The Best Tasting Buds on Earth: Your Favorite Terps Uncovered

Terps 101

Understanding what’s behind all the flavor of your favorite buds is no easy task. But as the medicinal and legal cannabis markets expand and the booming industry builds legitimacy, more and more science and research come to light showing us that there is more to marijuana than just cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. In fact, the word “terps” (short for terpenes and terpenoids) is thrown around quite a bit these days and used as a catchall phrase to describe the smells and tastes associated with cannabis.

But what are terps and how do they affect the aroma and flavor of our most popular strains? Technically speaking, terpenes are a large class of organic hydrocarbons that are produced by a wide variety of plants, including cannabis, and are sometimes referred to as terpenoids if they become denatured by oxidation (such as during the drying and curing of buds). In simpler terms, terps are the “essential oils” or primary building blocks of any plant resin and they contribute to the scent, flavor, and colors of the plant. Some recent research even suggests that terpenoids may contribute to the effects of cannabis, either singularly or via the “entourage effect” which entails the total compounded effects of all cannabinoids and terpenoids present in dried cannabis flowers.

The List

The following list of the Best Tasting Buds on Earth – our first ever – has been comprised using the latest in lab testing technology as well as our state-of-the-art cannabis scoring and ranking system known simply as the HIGH TIMES Scorebook which we use several times a year at our Cannabis Cups to determine the winning entries.

Our partner labs not only test cannabis strains for cannabinoids, but also for a full range of terpenes as well. We combined these quantitative results along with qualitative data obtained from hundreds of expert judges at our Cannabis Cups over the past two years to determine which strains exactly possess the most flavor and best aromas, making your pallet water even before the bowl is sparked…

#1 – Durban Poison

Total Terp Count: 4.1%
Primary Terps: Terpinolene 23.8 mg/g; Myrcene 15.6 mg/g
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.2/5 on Taste; 4.6/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Seattle Cannabis Cup, 2014
Awards: 3rd Place, Sativa Flowers (U.S. Recreational)
Grower: TJ’s Organic Gardens
Lab Tested By: Steep Hill-Halent Labs, Seattle, WA
Description: Surprise! Landrace Durban Poison, like the one we found in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle Cup in 2014, is a pure sativa and has been known to hit upwards of 24 percent THC. What has not been known until recently is that her true phenotype exhibits an extremely rare terpene profile that not only includes a heavy dose of Myrcene, but also the less common Terpinolene. At 23.8 mg/g, this one of the highest concentrations of Terpinolene found in any strain on the planet, giving the Durban Poison a refreshing, piney aroma with a very sweet and floral flavor. At
just over four percent total terps – a serving size usually reserved for concentrates, not flowers – the Durban sits atop The List with a heavy lead.

#2 – Nameless OG

Total Terp Count: 3.01%
Primary Terps: Limonene 9.2 mg/g; Myrcene 8.1 mg/g; Humulene 2.1mg/g
Judges’ Scorecard: 3.88/5 on Taste; 3.83/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Michigan Cannabis Cup, 2015
Awards: 4th Place, Indica Flowers (Medical)
Grower: Nameless Genetics
Lab Tested By: Iron Labs (Walled Lake, MI) & PSI Labs (Ann Arbor, MI)
Description: An appropriate name for an OG Kush phenotype that represents the seemingly endless line of OG phenos that grace our pages and our competitions year after year. This OG didn’t knock the socks off our judges, but she did tip the scales at just over 3 percent on her terp count which is on par with some concentrates. let alone flowers. Her diverse terp profile, which included Humulene and Pinene on top of high levels of Limonene and Myrcene solidify her spot at the top.

#3 – Veganic Cherry Cough

Total Terp Count: 2.89%
Primary Terps: 23 mg/g Myrcene; 2 mg/g Limonene; 1.5 mg/g Linalool.
Judges’ Scorecard: 3.8/5 on Taste; 4.3/5 on Aroma.
Competition: San Francisco Cannabis Cup, 2014
Grower: Kushman Genetics
Lab Tested By: Steep Hill-Halent, Berkeley, CA
Description: By now it is no secret that buds grown organically tend to do much better when it coms to flavor and aroma. Perhaps it is that they are easier to flush without all the salts synthetic nutrients carry. Perhaps they are simply better at giving plants what they need to build better terp profiles and maximize their genetic potential. Either way, when grown veganically, as is the case with this Kushman Genetics original grown using Kushman’s own Vegamatrix nutrient line, the results are extraordinary (see sidebar on page TK for more info). With hints of Linalool and Pinene, mixed with Limonene we’re talking Tropical Starburst flavor all the way. And in case you’re wondering, her line looks like this: (Strawberry Cough x Cherry
Lopez) x Strawberry Cough.

#4 – Super Silver Haze

Total Terp Count: 2.78%
Primary Terps: Myrcene 14.12 mg/g; Terpinolene 11.48 mg/g.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.0/5 on Taste; 3.8/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Seattle Cannabis Cup, 2014
Awards: 1st Place, Sativa Flowers (U.S. Recreational)
Grower: Life is Good Healing
Lab Tested By: Steep Hill-Halent Labs, Seattle, WA
Description: One of Amsterdam’s original classics, the SSH is a building block of many of today’s staple Haze strains. A sativa-dominant hybrid created by mixing pure Haze with Skunk #1 and Northern Lights #5, the SSH herself has parented strains such as Amnesia Haze, Super Lemon Haze and Blue Dream.

#5 – Blue Dream

Total Terp Count: 2.47%
Primary Terps: Myrcene 14.93 mg/g; Pinene 8.39 mg/g.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.5/5 on Taste; 4.0/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Denver Cannabis Cup, 2015
Grower: Grow Bales (Brenton Swanson)
Lab Tested By: Charas Scientific Labs, Denver, CO
Description: A product of two exquisitely flavored strains, Blueberry x Super Silver Haze, the Blue Dream offers smokers strong fruity tones that mix with sweet, sugary flavor. Winner of countless Cannabis Cups, the Blue Dream often scores perfect 5’s on judges’ scorecards and fills a room with pungent Berry aromas as soon as a bud is cracked.

The Major Terp Players

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not require a large presence in cannabis for their presence to be known – or their effects to be felt. Additionally, our research indicates that terps are non-discriminant when it comes to sub-species of cannabis, meaning that most terps are found in indicas and sativas evenly, without playing favorites. Here’s a look at the most prominent terpenes that play major roles in the tastes and aromas of our favorite strains.

Limonene – Perhaps the most popular terpene found in cannabis, the name Limonene says it all. Found in large quantities in a wide range of tropical fruit rinds – particularly those in the citrus genus – Limonene is most common in lemons, oranges, limes and – cannabis resin. This terpene explodes into the air when a fruit is peeled or buds are grinded. Plants use Limonene to repulse predators. Limonene is the first, second, or third most prevalent terpene in nearly all cannabis strains and it is a precursor to the synthesis of other cannabinoids.
Limonene is highly absorbed by inhalation and quickly appears in the bloodstream. Since Limonene is known to affect the permeability of the cell membranes, it allows more THC to reach brain cells and increases the absorption of other terpenes.

Pinene – Pinene has the familiar aroma associated with pine trees and their resins as well as the resins of many other conifers and a few non-coniferous plants such as big sagebrush. It is also found in many other plant essential oils including rosemary, sage and eucalyptus. Pinene constitutes the major component of turpentine, contributing to its odor and properties as a solvent. Pinene also easily crosses the blood-brain barrier where it inhibits activity of a chemical that destroy an information transfer molecule, promoting memory retention and alertness. It is a bronchodilator allowing for larger inhalations of smoke and absorption of cannabinoids and terpenoids.

Myrcene – One of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis, Myrcene not only contributes hints of flavor and aroma, but also is a large component of the effects a strain produces. Besides cannabis, it is a component of the essential oil of several plants including lemon grass, bay, wild thyme, parsley, mango and hops. Used in the perfumery industry, it has a pleasant odor, and is used indirectly in the flavor preparation of fragrances such as menthol, citronellal, nerol, and linalool. In cannabis, Myrcene has an aroma that is variously described as hoppy,
clove-like, earthy, green-vegetative, with tropical, mango and minty nuances.

Linalool – Linalool has a floral scent reminiscent of spring flowers such as lily, but with spicy overtones. It is a terpenoid prominent in lavender. It is refined from lavender, neroli, and other essential oils. Humans can detect its odor at rates as low as one part per million in the air. In cannabis, trace amounts of Linalool can also go a long way. When combined with trace amounts of Terpinolene and Limonene, the effects become amplified and sweeter, much like candy.

Terpinolene – Terpinolene has a medium strength, herbal aroma that has been described by judges as fresh, woody, sweet and piney with a hint of citrus. Its flavor is a sweet, terpy, lemon-and-lime-like with a slight floral nuance. It is used as a flavor and fragrance agent. Terpinolene is also used in soap, detergent, creams, lotions, and perfume.

#6 – Tropicanna

Total Terp Count: 2.40%
Primary Terps: Myrcene 15.9mg/g; Pinene 4.2 mg/g; Limonene 2.1 mg/g.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.2/5 on Taste; 3.85/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Michigan Cannabis Cup, 2015
Awards: 2nd Place, Sativa Flowers (Medical)
Grower: Cannabiotix
Lab Tested By: Iron Labs (Walled Lake, MI) & PSI Labs (Ann Arbor, MI)
Description: Creatively named, the Tropicanna has the type of rich lineage one would expect from a great tasting strain and Cup winner: (Pineapple x Kali Mist) x (Northern Lights #5 x Haze). The KM brings overtones of citrus orange while the Pineapple and NL5 bring the sweetness. With potency levels ranging between 20-24 percent THC, the combo of high terpenes and cannabinoids makes the Tropicanna a rising star in 2015.

#7 – Sunshine #4

Total Terp Count: 2.20%
Primary Terps: Myrcene 8.32 mg/g; Limonene 5.9 mg/g; Pinene 1.6 mg/g; Trace amounts of Linalool, Fenchol and Nerolidol.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4/5 on Taste; 3.75/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Michigan Cannabis Cup, 2015
Awards: 1st Place Hybrid Flowers (Medical)
Grower: Bhodi Seeds
Lab Tested By: Iron Labs (Walled Lake, MI) & PSI Labs (Ann Arbor, MI)
Description: A cousin to the Girl Scout Cookies, Sunshine #4’s lineage is similar to that of the GSC but the Sunshine has added genetics in the form of Pink Panties (an OG x Burma cross), making her lineage look like OG Kush x Cherry Pie x Pink Panties. With parentage like that it is not wonder she has the profile of a Terp Taco, with all the major terpenes present in her profile – and then some. Taking home a Cup in this summer’s Michigan competition, she rocked the scales at just over 27 percent THC.

#8 – True OG

Total Terp Count: 2.10%
Primary Terps: 8.95 mg/g Myrcene; 5.76 mg/g Limonene; 2.0 mg/g Linalool.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.25/5 on Taste ; 4.25/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Seattle Cannabis Cup, 2014
Awards: 2nd Place Indica Flowers (San Francisco 2010 & 2011); 2nd Place Indica Flowers (Medical, Seattle 2012); 1st Place Indica Flowers (Medical, Seattle 2013); 2nd Place Indica Flowers (Seed Company, Amsterdam 2012 & 2013); 4th Place Indica Flowers (Medical, Seattle 2014).
Grower: Elemental Seeds
Lab Tested By: Steep Hill-Halent Lab, Seattle, WA
Description: Of course, the OG Kush makes the list twice having literally hundreds of phenos and OG-dominant hybrids. However, this True OG lives up to her name as one of – if not the – truest OG on the planet. Of all the original OG cuts, she remains closest to that of the SFV OG, with strong ties to the flavor and aroma of the Chem ’91 as well (which is also a sibling of the OG lineage).

#9 – Zkittlez

Total Terp Count: 1.90%
Primary Terps: Linalool 2.68 mg/g; Humulene 1.65 mg/g; Limonene 1.40 mg/g; Trace amounts of Myrcene, Pinene, Nerolidol, and Terpinolene.
Judges’ Scorecard: 4.2/5 on Taste; 4.5/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Michigan Cannabis Cup, 2015
Awards: 1st Place, Indica Flowers (Medical)
Grower: 3rd Gen Family x TerpHogz
Lab Tested By: Iron Labs (Walled Lake, MI) & PSI Labs (Ann Arbor, MI)
Description: OK, so #9 (and #10) didn’t quite make our minimum cut of 2 percent total terps, however, this one not only took home a 1st Place Cup in this year’s MI Cup but it also received some of the highest marks ever recorded from our judges in both Taste and Aroma. This goes to show that it’s not always the quantity of terps, but the quality of terps present in a given strain that make it special. In this case it was a highly unique combination of terps that made this strain taste just like candy, as the name indicates, making this Grapefruit cross one of the best tasting buds on Earth.

#10 – Strawberry Banana

Total Terp Count: 1.75%
Primary Terps: Limonene 6.7 mg/g; Pinene 2.5 mg/g; Myrcene 2.4 mg/g; Ocimene 1.67 mg/g; Trace amounts of Humulene, Fenchol and Camphene.
Judges’ Scorecard: 3.75/5 on Taste; 4.1/5 on Aroma.
Competition: Michigan Cannabis Cup, 2015
Awards: 5th Place, Hybrid Flowers (Medical)
Grower: Crockett Family Farms
Lab Tested By: Iron Labs (Walled Lake, MI) & PSI Labs (Ann Arbor, MI)
Description: Another super terp combo, the Strawberry Banana has been steadily gaining popularity over the past couple of years. A hybrid cross of Banana OG and the classic Bubblegum strain from THSeeds (Amsterdam, circa 1993), this strain contains volatile terpenoids that explode when they hit the open air causing mouths to salivate across the room. Her flavor is as advertised as well, invoking visions of a mash up between Bazooka Joe and Toucan Sam.

Organic Growing & Terpene Profiles

From the Best Tasting Buds on Earth, we have compiled the following chart of grow specs for each strain entry. This data was supplied to us directly from the competitors and growers via their Cannabis Cup entry forms for the respective competitions mentioned in The List. Take a closer look here at the methods, mediums and nutrients listed. Notice any patterns?

Notice that 8 out of 10 – or 80 percent – of these strains were grown using either organic or veganic nutrients. It stands to reason that organic nutrient lines produce better tasting buds for two main reasons.

First, synthetic mineral fertilizers generally have very high salt content making it much harder to flush residuals out of the grow medium and the plants themselves. The result is buds that burn black and leave tar and char in your pipe. Second, organic/ veganic nutrients tend to have higher levels of the same organic compounds (nutrients) found in nature, giving plants more of what they
need (and less of what they don’t) to help unlock their total genetic potential and maximize the terpene profiles they can produce. Buds grown organically or veganically burn to white ash and tend to taste much better than those grown with synthetic nutrients.

You may also have noticed that nearly every strain on The List also won an award at a Cannabis Cup, showing that the most potent (THC) strains do not necessarily win. Rather, it is the flavor and bouquet of a flower that stands out most to those who consider themselves true connoisseurs of the plant. Food for thought… tasty buds for those taste buds in your mouth!

Special thanks to Sirius J for contributions in statistical analysis and reporting for this feature.