Why Terpene Profiles Matter More Than THC Percentage

If you’ve ever bought two strains with similar THC numbers and had totally different experiences, you’ve already discovered the secret the industry doesn’t talk about enough: THC percentage isn’t the main event — terpenes are.

At thisthat, we don’t believe in shopping by numbers alone. We believe in shopping by aroma, flavor, and effect profile. And all three come from one place: the terpene profile.

THC Is Power — Terpenes Are Personality

THC tells you how “strong” a product might be. Terpenes decide what kind of experience that strength becomes.

Think of THC like caffeine, and terpenes like roast, origin, and flavor. Two coffees can have the same caffeine level but taste and feel totally different. Cannabis works the same way.

What Are Terpenes, Really?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants — not just cannabis. They appear in fruit peels, spices, pine trees, flowers, and herbs. In hemp, they determine:

• Aroma (sweet, skunky, citrusy, earthy)
• Flavor (cream, gas, fruit, herbal)
• Effect direction (energizing, calming, balanced)

This is why one strain can feel buzzy and motivating, while another at the same potency feels heavier and slower. Same “strength,” very different ride.

Common Terpene Profiles & How They Tend to Feel

Every strain is a mix, but these are the profiles customers connect with most:

• Citrus / Fruity: Often described as bright, uplifting, creative.
• Gas / Earth: Deeper, heavier, more grounding.
• Dessert / Sweet: Smooth, indulgent, and relaxing.

If you want to go deeper into how terpenes affect quality, see The Truth About “Premium” Hemp.

The Myth of “Stronger Is Better”

Higher THC doesn’t always mean a better experience.

In many cases, flower with balanced terpenes at 24–27% can feel richer, smoother, and more enjoyable than a terpene-poor strain at 33%.

Why? Because terpenes shape:

• Smoothness of the smoke or vapor
• Perceived intensity
• Whether a high feels sharp or rounded

Potency hits fast. Terpenes stay with you.

How to Shop by Terpenes Instead of THC

Here’s how you upgrade your buying habits:

• Read the terpene list, not just the number.
• Smell first if possible. Your brain recognizes terpenes instinctively.
• Look for variety. A diverse terpene profile beats a high single terp percentage.
• Check the COA. Terpenes should be lab-tested, not just claimed.

If you’re unsure how to read a lab report, start with our guide on how to read a hemp label so you know exactly how to interpret terp percentages and cannabinoid breakdowns.

Why thisthat Talks Terps First

We carry strains that smell like something for a reason — because flavor is a sign of integrity.

Dry hay smell? That’s a curing or storage issue. Loud aroma? That usually means craft cultivation and careful handling.

Our whole lineup — from flower to live resin — is built to preserve terpene integrity. That’s why customers describe our strains as “clean,” “smooth,” and “true to the name.”

Want Better Sessions? Chase Flavor, Not Numbers.

If you want consistency, satisfaction, and sessions that feel “right” instead of overwhelming — shop by terpene profile.

The nose never lies. The label sometimes does.

When you let terpenes guide you, you stop guessing and start dialing in your experience.

Not sure how to avoid sketchy purchases? Start with our guide on buying hemp online safely.