When shopping for cannabis, most people tend to zero in on one number: the THC percentage. The common belief is that higher THC levels mean a better experience: more potent effects, and ultimately, more bang for your buck. But here’s the reality: THC isn’t the whole story.
In fact, terpenes—compounds that give cannabis its aroma and flavor—are just as important, if not more so, in determining how a strain will affect you. This is where understanding terpene profiles, and the entourage effect come into play.
What Are Terpenes?
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, including cannabis. These are what give different strains their unique scents, whether it’s a fruity, skunky, earthy, or pine-like aroma. But terpenes do more than just smell good—they play a huge role in shaping your overall cannabis experience.
Cannabis plants contain both cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes. While cannabinoids interact with receptors in your body to produce the psychoactive or therapeutic effects, terpenes act like the “director” of your experience. They guide how cannabinoids affect your body, altering the outcome.
For example, have you ever smoked a strain that made you feel very relaxed, but then tried another strain with a similar THC level that made you feel jittery? This is the power of terpenes at work.
How Retailers Can Help You Discover the Right Strains
Finding the perfect terpene profile for your unique needs shouldn’t be overwhelming. With tools like Terpli’s AI Budtender, retailers in the cannabis industry can now offer personalized strain recommendations based on individual preferences. Pair this with Springbig’s SMS, push notifications, and email campaigns, and you have a powerful tool to educate and engage customers.
Retailers can leverage these platforms to guide patrons through terpene-rich strains and send tailored messages directly to consumers—helping them discover products that fit their needs, not just high-THC options. This combination allows you to connect with your target audience in a meaningful way, driving both engagement and trust.
How Terpenes Affect the Cannabis Experience
You’ve heard about THC, but what’s the buzz around terpenes? Terpenes don’t just make cannabis products smell good—they actually influence how it makes you feel. This is known as the Entourage Effect! Terpenes work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD (and several dozens more) to create a combined impact on your body and mind.
Popular Terpenes and Their Effects
Many different terpenes are found in cannabis, each offering its own unique side effects. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Myrcene: Known for its earthy, musky scent, myrcene is the terpene behind that couch-lock feeling, producing deep relaxation and sedation.
- Limonene: This terpene gives off a citrusy aroma and tends to produce uplifting, mood-boosting, and anti-anxiety effects.
- Pinene: With its fresh pine scent, pinene promotes alertness and may counteract some of THC’s sedative effects.
- Linalool: Floral and lavender-like, linalool is known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties.
So, instead of choosing cannabis purely based on THC percentage, it makes more sense to consider how different terpenes will affect your experience.
Why Terpenes Are More Important Than THC %
It’s Not Just About The Potency
Let’s bust a myth: more THC doesn’t necessarily mean more intense effects. Sure, THC does play a role in the side effect you may feel, but it’s the terpenes that help shape the quality of those effects. For example, a strain with 15% THC but rich in myrcene might give you a deep, relaxing experience, while a strain with 25% THC but low in terpenes might feel one-dimensional.
When shopping for cannabis, look beyond the THC label. Focus on how you want to feel. Do you want to relax and unwind, or do you need an energetic boost? Finding a strain that’s right for you is all about balancing THC with the right mix of terpenes.
Flavor and Aroma Enhance the Experience
Terpenes not only dictate the effects of a strain, but they also influence the sensory experience. The flavors and aromas you get from cannabis—whether it’s fruity, spicy, or earthy—are all thanks to terpenes. These flavors can heighten your enjoyment, making your experience more pleasurable and memorable.
Retailers using Springbig’s loyalty programs can create rewards and promotions around terpene-rich strains. By offering incentives like discounts or extra points for terpene-focused purchases, they can help guide consumers toward a more personalized experience.
Therapeutic Benefits
Terpenes also offer health and wellness benefits beyond the psychoactive effects. For example, limonene has anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, while linalool is often used to relieve stress. Understanding terpenes can help you choose strains that match not just your recreational needs, but your therapeutic ones as well.
Why the Hype Around THC %?
So, why does THC percentage still dominate the conversation? A few reasons for this are:
- It’s Easy to Measure: THC is a quantifiable number, making it an easy metric for consumers to compare.
- Marketing Appeal: Cannabis companies know that consumers are drawn to high numbers. As a result, they often market high-THC strains as “better” or more potent, even though that’s not necessarily true.
- Lack of Consumer Knowledge: Most people don’t realize the importance of terpenes, so they focus on THC % as their guide.
However, retailers can overcome this misconception with effective marketing. By using tools like email campaigns and SMS/Push messaging, they can educate their customers about terpenes and why they matter, making terpene-rich strains more appealing.
How Terpli & Retailers Empower Consumers
Now that you understand why terpenes are important, how do you find the right strain? This is where Terpli comes in. Terpli’s platform provides consumers with an in-depth look at terpene profiles, allowing you to filter products by the effects you want, rather than only considering high THC percentages.
By integrating with cannabis marketing platforms like Springbig, consumers gain a personalized and more engaging shopping experience. Retailers can leverage Terpli’s data alongside Springbig’s robust digital marketing tools to send tailored product recommendations based on terpene content and desired side effects. With Springbig’s targeted messaging, consumers are kept informed about the strains that best suit their needs, giving them more control over their cannabis experience.
Together, Terpli and Springbig help retailers create a seamless journey from product discovery to purchase.
Conclusion
When it comes to cannabis, it’s time to shift the focus from THC percentages to terpene profiles. Terpenes offer a more personalized, balanced experience that can’t be summed up by a simple number on a label. Whether you’re looking for a strain to relax, boost creativity, or ease stress, terpenes are the key.
Additionally, by partnering with Terpli and platforms like Springbig, you can easily find products that meet your needs. With the right retail partners, consumers receive tailored recommendations and promotions, seamlessly delivered through Springbig’s marketing tools, making it easier than ever to shop smarter.
So, next time you’re browsing for cannabis, don’t just chase the THC percentage—let terpenes guide your way.
Additional Considerations for Consumers
As consumers, it’s essential to advocate for your preferences when purchasing cannabis. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask budtenders about the terpene profiles of strains. They can provide valuable insights and help you find what you’re looking for.
- Experiment: Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis. Try different strains with varying terpene profiles to see what works best for you.
- Read Reviews: Many consumers share their experiences with specific strains online. Reading these reviews can give you an idea of what to expect from different terpene profiles.
By taking an active role in your cannabis selection, you can find products that align with your preferences and enhance your overall experience.
