Cannabis is a complex plant to say the least, with a whole spectrum of chemical components that contribute to its unique effects and flavors. One of these components--and you hear it thrown around a lot these days--are terpenes, aromatic compounds that are found in many plants beyond just bud. Terpenes are responsible for the distinctive scents and flavors of strains (Headband, Golden Goat, Durban Poison, Chem, just think), but they also play an important role in the effects on the body and mind.

Terpenes are produced in the resin glands, alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD. There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis, and each strain has a unique combination and concentration of these compounds. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include:

1. Limonene - This terpene has a citrusy scent and is found in many sativa strains. Limonene is thought to have uplifting and energizing effects, and may also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If you've ever enjoyed Lemon Haze then you know this essence well.

2. Pinene - Pinene has a pine-like scent and is found in many indica strains. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties, and may also improve memory and focus.

3. Myrcene - Myrcene has an earthy, musky scent and is found in many hybrid strains. It is believed to have sedative and relaxing effects, and may also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Caryophyllene - This terpene has a spicy, peppery scent and is found in many indica strains. It's also said to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic in effect and may also have potential as a treatment for anxiety and depression.

5. Linalool - Linalool has a floral, lavender-like scent found across the spectrum, especially in hybrids. It is believed to have sedative and relaxing effects, and may also have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties.

Terpenes work in synergy with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to produce the full portrait of unique effects for each strain (another reason why extracting only one part of the plant can have such a different high when compared to the whole). For example, a strain high in limonene may produce a more uplifting and energizing high, while a strain high in myrcene may produce a more sedative and relaxing high. Additionally, terpenes may have therapeutic benefits on their own, meaning the more terps, the potentially better for medicinal purposes (although more research is obviously needed, if cannabis can ever get rescheduled).

Remarkably, terpenes are an important part of cannabis not only for particular skunkiness -- but the high as well. Not that we advocate anyone becoming a weed snob "per se" -- but learning to identify the terps by flavor and effect will certainly get you on the right path to smoking better, and narrowing down your best personal choices at the store when faced with a giant selection. You might even find a gig as a cannabis sommelier of sorts (hey, anyone can dream).