A guide to plant aromas
What are terpenes?
Meet the aromatic compounds behind familiar scents from citrus peel, lavender, herbs and spices.
The scent of plants
Terpenes are compounds made by many plants. They contribute to the aromas you notice when you peel an orange, brush past a rosemary bush or smell a sprig of lavender.
A plant’s scent comes from a mixture of compounds, so each terpene contributes to the whole. The examples below are starting points for noticing and describing aromas.
Terpenes in medicinal cannabis
Four familiar examples
These four terpenes appear in plants you may already recognise. Each scent reference describes the compound; a whole plant can smell different.
Myrcene
Found in hops and mango. Think green, herbal notes with a fruity edge.
β-Caryophyllene
Found in black pepper and cloves. Think warm pepper, spice and wood.
Limonene
Found in citrus peel. Think the bright scent released when you zest a lemon or orange.
Linalool
Found in lavender and coriander seed. Think soft floral notes with a herbal edge.
Explore more
FInd your terpene personality
Enjoy a six-question personality quiz, inspired by four popular aromatic styles.
Take the terpene personality quizThis quiz is for enjoyment only, not a health assessment or treatment guide.
Terpenes in medicinal cannabis
Already looking at a cultivar or batch profile? Read the patient resource on what those terpene listings describe, and what they cannot predict.
Terpenes in medicinal cannabis