Ever wonder why some cannabis products make you feel chill and relaxed, while others leave you energized and ready to clean your entire house? It all comes down to the plant’s natural chemistry, specifically cannabinoids and terpenes. These two components work behind the scenes to shape your overall experience.
In this blog, we’ll break down what cannabinoids and terpenes actually are and how you can use that knowledge to find products that fit your lifestyle.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Let’s start with the basics. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, and they’re a big part of what makes your experience with cannabis unique. These compounds interact with a network in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which help regulate things like mood, sleep, appetite, and stress response.The two most well-known cannabinoids are:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – This is the one most people recognize. It’s responsible for the “high” you feel with certain cannabis products and can also affect things like focus, appetite, and relaxation, depending on the dose and the strain.
- CBD (cannibinol) – Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a high. It’s commonly associated with calming or balancing effects, and many people use it for everyday support without feeling altered.
But the cannabinoid story doesn’t stop there. There’s a whole alphabet of lesser-known compounds gaining attention for their unique effects:
- CBG (cannabigerol) – Often called the “mother of cannabinoids,” it may support focus or mood.
- CBN (cannabinol) – Created when THC ages, often found in products meant for nighttime use.
- THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) – Sometimes called “diet weed” for its potential uplifting, appetite-suppressing qualities.
- CBC (cannabichromene) – Less studied but believed to work well in combination with other cannabinoids.
Each strain or product has a unique cannabinoid profile, and that’s a big part of why cannabis can feel so different from one product to the next.
What Are Terpenes?
If you’ve ever cracked open a jar of flower and caught a whiff of citrus, pine, or something spicy, you’re smelling terpenes. These aromatic compounds are found in cannabis (and a ton of other plants) that give each strain its unique scent and flavor. But terpenes do more than just smell good. They may actually play a role in how cannabis makes you feel.
Terpenes can interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what’s known as the “entourage effect,” which is just a fancy way of saying that these compounds may work better together than alone. That’s why two strains with similar THC levels can produce totally different experiences. The terpene profiles matter.
Here are a few of the most common terpenes you’ll come across:
- Myrcene – Known for its earthy, musky scent (think cloves or hops). Often associated with deep relaxation.
- Limonene – Smells bright and citrusy. This one’s linked to uplifting, energizing effects.
- Linalool – Floral and slightly sweet (you’ll find it in lavender, too). Commonly chosen for its calming, soothing qualities.
- Caryophyllene – Spicy and peppery. Fun fact: it’s the only terpene known to interact directly with the ECS like a cannabinoid.
- Pinene – Fresh and woodsy, like a walk through a pine forest. Often associated with mental clarity and focus.
Once you start noticing how certain scents make you feel, you can start choosing products that line up with your mood, vibe, or goals, not just THC percentage.
How Cannabinoids and Terpenes Work Together
Cannabis shines in the way that everything works together. That’s where chemotypes come in. A chemotype is the unique mix of cannabinoids and terpenes in a particular strain or product, and that combination is what gives each one its own personality.
It’s why two products with the exact same THC percentage can feel completely different. One might leave you relaxed and cozy, the other uplifted and ready to take on the day. The difference is often the terpene profile working alongside those cannabinoids to shape the overall effect.
That’s why we always tell people: don’t shop based on THC % alone. It’s tempting, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Looking at cannabinoid ratios and terpene content gives you a much clearer idea of how a product might feel and what you might enjoy.
At RiZE, we’ll help you look beyond the numbers and discover what really works for you.
Choosing Products to Fit Your Needs
Labels and lab results are your best friend, and learning how to read them can help you shop smarter and feel more confident in your choices.
Start by looking at the cannabinoid content. Are you looking for a mellow, balanced experience? Try a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. Want to stay clear-headed while still taking the edge off? High-CBD, low-THC options might be your sweet spot. Need something stronger for end-of-day relaxation? A product with higher THC and calming terpenes could be the right fit.
Speaking of terpenes, don’t skip that part of the label. If you’re looking for energy and focus, limonene or pinene might be a good match. For stress relief or winding down, myrcene, linalool, or caryophyllene could be more your speed.
If all of this feels like a lot to take in, no worries. That’s what we’re here for! The RiZE team is always available to guide you through the process, explain product details, and help you discover what works best for your body, your goals, and your vibe.
We’re not here to push products. We’re here to help you find the ones that actually make a difference.
Get to Know Your Cannabis at RiZE
Understanding cannabinoids and terpenes is one of the best ways to take your cannabis experience to the next level. The more you know about what’s in your product, the more confidently you can choose what works for you, whether you’re looking to focus, relaxation, relief, or a little bit of everything.
At RiZE, we’re here to help you navigate the details, from reading labels to matching terpene profiles with your goals. Stop by your local RiZE and let us help you explore cannabis in a way that feels informed, intentional, and totally personalized.
We’re ready when you are.
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.