You already know terpenes. You just didn't know their name.
That calming wave from lavender? Terpenes. That citrus lift when you peel an orange? Terpenes. That specific "vibe" of your favorite strain? Terpenes are a big part of it.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in every plant on earth. Cannabis is one of the most terpene-dense plants in nature, producing over 200 unique terpenes that shape the distinct flavor and aroma of each strain.
When people describe one strain as "bright" and another as "mellow," terpenes are a big part of what they're picking up on. THC is only one instrument in the band. Terpenes help shape the character of the whole experience.
What does the research suggest they do?
Terpenes interact with the body independently of THC, and on their own they are not intoxicating. Scientists have studied individual terpenes for a range of properties. Here is what the research points toward, terpene by terpene.
Limonene
Found in citrus peels & bright, sativa-leaning strains
The compound behind that fresh citrus aroma. Limonene has been studied for mood support, and a 2024 human trial even suggested it may ease the anxious edge some people feel from THC. Often associated with a brighter, more uplifted feeling.
Deep dive: Limonene →Myrcene
Found in hops, mangoes & indica-leaning strains
The terpene most associated with relaxation in cannabis culture. Preclinical research has explored myrcene for calming, sedative-like properties, though most of that work is in animal models. The one people reach for when they want to wind down.
Deep dive: Myrcene →Linalool
Found in lavender & indica-leaning strains
The same compound that makes lavender smell so calming. Linalool has been studied for soothing, anxiety-easing properties, largely in animal research. Commonly associated with a settled, end-of-day feeling.
Deep dive: Linalool →β-Caryophyllene
Found in black pepper, cloves & hybrid strains
Notable in the research as the one dietary terpene shown to bind CB2 receptors, part of why scientists study it for comfort and inflammation. Peppery and warm, with no intoxicating effect of its own.
Pinene
Found in pine needles & sativa-leaning strains
The crisp scent of a pine forest. Early research has explored pinene for alertness and memory, and it is often associated with a clear-headed feeling, though human evidence is still limited.
Every MONDAYS chew captures a specific strain's terpene profile, with no THC or CBD in the final product.
Two ways to enjoy MONDAYS
The standalone experience
Enjoy a MONDAYS chew on its own. Over the next 15–30 minutes, many people notice the strain's character settling in. No high. No impairment. Anywhere, anytime.
The steering wheel effect
THC is the engine. Terpenes are the steering wheel. Enjoy a MONDAYS chew alongside your own cannabis to help steer the character of that experience toward the strain you chose.
Why taffy? Not gummies.
It's about the experience, not just flavor.
Slowly chewing a taffy lets each strain's terpene profile unfold alongside the candy flavor, rather than disappearing in a single bite. It's a full sensory experience, built to be savored, not just swallowed.
The science is real and still growing
Terpene research is an active, evolving field. Here is a selection of peer-reviewed work, read it yourself and draw your own conclusions:
Terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for mood disorders and anxiety disorders
Peer-reviewed · PDF
Cannabis and the anxiety of fragmentation
Peer-reviewed · PDF
Medicinal properties of terpenes in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus
ScienceDirect · European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-inflammatory potential of terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.
PubMed · National Library of Medicine
Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and enhance cannabinoid activity
Nature · Scientific Reports
Secondary terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: synthesis and synergy
MDPI · Biomedicines
Ready to find your strain?
Pick a vibe. Unwrap. Chew. Notice the difference.
Limonene
Bright, citrusy aroma. Studied for mood support. Found in lemon peels and sativa-leaning strains.
