Terpenes

A world of terpenes

Terpenes are in our food, the flowers we smell, and, yes, the cannabis products we enjoy. They are simply organic compounds found in plants, and even some insects, which affect the way they smell and taste. Cannabis plants just happen to contain high concentrations of these aromatic compounds.

Different terpenes determine the unique characteristics of a plant. Cannabis terpenes give a cannabis plant its specific smell and taste. Each strain contains its own distinctive terpene profiles and perks.

Cannabis-derived terpenes 

Terpenes may be derived from cannabis, whether it is classified as hemp or marijuana. The 2014 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of Schedule 1 substances and sewed the seeds for hemp’s recent resurgence. The Bill prompted long-forbidden research into hemp-derived cannabinoids to begin in earnest.

The 2018 Farm Bill expanded on this, allowing people to produce, sell, and consume hemp-derived products with less than .3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight, making it clear to legal experts and cannabis growers that these products, including terpenes, were federally-compliant. On the other hand, marijuana—defined as cannabis containing more than .3%  Delta-9 THC—is still illegal in many states.

Terpenes contain no THC and neither hemp nor marijuana terpenes produce psychoactive effects.

Even if all pure cannabis terpenes contain zero THC, it’s important to remember that they must come from hemp to be protected by the Farm Bill’s legislation. Terpenes from marijuana may not be legal except in states that sanction adult-use of marijuana. 

Learn more in our Guide to Cannabis-Derived Terpenes.

Earthy Terpenes Strains

Canna Cake | 76.9% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Limonene (Citrus) | α-Pinene (Pine)

Canna Cake is a sativa dominant strain with big flavor. Its lineage results in a rich spicy aroma and tangy sweet-piney and citrus earthiness.

The main terpenoids in Canna Cake are myrcene, limonene and alpha-pinene, and they combine with secondary terpenoids beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene and ocimene. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, a clean and classic profile with sharply diesel nose and woody, nutty, spicy musk.

Cherry Soda | 75.7% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Limonene (Citrus) | β-Carophyllene (Wood)

Cherry Soda is a robust indica dominant hybrid strain with large buds and heavy trichomes, originating from California’s Ventura Seed Company. The profile is true to the Cherry name in flavor and aroma, alongside spicy sweetness and fresh high citrus notes.

The primary terpenoids in Cherry Soda are myrcene, limonene and beta-caryophyllene. These are joined by secondary level terpenoids alpha-pinene, ocimene and beta-pinene. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, the result is a sweet mix of sweetshop, flowers and pine.

Hawaiian Haze | 65.9% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | α-Pinene (Pine) | Limonene (Citrus)

Hawaiian Haze is an award-winning, sativa dominant hybrid strain from Oregon CBD that comes from crossing DC Haze “CC” and Early Resin Berry (ERB). The resulting unique and funky terpene profile brings the taste of the tropics to everything it touches.

Recognizable aromas from the primary terpenes myrcene, alpha-pinene and limonene intertwine with beta-pinene, beta-carypholene and ocimene, key secondary and tertiary terpenes. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, they conjure sunny equatorial grandeur and contentment.

Lifter | 79.7% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Ocimene (Fruit) | β-Carophyllene (Wood)

Lifter is a pioneering and award-winning, sativa dominant strain from Oregon CBD that comes from crossing SH 50 (Special Sauce x New World Haze) and Early Resin Berry (ERB). The combination of terpenes from these parents creates a gassy, funky sweet mix that hits the palate with just the right balance of bitterness.

Primary terpenes from Lifter are myrcene, ocimene, and beta-caryophyllene converge with secondary level contributors like limonene, alpha-pinene and terpineol. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, the versatile blend goes from sweet to gassy with a distinctively sharp nose cutting through deep layers of the forest.

Sour Lifter | 71.3% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Terpinolene (Smoke) | Limonene (Citrus)

Sour Lifter is a diploid, sativa dominant hybrid strain from Oregon CBD that comes from crossing SH 50 (Special Sauce x New World Haze) and their GG#4 Conversion. The products of this pairing are an up front sweet pungent aroma and full sour diesel finish.

Sour Lifter’s primary terpenenoids are myrcene, terpineol and limonene which interplay with the secondary beta-caryophyllene, ocimene and alpha-humulene. Owing to the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, its rich profile shares the original Lifter’s sweet gassy funk and makes it sour with notes of lemon rind and fresh full grapes mixed with deep diesel.

Sour Special | 78.6% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Terpinolene (Smoke) | Limonene (Citrus)

Sour Special is an indica dominant strain from Oregon CBD that is the result of pairing Special Sauce with GG#4 Conversion. The strain is woody and fruity, spicy and sour with astringent berry and exotic flavors plus sour dank earth.

Sour Special’s primary terpenoids are myrcene, terpinolene and limonene and they work in tandem with secondary terpenoids ocimene, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, the essences converge in a strong and pleasant sweet berry scent with earthy undertones.

Sour Suver | 76.4% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Terpinolene (Smoke) | Limonene (Citrus)

Sour Suver is a sativa dominant hybrid strain and a potent grower’s favorite from Oregon CBD. It is bred from Suver 8 and the GG#4 Conversion. The strain boasts classic green sweetness plus dank sour apple funk.

Sour Suver’s primary terpenoids are myrcene, terpinolene and limonene and they are secondarily balanced by caryophyllene, ocimene and alpha-pinene. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, we get a profile that is pleasingly funky sour and sweetly fresh and bright.

Super Sour | 72.7% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | Terpinolene (Smoke) | Limonene (Citrus)

Super Sour is a bulky and dense sativa dominant strain from Oregon CBD, who crossed Sour Tsunami with GG#4 Conversion to produce this extra sour built upon the beloved Sour Tsunami.

Primary terpenoids in Super Sour are myrcene, terpinolene and limonene. They are met by secondary terpenoids caryophyllene, ocimene and alpha-pinene. Along with the unique collection of dozens of additional detected terpenoids in this strain, the result is a satisfying sour smack with classic gassy funk.

Suver Haze | 73.9% Total Terpenoids

Myrcene (Clove) | β-Carophyllene (Wood) | Limonene (Citrus)

Suver Haze is an award-winning, sativa dominant strain from Oregon CBD that was born of crossing Suver 8 and Early Resin Berry (ERB). The cross produces a peppery spicy aroma and pungent woody and lighter skunk flavor.

Top level terpenoids in Suver Haze are myrcene, beta caryophyllene and limonene. These pair with secondary ocimene, pinene and alpha-humulene. Along with the dozens of additional terpenoids in this strain, they create an exotic sour apple flavor with pleasant underlying sweetness.