Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the fragrances we associate with different plants—pine from conifers, citrus from lemons, lavender from flowers, and the distinctive scent profiles found in cannabis. Steep Hill Laboratories describes terpenes as “the fragrance molecules that emanate from all plants—including cannabis—which offers a unique scent from one strain to the next.” These compounds exist across plant species and contribute to each plant’s flavor, aroma, and environmental interactions.
In botanical chemistry, terpenes belong to one of the largest families of natural plant compounds. There are more than 40,000 known terpenoid structures identified in nature, formed through both primary and secondary plant metabolisms. This means plants produce terpenes not only for aroma, but also for communication, protection, pollinator attraction, and environmental adaptation.
Where Terpenes Come From
Terpenes are produced in plant structures called glandular trichomes—the same resin glands that produce cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis. While terpenes are sometimes called “essential oils,” they are structurally classified as isoprenoids, built from repeating isoprene units that determine their aroma, volatility, and behavior in the plant.
Terpenes are found in:
- Herbs and spices
- Citrus fruits
- Flowers and tree resins
- Vegetables
- Hemp and CBD-dominant plants
In hemp and cannabis, terpenes vary by cultivar, growing environment, maturity, and post-harvest handling. This variation is why each strain has its own scent profile—earthy, floral, citrusy, spicy, or fruity.
The Entourage Concept
Terpenes are often discussed alongside cannabinoids because together they contribute to the overall “profile” of a hemp or cannabis cultivar. While the idea of the “entourage effect” is still being researched, the concept describes how terpenes and cannabinoids may influence each other’s perception when present in the same plant.
Even without cannabinoids, terpenes have long been used in aromatherapy, culinary traditions, herbal practices, and essential oil formulations due to their distinctive sensory characteristics.
Terpenes in Industry and Everyday Life
Terpene isolation is not new. Many industries use isolated terpenes or terpene-derived compounds for fragrances, foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Two examples often discussed historically are artemisinin and taxol, which are derived from terpene-like structures in unrelated plant species. While these aren’t cannabis terpenes, they demonstrate the longstanding role terpenoid chemistry plays in product development and natural product research.
Consumers also encounter terpenes every day in:
- Citrus peels (limonene)
- Pine needles (pinene)
- Lavender (linalool)
- Hops (myrcene)
- Basil and pepper (caryophyllene)
Terpenes contribute as much to a plant’s identity as its shape or color.
Understanding Terpene Quality and Safety
As terpene popularity has grown, so have questions about quality, purity, and safe use—especially in processed products. Researchers at Portland State University published a study in 2017 examining how terpenes behave when heated at high temperatures. They specifically evaluated a practice known as “terp dipping,” where consumers add isolated terpenes to concentrates before vaporizing them.
The study noted that many “natural terpenes” on the market are actually synthetic or semi-synthetic recreations, and that heating terpene additives at high temperatures may create undesirable byproducts. These findings highlight the importance of transparency, proper sourcing, and understanding how terpenes behave under different conditions.
For growers, formulators, and consumers, the takeaway is simple:
Know your source and understand how terpenes are used in the product you’re interacting with.
Why Terpenes Matter in Hemp and Herbal Products
Terpenes offer more than fragrance—they tell a story about the plant’s genetics, environment, stress response, and maturity. In hemp and CBD products, terpenes contribute to:
- Aromatic expression
- Consumer experience
- Cultivar differentiation
- Product quality and freshness
Whether you’re smelling a lavender field or opening a jar of hemp flower, terpenes are the first introduction to the plant’s personality.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.