Terpenes and CBD both come up in conversations about cannabis and wellness, and they are often confused. They are not the same thing, and the difference is worth understanding before you shop.

CBD is a cannabinoid

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid, the same broad family as THC, though unlike THC it is not intoxicating. It is the active ingredient in the large and familiar CBD products category, from oils to gummies.

Terpenes are aroma compounds

Terpenes are a separate class of compound responsible for aroma and flavor. They are found across the plant world, from lavender to citrus to cannabis, and many are common food flavorings. They are not cannabinoids at all, and they are what give each strain its distinctive scent.

The key differences

CBD is a cannabinoid; terpenes are aroma compounds. CBD is usually the headline active ingredient in a product; terpenes are usually there for flavor and character. CBD products are their own regulated category; food-grade terpenes are common flavor ingredients. They can appear together in full-spectrum products, but they are fundamentally different things.

Why MONDAYS uses neither

This surprises people: MONDAYS contains no THC and no CBD. We are built entirely on terpenes. That keeps our chews firmly in the candy category, focused on the flavor and character of strains rather than on cannabinoids. Learn how terpenes differ from THC in terpenes vs THC, or explore the individual compounds in our Terpene Library.

Frequently asked questions

Is CBD a terpene?

No. CBD is a cannabinoid. Terpenes are a separate class of aroma and flavor compounds. They are sometimes found together but are chemically different.

Do MONDAYS chews contain CBD?

No. Our chews contain zero CBD and zero THC. They are built on terpenes alone.

Do terpenes or CBD get you high?

Neither CBD nor terpenes are intoxicating. Only THC produces the cannabis high. See do terpenes get you high.

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.