain daytime strains.

8. Humulene

Aroma: Earthy, woody, hops-like (think beer)
Effects: Appetite-suppressing, anti-inflammatory
Found in: Hops, coriander, cloves
Known for: Being one of the few terpenes thought to suppress appetite, making it popular for those avoiding the munchies. Also has strong anti-inflammatory potential.

9. Nerolidol

Aroma: Woody, fruity, with hints of fresh bark
Effects: Relaxing, sedating, anti-fungal
Found in: Jasmine, ginger, tea tree oil
Known for: Its sedative properties and subtle aroma. It may help with topical absorption, so it’s used in skincare and wellness products, too.

10. Bisabolol

Aroma: Floral, sweet, chamomile-like
Effects: Anti-irritant, soothing, gentle
Found in: Chamomile, candeia tree
Known for: Its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. While subtle in aroma, it plays a big role in many therapeutic cannabis strains.

Why Maryland’s Cannabis Labeling System Is Better

Unlike many states that only show THC and CBD levels, Maryland cannabis products go further by listing major terpenes on the label. That means as a consumer, you’re not just choosing by strain name or potency—you’re choosing your experience.

Shopping at a Maryland dispensary like Haven lets you browse flower with real data about how each product may smell, taste, and feel. You might discover a new favorite just by following the terps.

Example:

• Strain A: 29% THC, dominant in Limonene → uplifting, good for mood

• Strain B: 22% THC, dominant in Myrcene → sedating, better for sleep
  Even though Strain A has higher THC, Strain B may feel “stronger” because of how myrcene works with your body.

Tips for Shopping by Terpene

• Check your favorite strain’s lab results for dominant terps

• Track your experiences with certain terpenes to learn what works best

• Ask your budtender for strains with specific terps (e.g., “something with Linalool for sleep”)

• Look past THC %—terpenes define the vibe, not just the number

Final Thoughts: Terpenes Are the Future of Cannabis Shopping

We’ve moved beyond the old-school “sativa vs indica” mindset. As consumers grow more educated and cultivators grow more refined, terpenes are becoming the compass that guides us to the perfect strain.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, creativity, euphoria, or relief—the answer is in the terps.

And here in Maryland, you’re lucky to have access to terpene data that gives you a clearer picture of what you’re buying. So next time you’re shopping at Haven, look beyond the THC %, flip over the label, and follow your nose to your next favorite experience.