The short answer is no. Terpenes do not get you high. They are aroma and flavor compounds, not the intoxicating cannabinoid THC, and on their own they will not produce a high. This is one of the most common questions people have about terpene products, and the answer is refreshingly simple.

Why not

The high associated with cannabis comes from THC, a cannabinoid that acts on the CB1 receptors in the brain. Terpenes are a separate class of compound entirely, and they do not act on those receptors the way THC does. They are the same kind of aroma molecule found in lavender, citrus, and pine, none of which get you high either. If sniffing a lemon or a sprig of rosemary does not intoxicate you, neither will the terpenes in a chew.

What about caryophyllene and the endocannabinoid system?

You may read that one terpene, caryophyllene, can interact with a cannabinoid receptor called CB2. That is true and genuinely interesting, but CB2 is not the receptor responsible for the high, so it does not change the answer. Caryophyllene is still not intoxicating.

So what do they do?

Terpenes carry the scent and flavor of a plant. They are why one strain smells like diesel and another smells like berries. There is ongoing research and discussion about whether terpenes can subtly influence the overall cannabis experience alongside THC, an idea called the entourage effect, but that is about shaping character, not producing a high on their own.

Terpenes without the high

This is exactly the space MONDAYS lives in. Our chews are packed with terpenes and contain zero THC and zero CBD, so you get the flavor and aroma of your favorite strains with no high and no impairment. Learn more in terpenes vs THC.

Frequently asked questions

Will terpenes show up on a drug test?

Drug tests look for THC and its metabolites, not terpenes. That said, MONDAYS makes no guarantees about any individual test, and our hemp line is verified for zero THC by DEA-registered lab testing.

Can terpenes make you feel anything at all?

Aroma and flavor are experiences in themselves, and scent can be evocative. But terpenes do not cause intoxication, and we make no claims about physiological effects.

Are MONDAYS chews psychoactive?

No. They contain zero THC and zero CBD and are not intoxicating. They are candy.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.