Terpene Profiles in CT Flower

The terpene profile can be quite complex as it varies significantly between strains. However, some trends can be identified when looking at large sample sizes. This data is heavily influenced by which terpenes are included in COAs. 

The average total terpenes has decreased from the 2021-2022 highs above 1.7%, averaging just 1.33% in 2023. Thus far in 2024, we have seen terpene profiles increase to 1.64%.

As always, the final variable is how you consume the flower. If you are interested in vaping flowers, you can find information in the Vape Guide.

Order of Average Concentration (All-time AVG / All-time Prevalence) (Last 3 Year AVG / Last 3 Year Prevalence)

1. Caryophyllene All-time (0.4% / 93.2%), Last 3 Years (0.4% / 95.7%)

2. Myrcene All-time (0.35% / 86.6%), Last 3 Years (0.35% / 93.9%)

3. Limonene All-time (0.33% / 85.7%), Last 3 Years (0.33% / 93.1%)

4. Trans-nerolidol All-time (0.26% / 17.5%), Last 3 Years (0.26% / 25.1%)

5. Linalool All-time (0.21% / 67.6%), Last 3 Years (0.21% / 80.5%)

6. Terpinolene All-time (0.16% / 23.4%), Last 3 Years (0.16% / 38.3%)

7. Humulene All-time (0.15% / 69.4%), Last 3 Years (0.15% / 82.3%)

8. Alpha-pinene All-time (0.13% / 57.3%), Last 3 Years (0.13% / 78.6%)

9. Ocimene All-time (0.13% / 19.8%), Last 3 Years (0.13% / 27.1%)

10. Beta-pinene All-time (0.11% / 59.8%), Last 3 Years (0.11 / 79.4%)

11. Isopulegol All-time (0.11% / 4%), Last 3 Years (0.11% / 4.4%)

12. Cis-nerolidol All-time (0.09% / 17.3%), Last 3 Years (0.09% / 27.9)

13. Gamma-terpinene All-time (0.06% / 3.5%), Last 3 Years (0.06% / 5.5%)

14. Guaiol All-time (0.08% / 8%), Last 3 Years (0.07% / 10.4%)

15. Geraniol All-time (0.08% / 2.2%), Last 3 Years (0.08% / 2.9%)

16. P-cymene All-time (0.08% / 1%), Last 3 Years (0.08% / 1.4%)

17. 3-carene All-time (0.07% / 2.8%), Last 3 Years (0.07% / 4.3%)

18. Alpha-terpinene All-time (0.07% / 2.4%), Last 3 Years (0.07% / 3.5%)

19. Alpha-bisabolol All-time (0.06% / 26.1%), Last 3 Years (0.06% / 36.7%)

20. Camphene All-time (0.02% / 22.3%), Last 3 Years (0.02% / 34.4%)

21. *Beta-terpinene All-time (0.16% / 0.6%), Last 3 Years (0.16% / 0%)

Analysis of Terpene Concentration Trends (2015-2024)

The table provided lists the average concentration of various terpenes in cannabis samples from 2015 to 2024. Below is a detailed analysis of the trends for each terpene across these years.

1. Total Terpene Concentration

• Trend: The total terpene concentration fluctuates throughout the years, with the highest average concentration observed in 2021 (1.788%) and the lowest in 2018 (1.277%). There seems to be no consistent upward or downward trend.

• Observation: The variation in total terpene concentration could be attributed to changes in strain selection or cultivation practices. The peak in 2021 may reflect a period of increased focus on terpene-rich strains.

2. Caryophyllene

• Trend: Caryophyllene concentration starts at 0.517% in 2015, slightly decreases over the years, and stabilizes around 0.383% in 2024. The trend shows a gradual decrease in concentration.

• Observation: Although Caryophyllene remains a dominant terpene, the slight decrease suggests that while it remains important, its concentration may be adjusted to balance other terpenes in strain profiles.

3. Beta-pinene

• Trend: Beta-pinene concentration shows a significant decline from 0.516% in 2015 to 0.0842% in 2024. This represents one of the most pronounced decreases among the terpenes analyzed.

• Observation: The sharp decrease in Beta-pinene could reflect how Beta-pinene is a byproduct rather than a primary component. 

4. Alpha-pinene

• Trend: Alpha-pinene concentration follows a similar declining trend, starting at 0.2406% in 2015 and dropping to 0.0971% by 2024.

• Observation: Like Beta-pinene, the reduction in Alpha-pinene concentration suggests its presence as a byproduct, leaving true pinene strains as quite rare in the cannabis market. 

5. Limonene

• Trend: Limonene maintains a relatively stable concentration over the years, starting at 0.2991% in 2015, with slight fluctuations but overall stability, ending at 0.2235% in 2024.

• Observation: The consistent presence of Limonene suggests it remains a highly valued terpene in cannabis strains, likely due to its popular citrusy aroma and potential therapeutic benefits.

6. Humulene

• Trend: Humulene concentration exhibits a gradual decline, beginning at 0.2131% in 2015 and decreasing to 0.1258% in 2024.

• Observation: The decreasing trend in Humulene may reflect changes in the market or breeding strategies, potentially favoring other terpenes that complement the overall terpene profile more effectively. Humulene is also a byproduct of caryophyllene. 

7. Linalool

• Trend: Linalool concentration decreases from 0.2735% in 2015 to 0.1719% in 2024, with a notable dip in 2022 to 0.1531%.

• Observation: The downward trend suggests that while Linalool remains an important terpene, its concentration is being reduced, possibly to allow other terpenes to dominate the strain's profile.

8. Myrcene

• Trend: Myrcene shows some fluctuation, starting at 0.7215% in 2015, dipping to 0.3481% in 2020, and then slightly recovering to 0.3661% by 2024.

• Observation: Despite its fluctuations, Myrcene remains a key terpene, though the decrease in concentration might indicate a shift towards a more balanced terpene profile rather than a Myrcene-dominant one.

9. Ocimene

• Trend: Ocimene shows a general decrease in concentration, from 0.1563% in 2015 to 0.1112% in 2024, with some fluctuations in between.

• Observation: The declining trend suggests that Ocimene is becoming less prominent in the terpene profiles of Connecticut cannabis strains, possibly due to its less mainstream appeal. It also has been removed from many COAs. 

10. Terpinolene

• Trend: Terpinolene maintains a relatively stable concentration, starting at 0.1400% in 2015 and ending at 0.1377% in 2024, with only minor fluctuations.

• Observation: The stable concentration indicates that Terpinolene is a consistent component of certain strains, possibly valued for its unique effects or aromatic profile.

11. Alpha-bisabolol

• Trend: Alpha-bisabolol shows fluctuations, starting at 0.1400% in 2015, peaking at 0.6533% in 2019, and then decreasing to 0.1377% by 2024.

• Observation: The significant peak in 2019 suggests a temporary focus on Alpha-bisabolol, which may have been due to an interest in its anti-inflammatory properties, followed by a return to lower concentrations.

12. Trans-nerolidol

• Trend: Trans-nerolidol concentration remains low and stable throughout the years, ranging from 0.1500% in 2015 to 0.0575% in 2024, with minor fluctuations.

• Observation: The consistently low concentrations indicate that Trans-nerolidol is a minor component of the overall terpene profile, potentially included for specific effects rather than as a dominant terpene.

13. Cis-nerolidol

• Trend: Cis-nerolidol also maintains low concentrations, ranging from 0.2033% in 2015 to 0.0898% in 2024, showing no significant upward or downward trend.

• Observation: The similar trends to Trans-nerolidol suggest that Cis-nerolidol remains a specialized terpene within the profiles, valued for its unique properties but not widespread.

14. Camphene

• Trend: Camphene shows low concentrations throughout the years, starting at 0.2000% in 2015 and decreasing to 0.0180% in 2024.

• Observation: The decline indicates that Camphene is becoming less prominent, possibly being overshadowed by more popular or effective terpenes in the strain profiles.

15. Alpha-terpinene

• Trend: Alpha-terpinene maintains very low concentrations, from 0.0450% in 2015 to 0.0667% in 2024, with no significant variations.

• Observation: Its consistently low presence suggests it plays a minor role in the overall terpene profiles.

16. Gamma-terpinene

• Trend: Gamma-terpinene shows very low and stable concentrations, from 0.1400% in 2015 to 0.0569% in 2024.

• Observation: Similar to Alpha-terpinene, Gamma-terpinene remains a minor component, included in small amounts for specific effects.

17. 3-Carene

• Trend: 3-Carene maintains low concentrations, with a slight decrease from 0.1540% in 2015 to 0.0224% in 2024.

• Observation: The low concentrations suggest that 3-Carene is not a primary focus in most strains, remaining a minor component.

18. Geraniol

• Trend: Geraniol shows low concentrations, remaining relatively stable, from 0.1540% in 2015 to 0.0569% in 2024.

• Observation: Its stable but low presence indicates it is a niche terpene used in certain strains for its specific aromatic or therapeutic properties.

19. P-cymene

• Trend: P-cymene remains consistently low, with minor fluctuations, from 0.1400% in 2015 to 0.0549% in 2024.

• Observation: P-cymene's low presence suggests it is a less critical component in the majority of strain profiles.

20. Isopulegol

• Trend: Isopulegol remains consistently low, with no significant trend, fluctuating around 0.1400% in 2015 and 0.0507% in 2024.

• Observation: Its low and stable concentration indicates it is used sparingly, likely for specific therapeutic or aromatic reasons.

21. Guaiol

• Trend: Guaiol also shows a declining trend, from 0.2000% in 2015 to 0.0672% in 2024, reflecting its decreasing prominence in terpene profiles.

• Observation: The decline suggests that Guaiol is becoming less favored, possibly due to competition from other terpenes with similar properties.

22. Beta-terpinene

• Trend: Beta-terpinene shows a steady decline, from 0.1400% in 2015 to 0.0569% in 2024, indicating a consistent reduction

Analysis of Terpene Prevalence Trends (2015-2024)

1. Caryophyllene

• Prevalence: Caryophyllene consistently shows a high prevalence across all years, starting at 97.9% in 2015 and remaining above 88% throughout the period. This suggests that Caryophyllene is a dominant terpene in the cannabis strains tested in Connecticut.

• Trend: The slightly lower prevalence in 2018 (88.1%) could indicate a brief period where strains with lower Caryophyllene content were more common, but the prevalence quickly rose again.

2. Beta-pinene

• Prevalence: Beta-pinene's prevalence fluctuates, with a significant drop in 2017 (20.5%) compared to earlier years like 2015 (37.5%) and 2016 (36.5%). It recovers somewhat in 2018 (33.5%) but decreases again by 2019 (31.1%).

• Trend: The inconsistent presence suggests variability in strain development or testing practices, with a general trend towards lower prevalence over time.

3. Alpha-pinene

• Prevalence: Alpha-pinene shows a downward trend in prevalence, starting at 33.3% in 2015 and declining to 25.4% in 2019. It remains a significant terpene but with a diminishing presence in more recent years.

• Trend: This suggests a possible shift away from strains rich in Alpha-pinene, potentially in favor of other terpene profiles.

4. Limonene

• Prevalence: Limonene maintains a strong presence, beginning at 72.9% in 2015, peaking at 77.8% in 2019. This consistency indicates Limonene's continued popularity and relevance in the cannabis market.

• Trend: The relatively stable and high prevalence suggests that Limonene is a key terpene favored in many strains.

5. Humulene

• Prevalence: Humulene shows a slightly declining trend in prevalence, starting at 60.4% in 2015 and decreasing to 52.4% by 2019.

• Trend: Despite the decline, Humulene remains a significant component, though less dominant compared to earlier years.

6. Linalool

• Prevalence: Linalool has a fluctuating presence, with a notable dip in 2017 (30.4%) before increasing again to 54.3% in 2019. This indicates variability in its presence across different years.

• Trend: The dip in 2017 might suggest a period where strains with less Linalool were more prevalent, but its recovery indicates it remains a relevant terpene.

7. Myrcene

• Prevalence: Myrcene shows a significant drop in prevalence in 2017 (43.8%) compared to 81.3% in 2015. However, it recovers by 2018 (78.1%) and remains relatively stable through 2019.

• Trend: This fluctuation suggests that while Myrcene is generally common, its prevalence can vary significantly depending on the strains being tested.

8. Ocimene

• Prevalence: Ocimene shows consistently low prevalence, never exceeding 19% in any given year. Its highest prevalence was in 2015 (18.8%), and it generally remains below 12% in subsequent years.

• Trend: This suggests that Ocimene is a less common terpene, possibly due to its specific flavor profile or effects being less in demand.

9. Terpinolene

• Prevalence: Terpinolene also has low prevalence, ranging from 3.1% in 2017 to 11.6% in 2019. This indicates that Terpinolene-rich strains are relatively rare.

• Trend: Its prevalence remains generally low but shows some variability, indicating it is present in niche strains.

10. Alpha-bisabolol

• Prevalence: Alpha-bisabolol is rare, with a prevalence ranging from 1.3% in 2017 to 6.3% in 2015, and it peaks at 32.3% in 2019, reflecting its growing importance or interest in certain strains.

• Trend: The significant jump in 2019 suggests a potential rise in demand or a trend towards strains that contain Alpha-bisabolol.

11. Trans-nerolidol

• Prevalence: Trans-nerolidol is generally rare, with its highest prevalence at 5.3% in 2019. It shows minimal presence in other years.

• Trend: The data suggests that this terpene is not a major component in most strains tested, though it could be of interest in specific therapeutic or flavor profiles.

12. Cis-nerolidol

• Prevalence: Like trans-nerolidol, cis-nerolidol is also uncommon, with its highest prevalence at 5.3% in 2019. It shows some variability but remains a minor terpene overall.

• Trend: This terpene remains a niche component in the cannabis profiles tested.

13. Camphene

• Prevalence: Camphene shows a gradual increase in prevalence, from 2.1% in 2015 to 5.3% in 2019. This rise suggests a growing interest in strains containing this terpene.

• Trend: While still not widely prevalent, Camphene's increasing trend could indicate emerging interest or utilization in strain development.

14. Alpha-terpinene

• Prevalence: Alpha-terpinene has a very low prevalence, with a peak of 32.3% in 2019, but it remains largely insignificant in other years.

• Trend: The sudden increase in 2019 may reflect an anomaly or a specific focus on this terpene in certain strains during that period.

15. Gamma-terpinene

• Prevalence: Gamma-terpinene shows minor prevalence, with 10.4% in 2015 and a dip in subsequent years, indicating its rarity.

• Trend: This terpene is consistently low in prevalence, indicating that it is not a significant component of the majority of strains.

16. 3-Carene

• Prevalence: 3-Carene also shows low and stable prevalence, with a maximum of 20.8% in 2015, but generally much lower in later years.

• Trend: Its prevalence suggests that it is not a primary focus in strain development.

17. Geraniol

• Prevalence: Geraniol is rare, with the highest prevalence at 7.9% in 2016, indicating its limited presence in the cannabis strains tested.

• Trend: Geraniol remains a minor terpene, likely valued for specific uses but not widespread.

18. P-cymene

• Prevalence: P-cymene shows very low prevalence, typically below 5%, suggesting it is a rare component in the strains tested.

• Trend: This terpene remains on the fringes of terpene profiles in Connecticut cannabis.

19. Isopulegol

• Prevalence: Isopulegol shows a peak in 2016 at 7.9% but is generally rare, with a prevalence of around 1% to 7% in other years.

• Trend: Its low prevalence indicates limited interest or utility in the strains developed during these years.

20. Guaiol

• Prevalence: Guaiol has fluctuating prevalence, with a peak at 36.7% in 2018, suggesting a period of increased focus, but drops again to 24.7% by 2019.

• Trend: The significant variability suggests changing interests or breeding practices.

21. Beta-terpinene

• Prevalence: Beta-terpinene remains a very rare terpene, with prevalence below 10% in all years except for 2018 and 2019.

• Trend: Its presence is minimal, reflecting its niche status within terpene profiles.

Overall Trends and Implications:

• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene are consistently prevalent across most years, reflecting their importance in the cannabis strains produced in Connecticut.

• Variability: Some terpenes like Beta-pinene, Alpha-pinene, and Linalool show variability, which might be attributed to changing consumer preferences, breeding practices, or testing protocols.

• Emerging Terpenes: Alpha-bisabolol and Camphene show a notable increase in prevalence in more recent years, suggesting a growing interest in these terpenes' unique properties.

• Rare Terpenes: Terpenes such as Ocimene, Terpinolene, and P-cymene remain rare, indicating that while they are present, they are not the primary focus of most strain developments.

Updated as of 8/16/24.