What are terpenes? A guide to the scent, taste and properties of hemp

Senest opdateret: July 2026

Terpenes are a large group of natural compounds found in plants, fruits and herbs – and in particularly high concentrations in hemp. They give plants their characteristic aroma and flavour, and are therefore crucial for how we experience different CBD products with our senses.

In this guide we walk through what terpenes are, why they matter so much in the hemp plant, and how they shape flavour, aroma and the way they interact with cannabinoids. The guide is written for you who want a deeper understanding of some of hemp’s most aromatic – and completely legal – components.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons that occur in almost all plants. They act as part of the plant’s natural defence system against pests and disease, and also help attract pollinators. For us humans, terpenes are best known for their scents and flavours – for example citrus notes from limonene, forest and pine from pinene, or soft floral notes from linalool in lavender.

In hemp, terpenes play a central role. They not only contribute to taste and aroma, but are also part of what is often called the “entourage effect” – the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes may support each other when they appear together in the same extract. Many people in Europe actively look for CBD oils with a rich terpene profile to get a fuller, more nuanced experience from every drop.

The difference between terpenes and terpenoids

Terpenes are the original hydrocarbon compounds that plants produce naturally. When terpenes are chemically changed – for example during drying, storage or heating – they can be converted into terpenoids. Terpenes and terpenoids often share similar aromas, but their chemical structure is slightly different. In CBD products both terms are used, but as a customer you can think of them as the natural scent and flavour molecules that give each hemp variety its unique profile.

Terpenes in the hemp plant

Hemp can contain up to 120 different terpenes, depending on the variety, climate and harvest time. These molecules are the reason why some strains smell fruity and sweet, while others have earthy, spicy or floral notes. Across Europe there is growing interest in products with documented terpene profiles, because it gives transparency and makes it easier to choose based on taste and overall experience – not just CBD percentage.

Beyond CBD products, terpenes are found in herbs, fruits and flowers and are widely used in perfumes, aromatherapy and food. That is why it is easy to recognise citrus, lavender or peppermint notes when you try a hemp oil – your nose already “knows” these terpenes from everyday life.

Common terpenes and their characteristics

Terpene	Natural sources	Typical profile
Myrcene	Hemp, hops, lemongrass	Earthy, herbal aroma, often associated with deep relaxation
Limonene	Citrus fruits, peppermint	Fresh citrus scent, often linked with a bright and uplifting feeling
Alpha-pinene	Pine needles, rosemary	Pine forest aroma, sometimes associated with clarity and focus
Linalool	Lavender, coriander	Soft floral notes, often linked with calm and a sense of ease
Beta-caryophyllene	Black pepper, hemp, clove	Warm, spicy aroma; a rare dietary terpene that can bind directly to CB2 receptors

How are terpenes extracted?

Terpenes are volatile – they evaporate easily – which means gentle methods are needed to preserve their quality. Two of the most common techniques are:

• Steam distillation: a classic method used for producing essential oils from herbs, flowers and citrus peels.
• Supercritical CO₂ extraction: a modern technique widely used in the CBD industry that makes it possible to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes efficiently without harsh solvents and with minimal loss of aroma.

Where do you find terpenes in CBD products?

All full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products naturally contain terpenes. This includes oils, capsules, CBD buds and vape products. Products made from isolate (pure CBD) contain no terpenes unless they are added back in afterwards. At Natural Hemp Life you will always find products with documented terpene profiles – and of course 100 % legal and THC-free according to European food supplement standards.

Guide: Buy CBD oil online – how to choose quality and avoid common pitfalls

Variation depending on cultivation

Two hemp plants of the same variety can develop slightly different terpene profiles depending on soil, climate, light, nutrients and harvest time. Even storage matters, since terpenes are sensitive and can slowly evaporate if products are not kept properly sealed and protected from heat and light. That is why up-to-date laboratory reports are such an important part of transparency when you buy CBD products in Europe.

The interplay between terpenes and cannabinoids

This interplay is often referred to as the “entourage effect”: the idea that terpenes and cannabinoids may work better together than in isolation. For example, beta-caryophyllene can bind directly to CB2 receptors in the body, while limonene is often associated with a lighter, more uplifted mood. Experimental research also suggests that certain terpenes on their own may contribute to perceived comfort and relief – and that these effects could be enhanced when they appear alongside cannabinoids. It is this synergy that makes each high-quality CBD oil feel so distinct and personal.

Terpenes in everyday life

Beyond hemp, terpenes are everywhere in daily life: in perfumes, cleaning products, cosmetics, spices, teas and fresh fruit. Their versatility makes them a key component both in wellness-related products and in our ordinary routines at home. When you understand the role of terpenes in hemp, it becomes easier to appreciate the complexity behind the CBD products you choose – and to pick the profiles that match the kind of taste, aroma and overall feeling you are looking for.

Read also: What is CBG – and why is it becoming more and more popular?

Frequently asked questions about terpenes