Terpene Profiles Explained: What They Are, Real Lab Examples and How to Choose
Marcos Gabriel MoralesLast updated November 2026
A terpene profile is the mix of aroma compounds in a cannabis strain, measured as a percentage of each terpene. It is why one strain smells like lemon and another like fuel. Below: how a profile is measured, ten real profiles from our SC Labs reports, and how to choose one for your product.
What is a terpene profile?
A terpene profile is the mix of terpenes that gives a strain its aroma and much of its flavor. One terpene usually leads, two or three more shape the character, and dozens of minor ones add detail. Two strains can share the same leading terpene and still smell very different because of what comes next.
How a terpene profile is measured
A lab measures each terpene by weight, usually with gas chromatography. Lágrimas del Sol profiles are tested by SC Labs for 39 terpene compounds. The oil also holds other natural aroma compounds from the same flower that the panel does not measure, and earlier lab tests put our oil at about 99% terpenes. Nothing is added. Read more in total terpenes explained, and see every report on our lab results page.
Ten real terpene profiles from our lab reports
These are the Live profiles we tested with SC Labs in February 2026. Every one is 100% cannabis derived, and every batch tests at 0.0% cannabinoids on a full panel COA.
| Profile | Top three terpenes |
|---|---|
| Bubblegum 2025 (Live) | myrcene 53.1%, limonene 6.2%, alpha pinene 6.2% |
| Chem Berry 2025 (Live) | myrcene 43.4%, terpinolene 10.0%, limonene 6.7% |
| Durban Poison 2025 (Live) | myrcene 46.8%, ocimene 9.6%, limonene 6.8% |
| Guava Runtz 2026 (Live) | myrcene 43.7%, alpha pinene 8.1%, terpinolene 6.4% |
| Gummiez 2025 (Live) | myrcene 47.1%, terpinolene 9.6%, alpha pinene 6.2% |
| Juicy Fruit 2025 (Live) | myrcene 48.5%, ocimene 11.5%, limonene 6.9% |
| Pineapple Kush 2025 (Live) | myrcene 26.8%, terpinolene 22.5%, ocimene 6.5% |
| Sour Brulee 2025 (Live) | terpinolene 32.9%, myrcene 19.9%, limonene 11.3% |
| Starburst 2025 (Live) | myrcene 29.0%, terpinolene 22.0%, limonene 9.1% |
| Strawberry Guava 2025 (Live) | myrcene 56.9%, alpha pinene 8.9%, beta pinene 4.1% |
Myrcene led 9 of the 10. Sour Brulee is the outlier, led by terpinolene at 32.9%, and Pineapple Kush and Starburst both carry more than 20% terpinolene. Strawberry Guava has the highest myrcene share at 56.9%. Same leading terpene, very different noses: that is the profile at work.
Common terpenes and their aromas
| Terpene | Typical aroma |
|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, ripe fruit |
| Terpinolene | Fresh, herbal, fruity, a little piney |
| Limonene | Bright citrus, lemon and orange peel |
| Pinene | Fresh pine and conifer |
| Ocimene | Sweet, herbal, woody |
| Caryophyllene | Black pepper, spice, wood |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender |
| Humulene | Woody, earthy, hoppy |
See all of them side by side on our terpene chart.
Why the same strain can have a different profile
Phenotype, growing conditions, harvest timing and handling all shift the ratios, so two batches with the same name rarely match exactly. Format matters too. Drying lowers the lighter terpenes, like myrcene and limonene, faster than the heavier ones, which is why a Live and a Cured version of the same strain smell different. Our guide on live vs cured terpenes covers it in detail.
How to choose a terpene profile
1. Pick the aroma family. Most buyers know the aroma they want before they know the strain.
| Aroma family | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Fruity and candy | Strawberry Guava, Starburst, Bubblegum, Guava Runtz, Juicy Fruit, Rainbow Sherbert x Nerdz, Gummiez |
| Citrus and lemon | LCG x Lemonade, Durban Poison |
| Gas and fuel | Jet Fuel, Motor Breath, Chem Berry, Lifter, Sour Brulee |
| Earthy, berry and spice | Godsbreath, Pineapple Kush |
Match a strain you already know on Find Your Terpene Match, or browse the fruity terpene profiles.
2. Choose Live or Cured. Live comes from fresh flower straight from the field, never frozen, for the brightest top notes. Cured comes from dried, cured flower, for a rounder, deeper aroma. Cured starts at $51 and Live at $57 for 3 mL. Shop Live or Cured.
3. Match the profile to your product. Vape carts, distillate, pre rolls, concentrates and beverages. Work out how much to add with the terpene calculator and our dosing guide.
4. Read the lab report. Look at the top three terpenes first. They tell you the main aroma before you open the bottle.
5. Test small, then scale. Every profile comes in 3 mL. To compare three at once, the Discovery Trio is any 3 profiles in 3 mL for $139. US orders of $150 and up ship free.
Frequently asked questions
What is a terpene profile?
A terpene profile is the mix of terpenes that gives a cannabis strain its aroma and much of its flavor. A lab report lists each terpene and its share of the sample.
How is a terpene profile measured?
A lab measures each terpene by weight, usually with gas chromatography. Our profiles are tested by SC Labs for 39 terpene compounds.
What is the most common leading terpene?
Myrcene. It led 9 of the 10 Live profiles in our February 2026 SC Labs batches. Sour Brulee was the exception, led by terpinolene at 32.9%.
Should I choose Live or Cured terpenes?
Live profiles come from fresh flower straight from the field, never frozen, and keep the brightest top notes. Cured profiles come from dried, cured flower and have a rounder, deeper aroma. Pick by the product you are making.
What is the best way to test a terpene profile?
Start small. Every Lágrimas del Sol profile comes in 3 mL, and the Discovery Trio gives you any 3 profiles in 3 mL for $139.
Ready to compare? Browse all Lágrimas del Sol terpene profiles.