Terpenes are the aromatic compounds behind every distinctive strain profile, and they exist far beyond cannabis: limonene is in citrus peel, pinene in pine needles, linalool in lavender. Here is what they are and how strain profile terpene blends are actually used.
The big six worth knowing
- Myrcene: earthy and musky, the backbone of many classic profiles
- Limonene: bright citrus, found in lemon and orange peel
- Pinene: sharp pine freshness
- Caryophyllene: peppery spice, also found in black pepper
- Linalool: floral lavender softness
- Terpinolene: fresh, herbal complexity found in apples and tea tree
What a strain profile blend is
Producers analyse the terpene fingerprint of a named strain and recreate it as a food grade blend. The result smells like the strain but contains no cannabinoids at all, which is what makes these products legal to sell and ship anywhere in Canada. Our terpene range from Cali Terpenes, Purple Dank and others lists the dominant compounds in every profile.
How people use them
Aroma work, candle and soap making, culinary flavour development and botanical formulation. The golden rule is dilution: raw terpenes are extremely concentrated and are never used neat. Start below one percent concentration in any application, store bottles cool and dark, and keep them away from children and pets like any concentrated botanical.
Further reading: Terpenes, scientific background.