A plain-English guide to what those numbers on the label actually mean.
Terpenes are the aromatic oils produced by cannabis — and by lavender, citrus, pine, mango, hops, and most other strongly-scented plants. Chemically they are a family of hydrocarbons; biologically they are part of the plant’s defense system. To us, they are what makes one cultivar smell like sweet diesel and another like crushed mint.
Modern lab panels typically measure between 8 and 20 individual terpenes. Total terpene content (often shown as “% Terps”) is a useful proxy for aromatic intensity, but the composition — which terpenes dominate — is what shapes the actual experience.
The popular idea that THC alone determines “how strong” a cultivar is, is one of the more persistent myths in cannabis. The current scientific consensus is that cannabinoids and terpenes work in combination — the so-called “entourage effect” — and that two cultivars with identical THC numbers can produce meaningfully different experiences depending on their terpene profile and minor cannabinoid content. Beta-caryophyllene, in particular, is unusual in that it directly binds the body’s CB2 receptor.
The takeaway: read the full lab panel, not just the THC number.
The compounds we most commonly see expressed in our flower, in plain language.
The most common terpene in modern cannabis. Myrcene contributes the distinctive musky, herbal note in many indica-leaning cultivars and is also abundant in mango, hops, and lemongrass. It is widely associated with the heavy, body-forward sensation often described as 'couch-lock.'
Responsible for the bright citrus aroma in many sativa-leaning cultivars. Limonene is widely studied for its mood-elevating and anti-anxiety properties and is the main compound in citrus rind oils.
The peppery, spicy bite found in black pepper and clove. β-caryophyllene is unique among terpenes in that it directly binds the body's CB2 receptor, putting it at the intersection of terpene and cannabinoid science.
The crisp, woodsy aroma of pine forests. α-pinene is associated with mental clarity and bronchodilation, and may counterbalance some of THC's short-term memory effects.
The signature compound of lavender. Linalool brings a floral softness to the nose and is widely studied for its calming, sedative profile in aromatherapy and herbal medicine.
The terpene that gives hops its character — and shares ancestry with cannabis through the Cannabaceae family. Humulene contributes a deep, slightly bitter earthiness and is being researched for anti-inflammatory effects.
A complex, layered terpene found in only a small minority of cultivars. Terpinolene-dominant flower often presents an unusual, almost piney-floral character and is associated with uplifting, alert effects.
A light, fruity terpene with hints of basil and mango. Ocimene is part of many plants' natural defense aroma and contributes a sparkly top-note to many tropical-leaning cultivars.
Every jar leaves the farm with the cultivar name, harvest batch ID, total THC, total terpenes, and a QR code linking to the full Certificate of Analysis. The COA includes:
If a number isn’t on the COA, it wasn’t tested. We publish the full document, not just the marketing-friendly highlights.
Reference numbers used on our COAs follow standard analytical-chemistry protocols. For background on terpene reference data, see PubChem.