Terpenes 101: Why Your Weed Smells Like Citrus, Gas, or Pine

What Are Terpenes in Weed?

If you've ever cracked open a fresh bag of bud and caught a whiff of lemons, diesel, or even pine needles, you're smelling terpenes — the aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants).

Terpenes are natural oils that give each strain its unique aroma and flavour profile. But they do more than smell good. They can influence your high, enhance effects, and even work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what’s known as the Entourage Effect.

So when your weed smells like oranges or gasoline? That’s science, not coincidence.

What Do Different Terpenes Smell Like?

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common cannabis terpenes and what they bring to the table:

Terpene	Scent/Flavour	Effects
Limonene	Citrus (lemon, orange)	Uplifting, stress relief
Myrcene	Earthy, musky, cloves	Relaxing, sedating
Pinene	Pine needles, forest	Alertness, memory support
Linalool	Lavender, floral	Calming, anti-anxiety
Caryophyllene	Pepper, spice, herbs	Anti-inflammatory, mood balancing
Terpinolene	Sweet, fruity, herbal	Energizing, creative

Why Does Weed Smell So Strong?

The “skunky” or pungent smell many associate with weed comes from a mix of strong terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene, but also from sulfur-like compounds recently discovered in cannabis — similar to what gives skunks their scent!

As cannabis becomes more potent and terpene-rich, the smell gets stronger too. Especially with fresh flower, live resin extracts, or craft-grown weed, the aroma can be intense.

🧪 Fun Fact: Cannabis has over 150 known terpenes, though only a handful dominate each strain’s profile.

Do Terpenes Affect Your High?

Yes — big time.

While THC is the main driver of psychoactive effects, terpenes help shape the experience. Think of them like co-pilots:

• Limonene + THC might feel energetic and euphoric.

• Myrcene + THC could lean more toward sleepy, body-heavy effects.

• Pinene + CBD might feel focused but calm.

This synergy is why two strains with the same THC% can feel completely different.

Strains With Bold Terpene Profiles

Looking to shop based on aroma and effects? Here are a few terpene-rich strains to try:

🍋 Lemon Z

• Dominant Terpene: Limonene

• Smells Like: Fresh lemon zest

• Feels Like: A happy, creative buzz

🌲 Pineapple Express

• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene + Pinene

• Smells Like: Sweet pineapple and pine forest

• Feels Like: Balanced high with mellow energy

⛽ GMO Cookies

• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene + Myrcene

• Smells Like: Garlic, gas, funk

• Feels Like: Heavy, relaxing, intense

(Feel free to ask us which terpene-forward strains are in stock — we’ll help you find the perfect nose-pleaser.)

Why Terpenes Matter When Buying Weed

Reading lab labels or shopping online? Look for terpene profiles listed by % or dominant strains. These give you a better idea of how you might feel — not just how strong it is.

• Limonene: Look for “uplifting,” “creative,” “citrusy” notes.

• Myrcene: Often marked as “relaxing,” “indica,” or “couchlock.”

• Pinene: Found in strains labeled “clear-headed” or “energizing.”

Choosing weed by terpene profile gives you more control over your high — especially if you're chasing specific effects like focus, relaxation, or pain relief.

Final Puff: Follow Your Nose

Cannabis isn’t just about THC numbers anymore. Scent is your first clue to how a strain might make you feel.

Whether you're into fruity and bright or dank and diesel-y, terpenes tell the story. And the more you learn to read them, the better your weed experiences will get.

📍Swing by Steady Eddy’s and ask to sniff some of our top terpene-rich strains. Let your nose (and your vibe) guide you.