Terpenes are a large, diverse group of organic compounds that are produced by nearly every plant in nature, including cannabis. Terpenes interact with your cannabinoid receptors.Even before you become a cannabis consumer you've experienced terpenes daily in fruits, vegetables and plants of all kinds. Even some i nsects produce terpenes . Terpenes produce a strong odor to deter herbivores from eating the plants. Each terpene has its own distinct smell, which plays a defining