Terpenes
The natural fragrances in cannabis – and their therapeutic potential
What are terpenes?
Natural ingredients with effect
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that occur in many plants – particularly abundant in the cannabis plant.
They are responsible for the typical smell of each variety: sometimes fruity, sometimes spicy, sometimes woody. But terpenes are not just „fragrances “ – they affect how cannabis works in the body.
Why are terpenes important for patients?
More than THC and CBD: the big picture counts
Many patients first pay attention to the content of THC or CBD – in an understandable manner. However, the effect of a cannabis variety is decisively determined by its terpene profile. Two varieties with the same THC content can have very different effects – soothing or activating, pain relieving or mood-enhancing.
This interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids is called the entourage effect: the active ingredients of the plant work synergistically, i.e. in a team. Depending on the composition, cannabis can relax, focus, alleviate anxiety or help with sleep problems.
Bildvorschlag: Einfaches Diagramm zum Entourage-Effekt: THC + CBD + Terpene → gemeinsam wirksamer.
Important terpenes in medical use
| Terpen | Duftprofil | Mögliche medizinische Wirkung | Typische Sorten |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcen | Erdig, moschusartig | Entspannend, schlaffördernd | Indica-dominante Sorten |
| Limonen | Zitrusartig, frisch | Stimmungsaufhellend, angstlösend | Viele Sativa-Sorten |
| Linalool | Blumig (Lavendel) | Beruhigend, schmerzlindernd | Einige CBD-reiche Sorten |
| Pinene | Frisch, nach Kiefer | Konzentrationsfördernd, entzündungshemmend | Hybride mit aktivierender Wirkung |
| Beta-Caryophyllen | Würzig, pfeffrig | Entzündungshemmend, wirkt über CB2-Rezeptor | Häufig in medizinischem Cannabis |
Bildvorschlag: Infografik mit 5 Terpenen, jeweils mit Symbol (z. B. Zitrone für Limonen, Lavendelblüte für Linalool), Duft, Wirkung, evtl. Molekülstruktur im Hintergrund.
Find the right variety: Terpenes help with the selection
Everyone reacts differently to terpenes. Some find certain fragrances pleasant, others rather than too intense. The effect is also individual. It is therefore worthwhile to pay attention to the terpenes contained when trying out different varieties.
Tip for patients:
- Pay attention to your gut feeling when smelling – it can be an indication of suitable active ingredients.
- Keep an active log in which you write down varieties, terpenes and effects.
- Talk to doctors or pharmacists about terpene profiles when choosing a prescription.
Bildvorschlag: Symbolisches Bild eines Patienten mit Tagebuch oder App – z. B. „Cannabis-Wirkprotokoll“ in der Hand.
Our Terpen database: knowledge at a glance
In order to make it easier for patients to choose, we have a constantly growing terpene database. There you can look up:
- Which terpenes occur in which varieties
- What medical effects have been researched
- Which varieties are often used for certain symptoms
Visit our database at:
Bildvorschlag: Screenshot oder Mockup eurer Datenbank-Oberfläche auf Smartphone/Tablet oder Computerbildschirm.
Conclusion: Terpenes are more than just fragrance
For patients, terpenes are a valuable key to individually effective cannabis medicine. Their influence on relaxation, mood, sleep and inflammation is increasingly being researched and taken seriously. With the knowledge of terpenes, cannabis can be used more specifically – for more effect with less trial and error.
