TERPENES 101
- Jon M.
- Nov 30
- 2 min read
UNDERSTANDING TERPENES IN CANNABIS
WHAT ARE TERPENES
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give plants their characteristic scent, from pine needles and citrus peels to lavender blossoms. In nature, these compounds act as a defence mechanism, helping plants deter predators and attract pollinators.
In humans, terpenes are believed to interact with the body and mind through mechanisms that can influence mood, perception, and physiological response. Their effects are familiar to anyone who has experienced the calm of lavender or the focus brought on by a whiff of citrus.
More than 100 distinct terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Research suggests that these compounds not only shape aroma and flavour but may also contribute to the plant’s therapeutic profile when combined with cannabinoids, a phenomenon often called the entourage effect.
THE LANGUAGE OF TERPENES
The following visual helps clinicians and patients connect familiar sensory cues to the dominant terpenes that produce them. Terpenes are typically organized into four broad aromatic families:
Sweet (fruity, floral, or confectionary)
Herbaceous (fresh, green, or spicy)
Earthy (woody, roasted, or musky)
Industrial (chemical or gas-like, often associated with diesel-type aromas)
At Organigram Global we have an extensive sensory program, where products are tested rigorously before coming to market, and this wheel is a key tool in helping pinpoint what the end consumer gets from using one of our products.
Understanding these sensory groupings can help practitioners anticipate how different formulations may appeal to patients’ senses and influence their overall experience.
WHY TERPENES MATTER IN MEDICAL CANNABIS
For prescribers, terpenes provide an additional layer of understanding when guiding patients through cannabis-based therapies. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD drive the primary pharmacological effects, terpenes help shape how those effects are experienced.
This means clinicians can consider terpene profiles when recommending specific formulations based on the desired outcome, such as promoting calm, improving focus, or reducing pain.
As medical cannabis use expands in Australia, familiarity with terpenes will help healthcare professionals interpret patient responses more effectively and tailor treatment recommendations with greater precision.
