Terpenes vs Cannabinoids
A plain comparison of terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis: what each group is, how they differ, where they are made, what is known about their effects and what is still uncertain.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Definitions
Cannabinoids are a family of compounds made by the cannabis plant that includes THC, CBD, CBG and many others. They are the compounds best known for acting on the body's cannabinoid receptors. Terpenes (also called terpenoids) are aromatic compounds, and variation in cannabis terpene profiles contributes much to differences in flavor and fragrance. [1] Cannabis resin contains hundreds of different terpene and cannabinoid compounds, and many have not been conclusively identified. [2]The two groups are related. Terpenoids share a chemical precursor with phytocannabinoids. [3] Both are found in the plant's resin. [2]
Side-by-side
| Cannabinoids | Terpenes | |
|---|---|---|
| Best known for | Receptor activity (for example THC) and research on specific compounds | Smell and flavor |
| Found in | Cannabis resin [2] | Cannabis resin [2] and other plants and foods [3] |
| Receptor evidence | THC acts at CB1 and CB2 receptors [4] | Beta-caryophyllene bound CB2 in laboratory work [5]; for five terpenes tested, a later study found no direct interaction except possibly a weak one for beta-caryophyllene at CB2 [6] |
| Approved medicines | Some cannabinoid medicines exist; see approved cannabinoid medicines | No approved cannabis-terpene medicine is described on this page |
| Variation | Not covered by the sources read for this page | Differs a lot, even among plants sold under one name [1] |
What research shows about effects
Cannabinoids. Specific cannabinoids have their own pages, such as THC and CBD, with research labeled by evidence level.Terpenes. Terpene effects are mostly studied in cells and animals. A systematic review noted that promising preclinical findings have not translated into clinical use, partly because of a lack of standardization and well-defined analytical methods. [7] Any link between a terpene and a feeling is insufficient evidence or preclinical (cells/animals only) until human studies show it.
Do they work together?
This is the "entourage effect." Evidence is mixed in cells and limited in humans; see The Entourage Effect. [8]Reading a lab report
Cannabinoid results and terpene results usually appear in separate sections of a lab report, often measured by different methods. Neither number alone predicts how a product will feel. See terpene testing and how to read a COA.Safety
Being "natural" or a plant scent does not make inhaling or swallowing a concentrated compound safe. THC has real risks whatever terpenes are present; see adverse effects. Talk with your prescriber if you take medicines. In an emergency in the US call 911; for poisoning, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222.No universal winner
The two groups do different jobs in the plant and are studied differently. One is not "better." This page is information only and gives no use or amount advice.Related guides
Cannabis chemistry and Terpenes in cannabis.Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between terpenes and cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids such as THC directly activate cannabinoid receptors. [4] Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to flavor and fragrance. [1]
Are terpenes cannabinoids?
No, they are different chemical groups, though they share a chemical precursor and are made in the same resin. [3]
Do terpenes get you high?
In a cell study, six common cannabis terpenoids did not activate CB1 or CB2, the receptors through which THC acts. [4]
Do terpenes change how THC feels?
That is the entourage question. Studies disagree in cells and human evidence is limited. [8]
Are terpenes only in cannabis?
No. Terpenoids are described as flavor and fragrance components common to human diets, so they occur well beyond cannabis. [3]
References
- Booth JK et al. Terpene synthases and terpene variation in Cannabis sativa. Plant Physiol 2020. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- Booth JK, Bohlmann J. Terpenes in Cannabis sativa: from plant genome to humans. Plant Sci 2019. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol 2011. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- Santiago M et al. Absence of entourage: terpenoids commonly found in Cannabis sativa do not modulate the functional activity of delta-9-THC at human CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2019. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- Gertsch J et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- Finlay DB et al. Terpenoids from cannabis do not mediate an entourage effect by acting at cannabinoid receptors. Front Pharmacol 2020. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- The pharmacological activity of non-cannabinoid phytochemicals in Cannabis sativa L.: a systematic review. Plants (Basel) 2026. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.
- A critical review of the interactions between delta-9-THC and other naturally occurring phytochemical constituents of Cannabis sativa. Curr Neuropharmacol 2026. PubMed record. Read 2026-10-22.