// Science · Glossary

Terpenes

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 001

Aromatic compounds present in cannabis. Over 300 have been identified. They are responsible for scent and flavour and play a significant role in modulating the effects of cannabinoids. Skunkman Sam predicted terpenes would be the future of cannabis science. Terpene extraction is now an emerging frontier across the industry.

Terpenes were discussed as the most underappreciated component of the cannabis plant. Bubbleman credited Skunkman Sam with predicting years ago that terpenes would become the next frontier of cannabis science — a prediction that has since proven correct as the industry increasingly focuses on terpene profiles for strain differentiation and targeted effects. The key insight is that terpenes don't just provide flavour and aroma — they actively modulate how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. This is a core part of the entourage effect: the same THC percentage can produce vastly different experiences depending on the terpene profile.

Ep. 001 Where It All Began