Terpenes are natural chemicals found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute to how plants taste or smell, and they can also affect your body when you consume them.

Terpenes may contribute to the way different cannabis varieties affect you. Terpenes such as limonene and pinene may be more uplifting, while terpenes such as linalool and myrcene may have a more relaxing effect.

Terpenes typically aren’t effective in edible cannabis products. Your body can absorb them best when they’re inhaled or given under the tongue (sublingually).