Was sind die wichtigsten Cannabis-Terpene?

Die sechs wichtigsten: Myrcen (sedierend, häufigstes Terpen), Linalool (anxiolytisch, lavendelartig), Limonen (aufhellend, zitrusartig), β-Caryophyllen (entzündungshemmend, CB2-Agonist), α-Pinen (alerting, Gedächtnisschutz) und Terpinolen (fruchtig-blumig). Jedes Terpen hat ein eigenes Wirkungsprofil, das die Cannabis-Gesamtwirkung mitbestimmt.

Was ist der Entourage-Effekt?

Der Entourage-Effekt beschreibt das Zusammenspiel von Cannabinoiden (THC, CBD) und Terpenen. Russo 2011 (British Journal of Pharmacology) zeigte: Terpene modulieren CB-Rezeptorbindung, Blut-Hirn-Schrankendurchlässigkeit und Neurotransmittersysteme. Full-Spectrum-Extrakte zeigen andere Profile als Isolate. Klinische RCT-Evidenz ist noch begrenzt, die biologische Plausibilität gut belegt.

Welches Terpen ist für Schlaf am besten?

Myrcen (erdig, sedierend) in hohen Anteilen + Linalool (lavendelartig, anxiolytisch) sind die besten Schlaf-Terpene. Sorten mit hohem Myrcen wie Northern Lights oder Granddaddy Purple gelten als klassische Schlaf-Sorten. Der sedierende Effekt tritt vor allem bei hohem Myrcen-Anteil (>0,5% im Extrakt) auf.

Warum wirkt β-Caryophyllen wie CBD?

β-Caryophyllen ist das einzige bekannte Terpen, das direkt als CB2-Agonist wirkt — genau wie CBD über CB2 entzündungshemmend und analgetisch aktiv ist. Kein CB1-Bezug, also keine Psychoaktivität. BCP kommt auch in schwarzem Pfeffer, Nelken und Oregano vor — deshalb gilt es als 'dietary cannabinoid'. Es erklärt, warum OG Kush trotz hohem THC eine stark entzündungshemmende Komponente hat.

Cannabis Terpenes: Myrcene, Linalool and the Entourage Effect

Two strains with identical THC content can have completely different effects — a phenomenon that has long puzzled cannabis research. The answer lies to a large extent in the terpenes: volatile aromatic compounds that not only determine the scent but also directly influence the effect. Anyone choosing strains deliberately cannot avoid terpene profiles.

Overview hide

What are Cannabis Terpenes?

The most important cannabis terpenes in profile

The Entourage Effect: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Terpenes as a purchasing decision: What the terpene profile says

Frequently asked questions about cannabis terpenes

What are Cannabis Terpenes?

Terpenes are a large class of organic compounds produced by many plants:

Formation: Produced in the trichomes of female cannabis flowers — the same gland structures that produce THC and CBD. Terpenes are formed from geranylpyrophosphate, a common precursor molecule shared with cannabinoids
Function in the plant: Primarily defense against herbivores and fungi, attracting pollinators. Evolutionary developed biochemistry — not optimized for human consumers
Over 100 identified terpenes: More than 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis extracts. The dominant 5–10 terpenes determine the profile of each strain
Volatil and heat-sensitive: Terpenes evaporate at low temperatures (Limonene at ~176°C, Linalool at ~198°C). Vaporizer users can preserve terpenes through low temperatures; many are lost when burning (joints)
Not psychoactive per se: Terpenes alter the effect through the entourage effect — not through direct CB1/CB2 binding (exception: β-Caryophyllene)

The most important cannabis terpenes in profile

The six dominant terpenes and their characteristic effects:

Myrcene (Myrcene): The most common terpene in cannabis — present in most strains at 20–65% of the total terpene content. Scent: earthy, musky, slightly fruity. Effect: sedating, muscle-relaxing, potentially enhancing CB1 penetration through blood-brain barrier permeability. Strains: OG Kush, White Widow, indica-dominant strains generally. “Couch-lock” with high myrcene content
Linalool: Scent: floral, lavender-like. Known from lavender aromatherapy. Effect: anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), sedative, anticonvulsant (GABA modulation). Clinical studies on linalool for anxiety are promising. Strains: Amnesia Haze (paradoxically despite Sativa dominance), LA Confidential
Limonene: Scent: citrus, lemon/orange. Effect: uplifting, mood-enhancing, potentially antidepressant through serotonin/dopamine modulation. 5-HT1A agonism has been demonstrated. Strains: Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, sativa-dominant strains. Ideal for daytime use
Β-Caryophyllene (BCP): Scent: peppery, spicy, woody. Special feature: the only known terpene that acts directly as a CB2 agonist — formally also classified as a “dietary cannabinoid”. Effect: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic — without CB1 activation, thus without psychoactive component. Strains: OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies
Α-Pinene / β-Pinene: Scent: Pine, pine forest. Effect: alerting (increases attention), inhibition of acetylcholinesterase → protection against THC-induced short-term memory impairment. Bronchodilating (relevant for asthma). Strains: Jack Herer, Bubba Kush, Chemdawg
Terpinolene: Scent: floral-fruity, slightly resinous. Less commonly dominant terpene. Effect: mildly sedating in high amounts, antioxidant. Strains: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze

The Entourage Effect: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The term “Entourage Effect” was coined by Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat (1998) and systematized for terpenes by Ethan Russo (2011, British Journal of Pharmacology):

Core thesis: Cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes are more effective and nuanced in combination than in isolation. Full-spectrum extracts show different — often more favorable — profiles than isolates
Mechanismus: Terpenes modulate blood-brain barrier permeability (Myrcene), alter receptor binding affinities, interfere with neurotransmitter systems, and modulate CB1/CB2 downstream signaling pathways
Linalool + CBD: Combination shows additive anxiolytic effect — both target the same system (reduction of anxiety) through different receptors
Pinen + THC: α-Pinene reduces THC-induced memory impairment (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase) — explains why some strains with high THC have less of a “cloudy” effect
BCP + THC: β-Caryophyllene activation of CB2 complements THC’s effect at CB1 with an anti-inflammatory component without additional psychoactivity
Criticism of the concept: The “Entourage Effect” is well theoretically grounded, but direct clinical evidence from RCTs is largely lacking. Full-spectrum products are nevertheless more pharmacologically advanced than isolates

Terpenes as a purchasing decision: What the terpene profile says

Terpenes are a better strain indicator than the Indica/Sativa dichotomy:

Indica/Sativa is outdated: Genetic analyses show that the Indica/Sativa classification does not allow reliable predictions of effects. Terpenes and cannabinoid profiles are more informative
Relaxation/Sleep: High myrcene content + linalool + CBD. Classic examples: Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple
Focus/Energy: High limonene content + pinene. Classic examples: Durban Poison, Green Crack (high terpinolene content)
Pain relief without sedation: β-Caryophyllene-dominant strains + CBD. Anti-inflammatory via CB2, analgesic without strong CB1 sedation
Laboratory tests: Reputable dispensaries and pharmacies list terpene profiles alongside THC/CBD content. The manufacturer’s COA (Certificate of Analysis) should include terpene data

How THC and CBD work in the endocannabinoid system: CBD vs. THC. Strain profiles with typical terpenes compared: Cannabis Strain Profiles. Cannabis as medicine: Consider the terpene profile when choosing a strain: Cannabis on prescription.

How terpenes are preserved in different extract forms — Live Resin and Rosin: Cannabis Extracts and Concentrates.