For a long time, cannabis shopping has been all about the numbers, especially the THC percentage. The higher, the better, right? Not exactly. While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) plays a role in how cannabis affects you, it’s far from the whole story. That sky-high THC percentage doesn’t guarantee a better high, a better experience, or a better product.
So, what makes a strain hit the way you want it to—THC or terpenes? While THC gets all the spotlight, it’s the terpenes (aka “terps”) doing a lot of the heavy lifting. These aromatic compounds give each strain its unique smell and flavor, but they also play a major role in shaping how you feel. Whether you’re trying to relax, get uplifted, stay focused, or fully sink into the couch, the terpene profile often has more influence on the vibe than the THC percentage ever will.
You don’t need to be an expert to understand terpenes. If you want to pick better weed, have more consistent highs, and stop getting fooled by flashy THC numbers, learning about terpene profiles is where it’s at. They’re the key to finding cannabis that fits your vibe, not just your tolerance.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in herbs, fruit, and cannabis—basically, the reason your weed smells the way it does. But they’re not just about scent. In cannabis, terpenes influence how a strain tastes, smells, and feels. They shape the whole vibe.
That citrusy sativa that boosts your mood? Probably high in limonene. The skunky indica that melts you into the couch? Likely packed with myrcene. Even with the same THC percentage, two strains can hit completely differently—and it’s the terpene profile doing the heavy lifting.
Terpenes work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what’s called the entourage effect. It’s not just about one compound doing all the work—it’s the whole crew showing up together to shape the experience. That synergy is why more people are starting to ask: Should I be choosing my weed based on THC or terpenes? (Spoiler: go with the terps.)
So if you’re only shopping based on THC percentage, you’re missing half the picture. Learning to read and understand terpene profiles can totally shift how you approach your next pickup.
THC or Terpenes—What Actually Shapes Your High
Ever wonder why two strains with the same THC percentage can leave you feeling completely different? One gets you chatty and clear, the other sinks you into the couch. The answer? Terpenes are what actually shape your high.
Let’s say you’ve got two strains, both testing at 25% THC. On paper, they look identical. But Strain A is dominant in limonene and pinene, two terpenes known for bright, energetic, mentally clear effects. You’ll feel uplifted, maybe even inspired to clean your kitchen or call a friend. Strain B, meanwhile, is rich in myrcene and linalool—a combo that’s all about deep relaxation, body melt, and stress relief. Same THC, totally different ride—and that’s because terpenes guide how cannabinoids actually land in your system.
So what shapes your high? It’s not just THC. It’s the full chemical makeup of the plant, with terpenes playing a leading role in how your body and brain respond. Once you start paying attention to terp profiles, you’ll get way closer to the kind of experience you actually want—whether that’s high-energy daytime or lights-out mode.
Common Cannabis Terpenes
Every strain’s got its own personality—and terpenes are a big part of what gives it that vibe. These aromatic compounds are what hit your nose when you crack open a jar, but they also play a significant role in how your body and mind respond once you light up—feeling mellow, alert, creative, or locked to the couch? That’s the terp magic doing its thing.
Let’s break down some of the most common cannabis terpenes and what they’re bringing to the sesh:
Limonene
Bright, zesty, and citrus-forward. This one’s a staple in a lot of uplifting sativas.
Vibe: Boosted mood, feel-good energy, and may help with stress—basically sunshine in terp form.
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, and super common across all kinds of strains. You’ll smell it in mangoes and hops too.
Vibe: Deep relaxation, heavy body feel, and that classic couch-lock effect. If you’re melting into the sofa, this might be why.
Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery, and bold—found in black pepper, cloves, and tons of strains.
Vibe: May ease inflammation and stress. Bonus: it’s the only terpene that also acts like a cannabinoid by interacting directly with your endocannabinoid system.
Linalool
Floral and soft, like lavender. Not as common, but unforgettable when it’s there.
Vibe: Calming, soothing, and often found in strains meant for winding down or supporting sleep.
Pinene
Fresh, sharp, and smells like a walk through a pine forest.
Vibe: Alertness, focus, and potential clarity. Some folks say it helps counteract THC’s hazier effects.
These terps don’t just make your weed smell good—they help shape the entire experience. Once you start paying attention to terpene profiles, you’ll notice just how much they influence the vibe. Learning which terpenes match your mood or needs lets you dial in your sesh with way more precision.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Stairway Cannabis, our menus often list the top terpenes in each strain, and our budtenders are always down to help you find a profile that fits how you want to feel. Whether you’re chasing chill or chasing clarity, they’ll point you toward flower that’s more aligned with your vibe, not just the THC number on the label.
THC or Terpenes? Go for Terps.
Figuring out what kind of weed actually works for you doesn’t have to be a guessing game. A lot of dispensaries are starting to call out key terpenes right on the packaging or website—sometimes with percentages, sometimes with descriptions like “citrusy and energizing” or “earthy and calming.” Some brands even provide a detailed breakdown. And if they don’t? Just ask. Our budtenders are always down to walk you through what’s in a strain and how it might make you feel.
Still not sure where to start? Go with your nose. Seriously, aroma is one of the best shortcuts to understanding terpenes. If something smells fresh and citrusy, it may be high in limonene, which is known for its mood-lifting and clear-headed effects. Earthy, musky smells? Probably myrcene, which leans more into body highs and couch time. If it reminds you of a pine forest, it could be pinene, which some people find helps them stay focused or feel more alert. Your senses are smarter than you think—if something smells good to you, there’s usually a reason.
You can also think back to past strains you’ve loved—or hated—and start connecting the dots. Over time, you’ll get a better feel for what suits your vibe, whether you’re rolling up for a hike, a nap, or something in between.
Let the Terps Lead the Way
THC might be the headline-grabber, but it’s far from the whole story. Terpenes are the real MVPs when it comes to shaping how your weed smells, tastes, and—most importantly—how it makes you feel. Focusing on THC alone is like picking music based on how loud it is. Sure, it might hit, but you’re missing the nuance, the balance, the vibe.
If you’re ready to find flower that actually fits your mood, talk to the crew at Stairway Cannabis. Our budtenders can guide you through terpene-rich strains and help you determine which one matches your goals. The best weed isn’t always the strongest—it’s the one that feels right for you.
Key Takeaways
- THC Isn’t the Whole Story: Two strains with the same THC percentage can feel totally different—and that’s because terpenes, not just THC, are shaping your high.
- Terpenes Guide the Vibe: Whether you want to feel focused, chill, energized, or ready for bed, understanding terpene profiles can help you find flower that actually fits how you want to feel.
- Your Nose—and Your Budtender—Knows: You don’t need to memorize a terp chart. Just follow your senses, keep track of your past favorites, and ask the Stairway crew for help finding your perfect match.