The Ultimate Terpene Guide: How Do They Affect Your High?

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When shopping for cannabis, most people focus on THC and CBD percentages, but there’s another key factor that shapes your experience—terpenes. These naturally occurring compounds give cannabis its distinct aromas and flavors while also playing a significant role in how a strain affects your body and mind. Whether you’re looking for the best terpenes for anxiety, pain relief, euphoria, or sleep, reading this terpene guide will help you choose the right strain for your needs.

At the La Vida Gardens dispensary in Belleville, NJ, we offer a variety of terpene-rich cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, live resin, live rosin vapes, and concentrates from the best New Jersey weed brands, such as Illicit and more. Read on to explore our comprehensive terpene guide, and visit us to find the perfect cannabis products tailored to your desired effects.


The lavender plant contains linalool, a relaxing terpene present in many soothing cannabis strains.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They are responsible for the distinct scents and flavors of different weed strains, ranging from citrusy and fruity to earthy and spicy. But terpenes do more than just smell good! They also interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to influence your high, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Certain weed terpenes can promote relaxation, euphoria, or focus, while others are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Selecting the right strain based on its terpene profile can enhance your cannabis experience, making it more tailored to your specific needs. That’s why we created this handy terpene guide to help you choose the right ones for you!

How Terpenes Affect Your High

Different cannabis terpenes interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, enhancing the effects of THC and CBD. Some terpenes help with relaxation and sleep, while others boost mood and euphoria. Certain terpenes also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making them great for arthritis and chronic pain.

Following this terpene guide can help you shop smarter when picking flower, pre-rolls, or concentrates at La Vida Gardens in Belleville, NJ.

Best Terpenes for Anxiety

If you struggle with stress or tension, choosing terpenes for anxiety can make a huge difference in how cannabis affects you. The best terpenes for anxiety include:

  • Linalool: Found in lavender, linalool has a calming effect that promotes relaxation.

  • Myrcene: Known for its sedative properties, myrcene can help ease tension and stress.

  • Caryophyllene: This terpene is also a cannabinoid! Caryophyllene interacts directly with CB2 receptors, helping to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm.

La Vida Gardens has plenty of terpene-rich flower that can help you feel more at ease. Shop now!

Best Terpenes for Pain Relief

Chronic pain sufferers often turn to cannabis for relief, but some weed terpenes are particularly effective at enhancing its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The best terpenes for pain include:

  • Caryophyllene: This spicy, peppery terpene has powerful pain-relieving properties and interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors.

  • Limonene – Found in citrusy strains, limonene helps reduce inflammation and tension-related pain.

  • Pinene – Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, pinene is one of the best cannabis terpenes for arthritis.

If you need relief, La Vida Gardens has terpene-rich concentrates and more that may target pain.


Citrus fruits are high in limonene, a weed terpene that is found in energizing and pain-relieving strains.

Best Terpenes for Euphoria

If you’re looking to improve your mood, selecting cannabis with the right terpenes can provide a more uplifting and energetic high. The best terpenes for euphoria include:

  • Limonene: Bright, citrusy, and uplifting, limonene promotes a happy, energetic high.

  • Terpinolene: This floral and herbal terpene is found in many sativa strains, offering an uplifting and creative experience.

  • Ocimene: A lesser-known terpene, ocimene is found in certain hybrids and promotes an energizing, euphoric feeling.

Strains with these terpenes are available to buy at La Vida Gardens in various forms. Shop now!

Best Terpenes for Sleep

If you struggle with insomnia or restlessness, strains with sleep-inducing terpenes may help you unwind. The best terpenes for sleep include:

  • Myrcene: Known for its sedative effects, myrcene is commonly found in indica strains and helps promote deep relaxation.

  • Linalool: Found in lavender, this floral terpene encourages restful sleep.

  • Terpinolene: Often found in hybrids, terpinolene has calming properties that may help ease your mind before bed.

Shop La Vida Gardens for a variety of indica products with these sleep-enhancing terpenes.

Live Resin Terpenes vs. Cured Concentrates

When shopping for cannabis concentrates, you’ll often see the terms live resin and cured extracts. Live resin terpenes are preserved from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis, maintaining their original flavor and aroma. Cured concentrates are made from dried and cured flower, often resulting in a milder terpene profile. If you love bold flavors and strong effects, live resin is the way to go!

La Vida Gardens stocks a wide range of terpene-rich live resin vapes and concentrates for those looking to experience cannabis at its most flavorful and potent. Shop our live resin products now!

What Terpenes Are Good for Anxiety, Pain, and Sleep?

Need a reminder of  what terpenes are good for anxiety, pain, or sleep? Here’s a quick recap:

  • Anxiety relief: Linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene

  • Pain relief: Caryophyllene, limonene, pinene

  • Sleep aid: Myrcene, linalool, terpinolene

No matter what effects you’re looking for, the La Vida Gardens dispensary in Belleville stocks the best terpene-rich cannabis in New Jersey.  Shop now!


Some potent, sleepy strains are high in the myrcene terpene, which is also prevalent in the hops plant.

Shop Terpene-Rich Cannabis at La Vida Gardens in Belleville, NJ

Understanding terpenes can help you make more informed cannabis choices, allowing you to select the best strain, pre-roll, vape, or concentrate for your needs. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, relaxation, an energy boost, or a good night’s sleep, La Vida Gardens has the perfect terpene-rich product for you.

Stop by our Belleville dispensary today to explore our selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, live resin, and concentrates from top New Jersey brands like Illicit. Our knowledgeable staff can help guide you to the right products that contain the specific terpenes you want.

Visit La Vida Gardens in-store or browse our online menu now to shop for the best terpene-rich cannabis products in New Jersey.

FAQs About Our Terpene Guide

What are terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that influence its aroma, flavor, and effects. They interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, shaping your overall high and experience.

How do terpenes affect my cannabis experience?

Terpenes enhance or modify THC and CBD effects. Some promote relaxation, while others boost energy, euphoria, or relief from discomfort, making terpene selection key to a personalized cannabis experience.

What are the best terpenes for anxiety?

Linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene are terpenes that may help with stress. Linalool has calming properties, myrcene promotes relaxation, and caryophyllene interacts with CB2 receptors, which may support stress relief.

What are the best terpenes for pain relief?

Caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene are terpenes that may help with physical discomfort. Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties, limonene may ease tension, and pinene is believed to support joint relief.

Does myrcene make you hungry?

Yes, myrcene is often associated with appetite stimulation. Strains high in myrcene are linked to the “munchies,” making them a potential option for increasing hunger.

What are the best terpenes for sleep?

Myrcene, linalool, and terpinolene are terpenes that may promote relaxation. Myrcene has sedative properties, linalool may support restful sleep, and terpinolene is known for its calming effects.

What terpenes are good for euphoria and mood enhancement?

Limonene, terpinolene, and ocimene are uplifting terpenes. Limonene may boost mood, terpinolene is found in energetic strains, and ocimene is known for its stimulating effects.

What’s the difference between live resin terpenes and cured concentrate terpenes?

Live resin terpenes come from flash-frozen cannabis, preserving bold flavors and potency. Cured concentrate terpenes are from dried flower, offering a milder profile with less terpene intensity.

Where can I buy cannabis rich in the best terpenes?

La Vida Gardens in Belleville, NJ, offers terpene-rich flower, pre-rolls, live resin vapes, and concentrates from top New Jersey brands. Visit in-store or shop online today.