Patient education

Nose Over Numbers

A practical guide to looking beyond THC percent

THC matters, but it is only one part of the cannabis experience. Terpenes are the natural aromatic compounds found throughout the plant world, including cannabis, and they are responsible for familiar scents and flavours like citrus, pine, pepper, florals and earth. They are also being studied for how they may contribute to the overall cannabis experience. You do not need to memorize them all. Start with a few common profiles, follow your nose, and pay attention to what works for you.

Find the terpenes

Look beyond THC % and see which terpenes appear most prominently.

Follow your nose

Citrus, pine, pepper, earth, florals - what you naturally enjoy is a clue.

Notice your patterns

Track terpenes, cannabinoids, dose and timing to see what works.

Know your terpenes

You do not need to memorize them all. Start with a few common profiles, follow your nose, and pay attention to what works for you.

Limonene

Citrus, lemon, orange

Also found in: Citrus rinds, rosemary

Potentially perfect for:

Uplifting Mood Stress support

Commonly found in bright, citrus-forward cultivars. Being studied for potential effects related to mood, stress and inflammation.

Consider exploring for a brighter profile that may fit well into a daytime routine.

Linalool

Floral, lavender

Also found in: Lavender, mint, basil

Potentially perfect for:

Calm Relaxation

Known for a soft floral aroma. Being studied for potential calming and neurological effects.

Consider exploring for a gentler profile that may complement relaxation or an evening wind-down routine.

Pinene

Pine, forest, fresh herbs

Also found in: Pine needles, herbs

Potentially perfect for:

Focus Alertness Clarity

Creates a fresh, forest-like aroma. Being studied for potential neurological and inflammatory effects.

Consider exploring if you gravitate toward fresh, pine-forward profiles or want to stay present and engaged.

Myrcene

Earthy, musky, herbal

Also found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme

Potentially perfect for:

Relaxation Sedating

One of the more commonly encountered terpenes in cannabis. Studied for potential relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.

Consider exploring for a more grounded profile that fits naturally into relaxation or evening routines.

Beta-caryophyllene

Pepper, spice, woody

Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, basil

Potentially perfect for:

Comfort Recovery Anti-inflammatory potential

Particularly interesting because it can interact with CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. Being studied for potential inflammatory and pain-related effects.

Consider exploring when comfort or recovery is the goal.

Terpinolene

Fresh, herbal, floral, citrus

Also found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin

Potentially perfect for:

Uplifting Freshness Daytime use

A complex aroma combining herbal, floral, citrus and slightly pine-like notes. Individual responses can vary.

Consider exploring if you enjoy bright, fresh, aromatic profiles suited to a daytime or active routine.

These are just six of the 100 plus terpenes identified in cannabis so far - this is only a starting point, not the full picture.

4 things to pay attention to

Find the dominant terpenes

Look beyond THC % and see which terpenes appear most prominently.

Follow your nose

Citrus? Pine? Pepper? Earth? Florals? The aromas you enjoy are another clue.

Look at cannabinoids too

THC is only one cannabinoid. CBD, CBG, CBN and others contribute too.

Notice what works for you

Note the terpenes, cannabinoid profile, dose, format, timing and how it felt.

Nose over numbers in practice

Dream Drops

CBD : CBN : CBG

600mg CBD - 300mg CBN - 300mg CBG

Per 30 mL bottle

30+ terpenes with sweet berry, floral and herbal notes

This broad-spectrum blend combines three non-intoxicating cannabinoids with a complex terpene profile - a good example of looking at the whole formulation rather than chasing potency.

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Focus Moments

CBD + CBG + CBC

10mg CBD - 5mg CBG - 5mg CBC

Per tablet

Signature 36-terpene focus blend

A balanced, THC-free cannabinoid blend paired with a broad terpene profile designed around clarity, presence and intention - useful for choosing by experience and time of day.

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CBG + CBD Mango Gummy Drop

CBD + CBG, 0mg THC

20mg CBD - 20mg CBG

Per gummy

Dominant terpenes: d-Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene

Makes the concept easy to see: equal parts CBD and CBG paired with a terpene profile featuring bright citrus and peppery notes, all without THC.

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Keep this in mind

Nose over numbers does not mean ignore the numbers. THC and CBD content still matter when considering dose, tolerance and potential impairment. Terpenes are another tool, not a guarantee of how a product will make you feel. Your cannabinoid profile, dose, format, tolerance and individual response all matter too.

The scent tells part of the story - the nose knows.

Look beyond the percentage. Follow the profile. Pay attention to your patterns.