the science of terpenes: how scent shapes your high
if cannabinoids are the engine of the cannabis experience, terpenes are the steering wheel.
they’re responsible for aroma and flavor — but more importantly, they influence how a strain feels. calm or energized. clear or heavy. focused or floaty. long before thc hits your bloodstream, your body is already responding to scent.
understanding terpenes is one of the most effective ways to choose cannabis intentionally — and to predict your experience beyond strain names or thc percentages.
what are terpenes?
terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature — in citrus peels, pine trees, lavender, black pepper, hops, and cannabis.
in plants, terpenes help with:
natural defense
environmental signaling
influencing human mood and perception
cannabis contains over 100 identified terpenes, each contributing its own scent and effect.
scent is biological, not superficial
your sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, which governs:
emotion
memory
mood regulation
this is why scent can instantly calm you, energize you, or shift your mindset. when you inhale cannabis, terpenes are the first compounds your brain reacts to, shaping the experience before cannabinoids fully take effect.
terpenes + the entourage effect
terpenes don’t act alone. they interact with cannabinoids like thc and cbd through the entourage effect — where compounds work together to influence how the experience unfolds.
this is why two products with similar thc levels can feel completely different. terpenes add depth, balance, and predictability.
at hai., we focus on preserving terpene integrity so the experience stays true to the plant.
key terpenes and how they feel
limonene
aroma: citrus, bright peel
often associated with: uplift, mood elevation, creative energy
myrcene
aroma: earthy, herbal, musky
often associated with: relaxation, grounding, heavier body effects
pinene
aroma: fresh pine, forest air
often associated with: clarity, alertness, mental focus
linalool
aroma: soft floral, lavender
often associated with: calming, soothing, nervous system support
beta-caryophyllene
aroma: peppery, warm spice
often associated with: grounding, body comfort, stress relief
beta-caryophyllene is especially unique because it interacts directly with cb2 receptors — bridging aroma and physical effect.
how this shows up in hai. products
we design our products around terpene profiles, not just potency.
for example, our indica 1g solventless rosin jar is high in beta-caryophyllene, which contributes to its grounding, body-forward experience. the aroma leans warm and spicy, and the effects tend to feel steady, calming, and physically soothing rather than mentally overwhelming.
this is why two jars with similar thc percentages can deliver very different highs — the terpenes are doing the shaping.
why smelling your cannabis matters
before strain names. before labels. before thc numbers.
your nose is one of the most accurate tools you have.
if a scent feels:
bright and citrus-forward → expect a more uplifting experience
earthy and deep → expect grounding or relaxation
sharp and piney → expect clarity and focus
your personal chemistry matters too, which is why terpene-led selection leads to more consistent results.
terpenes over thc
thc tells you how strong something might be.
terpenes tell you how it will feel.
this is why hai. prioritizes:
solventless extraction
sun grown flower (often richer terpene profiles)
terpene-forward profiles
clear effect alignment
because a better high isn’t about being higher — it’s about being more intentional.
choosing cannabis with intention
next time you consume:
smell first
notice how your body responds
check terpene profiles
choose based on how you want to feel
terpenes aren’t marketing language — they’re plant chemistry in action.
scent shapes your high.
hai. just makes it clearer.
