With the THC drink industry being so young (as opposed to mature), there is a lot of room for manufacturers to chart a creative path that incorporates extensive testing of formulations (THC & CBD), flavors, etc.
Another ingredient in many THC drinks is terpenes. You’ve probably heard of the term “entourage effect.” Along with THC and CBD, terpenes are instrumental in affecting the “high” that you experience.
While not every THC beverage includes terpenes, when they do, the most common ones tend to be those that are both familiar in cannabis strains and that taste good in drinks. Here are a few examples:
Citrus & Fruity Terpenes
- Limonene: Bright, citrusy, uplifting; commonly associated with stress relief and mood enhancement.
- Valencene: Sweet, orange-like flavor often used in seltzers and citrus-based drinks.
- Myrcene: Earthy and fruity (mango, guava); can lend smoothness to sweeter beverages.
Herbal & Piney Terpenes
- Pinene: Pine-like, fresh, sometimes used in herbal sparkling waters. May be linked to alertness.
- Terpinolene: Floral, herbal, slightly citrusy, often blended in “relaxing” drink formulations.
Floral & Sweet Terpenes
- Linalool: Lavender-like, calming; frequently marketed in “relax” or “evening” THC beverages.
- Geraniol: Rosy, fruity, adds sweetness to berry or tropical profiles.
Spicy & Earthy Terpenes
- Caryophyllene: Peppery, spicy, grounding. Adds depth to darker or more “craft” style drinks.
- Humulene: Woody, hoppy (also found in beer hops); sometimes used in THC seltzers that want to mirror the “beer-like” experience.
More on how terpenes are chosen:
- Flavor appeal: Limonene, pinene, and linalool align with beverage flavor trends (citrus, botanical, herbal sparkling waters).
- Effect positioning: Brands often market terpene inclusion as tailoring the drink’s experience (energizing, calming, social).
- Familiarity: Many are already present in everyday foods, herbs, or beverages (citrus fruits, lavender, hops), making them approachable for consumers—especially older adults new to cannabis drinks.
As you enjoy a THC drink, consider the role that certain terpenes play in how you feel after consuming.