Simply, terpenes are the oils that give cannabis plants and flowers their unique smell. Terpenes originate in the same glands of the cannabis plant as THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.

Terpenes are not unique to the cannabis plant though. You may have heard of eating fruits like mangoes to increase your high. Just like cannabis, mangoes have heavy doses of myrcene, the terpene responsible for giving a clove-like smell.

Terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system similar to cannabinoids. When inhaled or ingested, the terpenes act as an assistant to cannabinoids as they work to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Myrcene, for example, is known to increase cell permeability allowing faster absorption of THC and other cannabinoids.

Terpenes can also influence neurotransmitters in the brain. For example they can affect dopamine and serotonin production and destruction. This insight gives us an idea of why different strains not only smell and taste different, but also have different affects on our mood or high sensation. Limonene, another common terpene found in cannabis, can increase serotonin production thus elevating your mood.