Navigating Terpene Profiles

Paid for by CannTerp.ca

Have you ever walked into a dispensary and been dazzled by the overwhelming number of cannabis products available? With so many possibilities, how do you decide which strain is right for you? Most cannabis sommeliers would recommend using your nose to sniff out the strains you like, but in Canada, we can't open the packaging before buying! That's where terpene profiles come in! 

Many cannabis brands test their products for terpene content and percentages and include this information in their packaging. These terpene profiles are available to help you find your preferred cannabis products and explore variations on your favourite strains. Reading a terpene profile on cannabis packaging can seem overwhelming, but with a little bit of knowledge, you'll be able to understand what all the numbers mean in no time! 

What are terpenes? 

When you smell cannabis, it is the terpenes that you are experiencing. Terpenes are fragrant compounds that give each strain of cannabis its unique aroma and flavour. They are naturally produced in the resinous trichomes of cannabis flowers alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes are not psychoactive, but many believe it is the combination of terpenes in cannabis that modulate the overall therapeutic effects. 

Discovering your favourite terpenes is the best way to find cannabis products you know you'll love! Common terpenes in cannabis are Myrcene, Limonene, Terpinolene, Beta-Caryophyllene and Pinene. Each represents an individual scent molecule that offers a specific aroma and flavour. Different combinations of these terpenes have nuanced effects when present in cannabis flowers. These combinations are represented on cannabis packaging in the form of terpene profiles. As each strain of cannabis has its own unique aroma and effects, the easiest way to understand your personal preferences is by reading and understanding these terpene profiles.

What are terpene profiles? 

Terpene profiles are essentially lists of the different terpenes present in a particular strain of cannabis or cannabis-infused products like vape pens. Cannabis products list the terpenes from most dominant to least, often including specific percentages of each terpene. When you read a terpene profile, you can better navigate the potential effects and flavour of the product and ultimately determine whether it's a strain you will enjoy. 

Understanding the Format

Terpene profiles are typically displayed as a list from the highest percentage of an individual terpene to the least. For example, CannTerp's Trainwreck Terpene Strain profile features all the terpenes from most dominant to least dominant. Its packaging includes a visual aid in the form of a pie chart illustrating each terpene's volume. In order, Trainwreck features Humulene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Pinene, and Myrcene. 

Some strain profiles contain many more terpenes and might seem more intimidating to understand, such as CannTerp's Bubble Gum Terpene Strain Profile which has Myrcene, Limonene, Beta Pinene, Linalool, Alpha Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene, and Delta 3 Carene. The pie charts are a great visualization tool to understand which terpenes are present in the highest volumes. As a consumer, you want to know which terpenes are the dominant terpenes, as this will help you understand the flavour and scent profiles of the product. 

Understanding Percentages

Most terpene profiles list the terpenes present with the percentage of each terpene. For example, a terpene profile might look something like this:

• Limonene: 4%

• Myrcene: 1%

• Pinene: 1%

This list illustrates that the dominant terpene is Limonene, followed by Myrcene and Pinene. However, most cannabis contains 2-5% terpenes, so the numbers listed will often be much lower and in more minor decimal points. For example, a terpene profile might list Myrcene at 0.5% and limonene at 0.03%. 

Evaluating Percentages 

Once you've identified the dominant terpenes, the next step is to evaluate the percentages listed. These percentages will affect the smell and flavour but can also influence the cannabis experience. The higher the percentage of a particular terpene, the more prominent that terpene will be in the final product. For example, a strain with a high percentage of limonene is likely to have a strong lemon scent. A strain with a high percentage of Pinene will have a heavy pine or woodsy scent. 

Understanding the Effects 

If you want to make the most of terpene profiles, educating yourself on individual terpenes and their subtle effects is valuable in helping you better understand a particular strain's potential therapeutic actions. For example, strains with high percentages of Myrcene are often associated with relaxation and sleep, while strains with high percentages of limonene may have energizing and uplifting effects. You can learn more about terpenes' effects by reading articles, watching videos, or speaking with your local budtender! There are many online resources to understand terpenes' therapeutic actions. By taking the time to understand terpene profiles, you'll be able to choose strains with the effects and flavours you love!

Benefits of Terpene Profiles

Having terpene profiles on cannabis packaging is incredibly beneficial for consumers as they provide valuable information about the strains you are consuming. It allows you to make informed decisions about products based on the potential effects of the terpenes present. It will help you find strains best suited to your needs, whether relaxation, energy, or something in between. By looking at a strain's terpene profile, you can better understand its potential effects and determine whether it's the right strain for you.

It's important to note that terpene profiles vary depending on the source and method of testing, so it's a good idea to look at multiple profiles for a particular strain if possible. Additionally, certain terpenes do not necessarily guarantee specific effects, as the interactions between terpenes and other compounds in the cannabis plant can be complex. Nevertheless, terpene profiles can be a valuable tool for making informed decisions about which strains to try and understanding the potential effects of different cannabis products.

Shop with Confidence

Overall, terpene profiles are a fun and valuable tool for navigating the world of cannabis. Providing information about the terpenes in each strain and infused product allows consumers to make informed decisions and find strains best suited to their needs. So next time you're in a dispensary, take a look around and read those terpene profiles! You can find the dominant terpenes in products you love and discover your new favourites!