If you’ve spent much time in dispensaries – or with a particularly bud-savvy friend – you may have encountered a term that’s been generating a lot of buzz in the cannabis industry: terpenes.

What are terpenes? Simply put, they’re the chemical compounds that give all plants – not just cannabis – their distinct taste, smell, and effects. They’re responsible for scents like pine and lavender (and are even used to make essential oils), as well as the bitter taste of the hops in your favorite IPA. And when it comes to cannabis, terpenes are a big part of the reason some strains make you feel sleepy or subdued, while others might set your mind racing with inspiration.

But what are terpenes and how do they enhance your cannabis? Find out more in our sponsored article on RiverFrontimes.com