Understanding Terpenes: Why Cannabis Is More Than Just THC

One thing I hear all the time is, “What has the highest THC?”

I completely understand why people ask, but working around cannabis every day has taught me that the highest THC percentage doesn’t automatically make something the best match for you. There is so much more to the plant—including terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds that help give cannabis its smell and flavor. They’re why one strain may smell fruity and sweet while another smells earthy, citrusy, floral, gassy, or skunky.

Terpenes aren’t exclusive to cannabis, either. They’re also found throughout nature in fruits, flowers, herbs, and trees.

If you’ve ever opened two jars with similar THC percentages and noticed that they smelled completely different, their terpene profiles were part of what you were noticing.

Five Common Cannabis Terpenes

Limonene
Usually has a bright citrus aroma similar to lemons or oranges.

Myrcene
Often has an earthy, herbal, or slightly musky smell.

Caryophyllene
Usually has a peppery or spicy aroma and is also found in black pepper.

Pinene
Often smells fresh and pine-like.

Linalool
Commonly has a softer, floral aroma similar to lavender.

Why Should You Look Beyond THC?

Two strains can have similar THC percentages but still smell, taste, and feel completely different. Their cannabinoid and terpene profiles aren’t the same—and neither are the people using them.

A terpene profile cannot guarantee how a product will make someone feel. Individual tolerance, experience, product type, amount used, and other factors all matter.

That’s why I encourage customers to look beyond one number on the label. Pay attention to the aromas and products you enjoy. Ask questions. Remember what worked well for you and what didn’t.

Over time, you may begin noticing patterns in the strains and terpene profiles you prefer.

Learning From Seed to Store

At Puff Box, we don’t just sell cannabis—we work closely with it throughout the seed-to-store process. We get to watch these plants grow, learn their characteristics, and see how different genetics develop.

Our team is always learning, and we want to share that knowledge in a way that feels simple, honest, and easy to understand.

The next time you’re choosing flower, don’t be afraid to look beyond THC. Your nose and your personal experience may tell you more than the biggest number on the jar.

If you have questions about what you’re looking at, please ask us. Helping our customers understand what they’re buying is part of our job—and something I genuinely enjoy.

Kay Damon
Manager & Compliance Officer
Puff Box

Educational information only. Individual experiences vary. Research into cannabis terpenes and their possible effects is still developing.

Further reading: The Cannabis Terpenes—National Library of Medicine