Things Budtenders Should Know - Common Terpenes in Cannabis
As a budtender, having in-depth knowledge about cannabis terpenes can set you apart from others in the industry. One of the best ways to expand your terpene knowledge is to explore the websites and social media pages of cannabis testing labs. Focus on the labs most frequently used in your state, but also check out the blogs of labs in other states.
Here are a few of my favorite labs that produce their own research and blog posts filled with valuable information about the testing process and cannabis compounds:
Recommended Labs:
ACS Laboratory (FL)
Confidence Analytics (WA)
MCR Labs (ME, MA, PA)
True Labs Cannabis (NJ)
Kaycha Labs (AZ, CA, CO, FL, MA, NV, NY, OR, TN)
Encore Labs (CA)
Common Terpenes in Cannabis Guide:
Confidence Analytics' Common Terpenes in Cannabis guide is a great resource to post on your store slack channel/employee group chat or to print out for your break room, new budtender orientation materials, store registers, and curious customers.
The Cannabis Flavor and Scent Wheel by Confidence Analytics, which is also a helpful tool for describing the smell of terpenes or if you want to jumpstart your career as a weed sommelier.
Other Terpene Resources:
Terpene Chart: Vaporisation Temperatures from Catalyst (Australia)
Academic paper about terpenes from researchers at Chaing Mai University (linked in post)
Best Books about cannabis and cultivation in 2023
Brands with exceptional terpene information:
THC Design (CA): Cannabis Terpenes Effects Guide: A Complete List & Chart
NETA (MA): NETA's website includes a "Terpenes" page that provides information on each of the major terpenes found in cannabis, along with their potential medical benefits and the strains they're commonly found in.
Remember that it's important to consume high terpene products at the appropriate temperature to achieve optimal effects. Keep these resources on hand to help you and your customers better understand the world of terpenes and cannabis compounds.
Happy learning!
Jess
