Terpene
A member of a large class of compounds built from isoprene units. Volatile terpenes contribute strongly to the aroma and flavor of cannabis.
Terpenes occur throughout the plant kingdom and often serve ecological roles such as attracting pollinators or deterring herbivores. In cannabis, many are synthesized and stored in glandular trichomes Trichome A hairlike structure on a plant surface. In cannabis, glandular trichomes on female flowers synthesize and store cannabinoids, terpenes and other metabolites. alongside cannabinoids.
A cultivar's aroma comes from a mixture of volatile compounds rather than a single terpene. Commonly reported cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene and terpinolene.
Terpene profiles can change through drying, curing, handling and storage because volatile compounds can evaporate or degrade. Genetics, growing conditions and post-harvest treatment all contribute to the profile measured in finished flower.