Terpene Dominance

Terpene dominance refers to the characteristic pattern where one or two volatile aromatic compounds significantly outnumber others in a cannabis flower's chemical profile. Breeders and researchers identify dominant terpenes by gas chromatography and related analytical methods, which reveal the relative concentrations of limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and other compounds. Lineage records frequently report terpene dominance as a heritable trait—for example, some OG Kush descendants consistently express elevated caryophyllene levels across generations. Understanding terpene dominance helps breeders predict aromatic character and maintain consistency within strain families. This classification differs from terpene *profile*, which maps the entire spectrum; dominance focuses on which compounds lead.

Breeders working in this category often select parent plants exhibiting strong, stable terpene expression to ensure predictable offspring chemistry. Terpene dominance patterns are used as phenotypic markers to identify desired cultivars and maintain genetic stability across commercial crops.