Terpenes 101: Why Smell Matters

You’ve probably noticed that not all cannabis smells the same. Some strains hit with citrus. Others smell earthy, gassy, sweet, or like pine. That’s all from something called terpenes. They’re not just about smell, though. Terpenes actually affect how cannabis feels too.

At The Jersey Joint in Glassboro, we talk about terpenes with people every day. Whether you're new to cannabis or know your way around a jar of flower, understanding terpenes helps you make better choices.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are natural oils found in plants. Cannabis has a lot of them. These oils give each strain its scent. But that scent does more than just fill the room. It can shape your experience.

For example, strains that smell like lemon or grapefruit often have a terpene called limonene. People say it helps with mood. Strains that smell like lavender may contain linalool, which some folks find relaxing. Then there’s myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, and plenty of others. Each one smells different and may have its own effect on the body.

Smell can tell you a lot

When someone opens a jar at our shop on State Street and leans in for a sniff, they’re not just checking for freshness. They’re reading the plant. The nose knows, as we like to say around here.

If something smells good to you, it might mean your body is drawn to it. That sounds weird, but it’s true for a lot of people. Some customers say they feel more confident picking a strain based on smell rather than THC numbers. And that’s smart. Two strains with the same THC can hit very differently depending on the terpene mix.

THC isn’t the whole story

People often chase high THC levels, thinking more means better. But without terpenes, the effects can feel flat or one-note. Terpenes help shape the high. They work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create something called the entourage effect. That’s when everything works together to give you a more full-body, balanced experience.

So while we carry high-THC products at The Jersey Joint, we also encourage people to check out terpene profiles. Whether it’s a vape, a pre-roll, or some flower, there’s more to consider than just the number on the label.

Why this matters in real life

Say you're walking over from Rowan after a long day. You want to relax, not pass out. A strain with more myrcene might feel too heavy. But something with pinene or limonene could keep you feeling chill without the fog.

If you want to feel social but not jittery, a strain with a little caryophyllene might help keep things smooth. The point is, smell gives you clues. And terpenes are often a better guide than just guessing based on strain names or THC levels.

Get hands-on with it

If you're near 7-11 State Street and curious about trying something new, come in and ask about terpene profiles. We’ve got plenty of jars to smell, and our budtenders know what’s in each one. You’ll notice some smell like mangoes, some like pine trees, some like fuel. That’s the fun of it.

And if you’re more into edibles or vapes, no problem. Many of those products list terpene content too.