Pile of purple flowers

The Best Terpenes for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love, where conventional gifts include flowers, perfume, and fancy dinners at a favorite restaurant. But what if you and your loved one are cannabis connoisseurs? Are there strains of marijuana that can fit the holiday’s vibe and give you both something to enjoy together? You bet there are.  


The Perfect Terpenes for Valentine’s Day

First, let’s give a quick rundown on exactly what terpenes are. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis, that give them their scent and their flavor. If you and your loved one like to experiment with new strains that have different scents—like citrus, pine, and even diesel fuel—or flavors—like sweet, peppery, or fruity—then you’ve already experienced the unique ways that terpenes can affect marijuana flower

Moreover, it’s believed that terpenes can contribute to the entourage effect. This is the theory that terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids all contribute to the sensations you feel when consuming cannabis. (Previously, it was thought that THC alone caused the psychoactive effects.)

So now that you know what terpenes are, what terpenes should you look for when considering a unique and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift? 


Did you know wine also has terpenes? Find out how to pair cannabis with different cheeses for a flavorful Valentine's Day.


Sweet & Floral: Linalool

Turn on any baking show, and there’s a good chance you’ll see someone cooking a confection with lavender essence. And what’s in lavender? Our first terpene: linalool.

While linalool is found in lavender, you can also find it in certain spices, including basil and thyme. It’s also regularly harvested and used in a variety of products, including deodorants, soaps, perfumes, and more. And of course, it’s found in some strains of marijuana.

So how do you plan a night around linalool? We recommend steamed salmon, roasted red potatoes with basil, thyme, and garlic, and a strain or two of linalool-rich cannabis.

Linalool-rich strains: Amnesia Haze, Cinderella 99, LA Confidential

Want to know more? Check out our guide to linalool  

Fruity & Spicy: Ocimene

Ocimene is a unique terpene because its flavor can’t quite be described. It’s sweet, spicy, and even has a hint of herbaceousness to it. While that might sound strange, let’s put it into context. Mango is rich in ocimene. Basil is rich in ocimene. Kumquats and tarragon also carry ocimene. See what we mean? It’s an unusual compound that lends to a variety of flavors, depending on your palette.

Ocimene is found in everything from soap and deodorant to candles and perfumes, and it’s also found in a variety of cannabis strains. So how do you plan a night around ocimene? Light a few candles, slice up a beautiful charcuterie board complete with fruit additions like mango and then complement the evening with ocimene-rich cannabis.

Ocimene-rich strains: Huckleberry, Jack the Ripper, Dream Queen, Dutch Treat

Learn more about Ocimene, a unique and common terpene.

Strong & Sweet: Geraniol

Geraniol gets its name from where it comes from: the geranium. Geraniums are flowering plants popular with gardeners and flower lovers around the world for their bright colors and citrus-like scent. Some people even describe geraniol as smelling like roses. This makes it a great fragrance to have for the holiday of love.

Geraniol isn’t just in geraniums, it’s in lemons, carrots, oranges, black and blueberries, and a variety of spices. It’s also used in rose oil, which can be added to various recipes. If you’re looking to build a night around this terpene, we recommend a dessert course of carrot cake and cannabis.

Geraniol-rich strains: Kimbo Kush, Black Cherry Soda, Lemon G

Discover Geraniol with our guide.

If you’re a cannabis connoisseur (and your loved one is too), don’t be shy about incorporating different strains of marijuana into your evening. It can make for a unique Valentine’s Day celebration that won’t be forgotten.


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.