Updated: 11/13/26
If you've read our Terpenes 101 post, you already know the basics: terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for how your weed smells and, to a significant degree, how it makes you feel. You know the big players: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Terpinolene, Pinene, Humulene. You know about the entourage effect. You know that terpenes are made in trichomes and that cannabis produces somewhere between 100 and 200 of them.
That foundation is solid… nice work! But there's so much more to the story.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis makes terpenes in its trichomes through two biochemical pathways: the MEP pathway and the MVA pathway.
Secondary terpenes like Bisabolol and Guaiol are just as important as the big-name terpenes, and they contribute meaningfully to the aromatic profile and potential synergistic character in cultivars like Blueberry Muffin, Poddy Mouth, and our Hawaiian Haze (hemp).
Certain cannabis terpenes may interact with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) according to emerging and ongoing research.
β-Caryophyllene is unique as a selective agonist at CB2 receptors, making it a "dietary cannabinoid." It's a dominant terpene in several Sunset Lake cultivars, including Jelly Donutz and Poddy Mouth.
Heat, light, oxygen, and moisture are terpene's enemies. Store your weed in airtight, UV-resistant glass at 60–70°F to preserve those precious aromatics.
Welcome to Terpenes 201
In this post, we're going deeper. We'll cover how marijuana actually makes terpenes at the biochemical level, introduce some of the secondary and minor terpenes you'll see on our Certificates of Analysis (COAs) but might not recognize yet, look at the latest science on how terpenes interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, and share practical tips on keeping those terpenes fresh after you bring your pot home.
Let's get into it!
How Vermont Cannabis Makes Terpenes: The MEP and MVA Pathways
Here's a fun nerdy fact: the glistening, frosty trichomes on your cannabis flower are essentially tiny biochemical factories. While Terpenes 101 told you where terpenes are made (trichomes), Terpenes 201 gets into how.
Cannabis builds its terpenes from the same five-carbon building blocks, called isoprene units, that all plants use to make isoprenoids. But it runs two distinct factory lines to do it:
The MEP Pathway works in the chloroplasts of trichome cells and is the main route to the smaller, brighter, more volatile terpenes: the monoterpenes. Think Pinene, Limonene, Terpinolene, and Ocimene. These are the aromatics responsible for the fresh, bright top notes you get the moment you crack open a jar of Vermont marijuana. They're the ones that hit your nose first.
The MVA Pathway operates in the cytoplasm and is the main route to larger, heavier sesquiterpenes: terpenes assembled from three isoprene units rather than two. Think Caryophyllene, Humulene, Bisabolol, and Guaiol. These molecules are less volatile (they evaporate less easily, so they stick around longer), contribute the deeper earthy and floral base notes, and are where some of the most interesting terpene research is happening.
A foundational 2017 study published in PLOS ONE by Booth, Page, and Bohlmann identified nine full-length terpene synthase genes in cannabis and showed that the enzymes for terpene synthesis are highly expressed in trichomes, with the MEP pathway especially dominant.(1) This is why trichome health is so important. Healthy trichomes = richer, more complex terpene expression. It's one of the reasons we're so committed to sungrown, outdoor cultivation here in Vermont.
Meet the Secondary Terpenes: Bisabolol and Guaiol
You probably won't find Bisabolol or Guaiol on a basic terpene cheat sheet, but if you've looked closely at the COAs for Sunset Lake Cannabis cultivars, you've seen them. These secondary terpenes play a meaningful role in the overall aromatic and experiential character of your pot.
Bisabolol: The Chamomile Terpene
Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol most commonly associated with the chamomile flower. If you've ever brewed chamomile tea, you've smelled Bisabolol — that light, sweet, gently floral aroma is it.
In cannabis, Bisabolol contributes subtle notes of honey, vanilla, and chamomile, adding a kind of elegant sweetness to cultivars that contain it. It's a minor terpene in most strains; it doesn't show up in the same concentrations as Caryophyllene or Myrcene, but its presence is meaningful. Research into Bisabolol is still in the early stages, but scientists are actively studying it, including a 2022 study that looked at how α-Bisabolol behaved in lab cell models.(2) As with all terpene research at this stage, early findings are preliminary and more work is needed.
Human research on Bisabolol specifically hasn't caught up to the lab work yet, so its long-standing popularity in teas, skincare, and topicals rests more on generations of real-world use and folk traditions rather than on clinical trials. In other words: it smells wonderful, it's been around kitchens and apothecaries for centuries, and the science is only beginning to catch up to the curiosity.
You'll find Bisabolol in our Strawberry Pie Eyed, Poddy Mouth, and Blueberry Muffin cultivars, where it contributes to those distinctively sweet, perfumed aromatic profiles.
Guaiol: The Piney, Woody One
Guaiol (pronounced "gway-ol") is a little unusual among cannabis terpenes because it's technically a sesquiterpenoid alcohol with a liquid structure rather than an oil-based one. It has a long history in traditional folk medicine: the guaiacum plant it's primarily derived from was brought from the Caribbean to Europe in the 16th century, where the resin became a sought-after trade good.(3)
Aroma-wise, Guaiol brings piney, woody, and slightly floral notes. Think fresh-cut wood with a hint of rose. You'll find it in our Hawaiian Haze hemp cultivar, where it adds to that strain's earthy, complex nose.
Like most cannabis terpenes, Guaiol hasn't been studied directly in humans; what's known comes from its aroma, its long folk-medicine history, and early lab research. Treat claims about its specific effects, wherever you see them, as educated hypotheses until better data arrives.
One interesting thing about Guaiol: Guaiol has a lower boiling point than many heavier cannabis terpenes, so low-temperature vaporization preserves more of its piney-floral character.(10) At the high temperatures associated with combustion (smoking), a significant portion of Guaiol may degrade or oxidize before inhalation. If you're vaporizing and want to experience it fully, low-temperature settings are your friend.
The Science Gets Wild: Terpenes and Your Endocannabinoid System
Okay, here's where it gets genuinely exciting… and where the science is rapidly evolving.
You might remember from Terpenes 101 that the entourage effect describes how terpenes modulate and shape the cannabis experience when working alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD.(4) The classic analogy: THC is the fuel in the tank, and terpenes are the steering wheel. But the research is revealing that the metaphor doesn't fully capture what's actually happening.
Are Terpenes Activating Cannabinoid Receptors Directly?
This is one of the most active questions in cannabis science right now. A 2021 study by University of Arizona researchers, published in Scientific Reports, demonstrated that certain terpenes, including Humulene, β-Pinene, Linalool, and Geraniol, exhibited 'cannabimimetic' behavior in animal models. These terpenes activated CB1 receptor-mediated behaviors in mice, and this activation was blocked by a CB1 receptor antagonist, providing evidence for direct receptor engagement.(5)
More recently, research summarized by NORML and Project CBD (referencing work published in Biochemical Pharmacology) evaluated multiple cannabis terpenes across CB1 and CB2 receptors. Their findings indicated that several of the terpenes tested activated CB1 receptors at varying levels, with some reaching approximately 10–50% of the activation efficacy observed with THC alone.(6) Crucially, certain terpene-THC combinations demonstrated additive effects, increasing CB1 activation beyond what THC achieved in isolation.
It's worth knowing that this is a genuinely contested area: other studies, using different methods, have found no direct terpene-receptor interaction at all.(7) That's normal in a maturing field; results vary depending on methodology and which terpenes are tested. But the cumulative picture is intriguing. Terpenes aren't just along for the ride. They're actively participating in the pharmacological experience, though the full scope of these interactions requires more research.(8)
β-Caryophyllene: The Terpene That's Also a Cannabinoid
This one deserves its own spotlight. β-Caryophyllene (the spicy, peppery terpene dominant in several of our cultivars, including Poddy Mouth, Blueberry Muffin, and our award-winning Jelly Donutz) is genuinely unique in the cannabis world.
In 2008, researchers publishing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences established that β-Caryophyllene is a selective agonist at CB2 receptors, meaning it binds directly and selectively to those receptors the way a cannabinoid would. They called it the first identified "dietary cannabinoid," and the name stuck.(9) It's the only terpene known to do this.
Because it binds CB2 (not CB1), it doesn't produce psychoactive effects. And here's a fun side note: you're already consuming β-Caryophyllene in your diet if you eat black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, or rosemary. Your endocannabinoid system gets a little CB2 encounter every time you crack fresh pepper over your pasta!
Reading Terpene Profiles: Why Terpenes Matter More Than THC Percentage
While the science is still catching up, it increasingly supports what experienced Vermont cannabis consumers have long known intuitively: the terpene profile of a cultivar matters as much as (and sometimes more than) the THC percentage.
A Caryophyllene-and-Linalool-dominant cultivar like Poddy Mouth is likely to feel meaningfully different from a Terpinolene-dominant cultivar like Terp Poison, even if their THC levels are similar. The terpenes are interacting with multiple receptor systems throughout your body — CB1, CB2, serotonin, GABA, and more (4) — creating the distinct experiential fingerprint of each strain. Pretty heady stuff, eh?
Keeping Your Terpenes Alive: Storage Tips for Vermont Weed Enthusiasts
All this delicious terpene complexity? It's fragile. Let's talk about how not to ruin it.
Terpenes are volatile by nature, and that's what makes them aromatic. Volatility refers to how readily a compound evaporates and floats through the air. When your goal is to preserve them in your stash jar, you're working against their natural inclination to disappear into the atmosphere.
The four enemies of terpenes are heat, light, oxygen, and moisture. Here's what to do about each:
Heat is the #1 killer. Even a warm shelf or a sunny windowsill can significantly accelerate terpene evaporation, and some heat-sensitive terpenes begin to chemically break down at temperatures well within the range of everyday heat exposure.(10) Keep your weed cool — ideally 60–70°F. The bright monoterpenes like Limonene and Terpinolene are especially quick to fade.
Light, particularly UV light, breaks down terpene molecules through a process called photolysis. UV exposure measurably alters terpene profiles.(11) Amber glass jars offer UV protection. Opaque containers are even better for long-term storage. Never store cannabis in direct sunlight.
Oxygen initiates oxidation cascades that chemically alter your terpenes. Use airtight containers, and if you're not getting into a stash frequently, consider portioning it into a small working jar and keeping the rest sealed.
Moisture at the wrong levels promotes mold and can hydrolyze terpene esters. A relative humidity of 55–62% is the sweet spot for cannabis flower. Humidity packs (like Boveda or Integra Boost) are worth the investment.
Skip the plastic bags entirely: Plastic doesn't protect against light or air.
Putting It All Together: Reading Sunset Lake Cannabis Terpene Profiles
With all this context, looking at the terpene profiles in our cultivar COAs becomes a much richer experience. Here's a quick read on a few of our current high terpene strains.
Note: Actual terpene composition can vary between batches due to growing conditions, harvest timing, and curing methods. For batch-specific data, refer to the specific batch Certificate of Analysis for the product you've purchased.
Jelly Donutz (Typical profile: β-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Limonene, Linalool, Myrcene): A robust head high balanced with a calm, mellow body feel.
Terp Poison (Typical profile: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene, β-Caryophyllene, β-Pinene): Terpinolene-dominant profiles are rarer in today's cannabis market, and they're associated with uplifting, energizing, clear-headed experiences. This is your getting-things-done weed.
Poddy Mouth (Typical profile: β-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Limonene, Bisabolol, Linalool): The Linalool-Bisabolol double feature gives Poddy Mouth its distinctively soothing, perfumed quality. Both terpenes contribute to the calming, uplifted experience this cultivar is known for.
Blueberry Muffin (Typical profile: β-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Myrcene, Bisabolol, Limonene): Heavy on the sesquiterpenes, with that Bisabolol sweetness adding a distinctive floral depth. This is a classic evening cultivar for relaxing in-da-couch.
Your Mileage May Vary
One last thing before you go: all of the research into terpenes, cannabinoids, and the entourage effect is still experimental — it's a fascinating, fast-moving field, but not a guarantee. Your own biology and mood can shape your experience of any given cannabis product. What's uplifting and energizing for one person may be calming and mellowing for another. There are so many variables that one-size-fits-all statements about a product's effects just aren't possible. And anyone who tells you otherwise is overselling it.
The best way to understand which terpenes work well for you and which don’t is to keep a journal. Make notes about the marijuana strain, the grower, whether it’s sungrown or indoor weed, and then add the cannabinoid and terpene content from the COA. Then jot down some notes about how it made you feel and what activity you were getting after. Once you build up some data, you’ll be able to better understand what to look for on your next trip to the Vermont dispensary!
Ready to shop for Vermont weed with exceptional terpene expression? Our sungrown Vermont marijuana is available at licensed dispensaries all around the Green Mountain State, from Burlington to Brattleboro, Stowe to St. Albans. Find a Vermont dispensary near you with our Retail Finder.
Keep Going: More From the Sunset Lake Terpene Series
Want to go even deeper on individual terpenes? Check out the full Terpene Series on our blog:
Quick Answers (For the Skimmers — and the Robots)
How many terpenes does cannabis produce? Somewhere between 100 and 200 individual terpenes have been identified, though most cultivars feature just a handful at meaningful concentrations.
What terpene smells like chamomile? Bisabolol. It's the same aromatic compound that gives chamomile flower its sweet, honeyed, floral scent.
Why does Guaiol taste different when smoked vs. vaporized? Guaiol is more volatile than many heavier cannabis terpenes, so much of it can degrade or oxidize during combustion. Low-temperature vaporization preserves more of its piney-floral character.
Do terpenes really interact with THC? Some recent studies say yes: certain terpenes activated CB1 receptors in lab models, and some terpene-THC blends boosted receptor activity beyond THC alone. Other studies found no direct interaction. The honest answer is that the research is promising but not settled.
What's the best way to store cannabis flower? Airtight, UV-resistant glass jars (amber glass is great), kept around 60–70°F, out of light, at 55–62% relative humidity. Never in direct sunlight, and skip the plastic bags.
Sources
1) Booth, J.K., Page, J.E., & Bohlmann, J. (2017). Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa. PLOS ONE, 12(3): e0173911. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173911
2) Laws III, J.S., Shrestha, S., & Smid, S.D. (2022). Cannabis terpenes display variable protective and anti-aggregatory actions against neurotoxic β amyloid in vitro: highlighting the protective bioactivity of α-bisabolol in motorneuronal-like NSC-34 cells. Neurotoxicology. PMID: 35278524. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35278524/
3) Bičak, I. (2024). From Praising the Remedy to Eulogising the Patient: Cristóbal de Castillejo’s Satire of Guaiac in Early Modern Spain. Social History of Medicine, 37(1), 141–159. Published by Oxford University Press: https://academic.oup.com/shm/article/37/1/141/7296024
4) Russo, E.B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7): 1344–1364. https://ethanrusso.org/download/taming-thc-potential-cannabis-synergy-and-phytocannabinoid-terpenoid-entourage-effects/
5) LaVigne, J.E. et al. (2021). Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific Reports, 11:8232. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87740-8
6) NORML. (2023, April 27). Study: Terpenes in Cannabis Modulate the Interaction Between THC and Its Endogenous Receptor. https://norml.org/news/2023/04/27/study-terpenes-in-cannabis-modulate-the-interaction-between-thc-and-its-endogenous-receptor/
7) Finlay, D.B. et al. (2020). Terpenoids from cannabis do not mediate an entourage effect by acting at cannabinoid receptors. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11:359. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00359
8) Project CBD. (2023, May 27). Which terpenes enhance the cannabis high? https://projectcbd.org/science/which-terpenes-enhance-the-cannabis-high/
9) Gertsch, J. et al. (2008). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26): 9099–9104. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0803601105
10) Meehan-Atrash, J., & Strongin, R.M. (2021). Thermal degradation of cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes: a review. In: Recent Advances in the Science of Cannabis. RSC/Taylor & Francis; 215–234.
11) Huebner, D.S., et al. (2024). Influence of different UV spectra and intensities on yield and quality of cannabis inflorescences. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15:1480876. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1480876
