Terpenes
The aromatic compounds that co-determine the taste, smell and effects of cannabis.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants — not just cannabis. They are responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of each cannabis strain and significantly influence the effects. Anyone who consumes cannabis consciously cannot ignore terpenes.
The cannabis plant produces over 200 different terpenes, of which about 20–30 occur in relevant concentrations. The most important are myrcene (earthy, calming), limonene (citrusy, mood-lifting), caryophyllene (peppery, anti-inflammatory), pinene (piney, concentration-enhancing), and linalool (floral, relaxing).
The so-called entourage effect describes the interplay between terpenes and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Research suggests that terpenes can enhance, weaken, or modulate the effects of cannabinoids. A strain with a lot of myrcene typically has a more sedating effect, while a strain with a lot of limonene tends to be more uplifting — even with similar THC content.
In our strain database, you can find the complete terpene profile of each strain. This allows you to specifically select strains whose effect profile matches your expectations — not just by THC content, but by the entire chemical profile.
All Articles — Terpenes
What Are Terpenes? Definition, Chemistry and Effects
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds of the cannabis plant. This article explains their chemical basis, role in nature, the entourage effect, and why the terpene profile matters more than indica or sativa.
Myrcene – The Most Common Cannabis Terpene in Detail
Myrcene is the dominant terpene in most cannabis strains. This article examines its chemistry, earthy aroma profile, sedating and muscle-relaxing effects, the famous mango myth, and its entourage effect.
Limonene – The Citrus Terpene with Mood-Lifting Effects
Limonene gives cannabis its fresh citrus aroma and is considered a mood-lifting, antibacterial and potentially anticancer terpene. This article examines its chemistry, effects, stereoisomers and notable strains.
Caryophyllene – The Only Terpene That Binds to CB2 Receptors
Beta-caryophyllene is unique among all terpenes: it directly binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors. This article explains its sesquiterpene chemistry, peppery-spicy aroma, anti-inflammatory NF-κB inhibition, effects on anxiety and depression, and its role in pain management and gastroprotection.
Linalool: The Lavender Terpene in Cannabis
Linalool is the characteristic terpene of lavender and is also found in many cannabis strains. This article examines its aroma, anxiolytic and analgesic effects, anticonvulsant properties, the entourage effect, and strains with high linalool content.
Terpinolene and Humulene: Two Underrated Cannabis Terpenes
Terpinolene and humulene are two lesser-known but therapeutically significant cannabis terpenes. This article examines their aromas, effects, sedating and anti-inflammatory properties, their connection to hops, and relevant cannabis strains.
Indica vs. Sativa — What Is the Real Difference?
The classic indica/sativa distinction is scientifically outdated. The real difference lies in the terpene profile and cannabinoid ratio — not the plant shape.
The Entourage Effect: How Cannabinoids and Terpenes Work Together
The entourage effect describes the interplay of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the cannabis plant. This article explains the research, the difference between full-spectrum and isolate, and why terpene profiles matter more than strain labels.
