Cannabis Terpenes, Types and Benefits to Human Health

You must have heard the hype about Cannabinoids, CBD, THC, Marijuana, Hemp plants, and related terms. If so, you must have known how miraculous and wonderous nature has been in the field of medicine. The cannabis plant though previously prohibited but today has been among the most beneficial plants from nature. A lot has been learned about it lately and more studies are yet to come.

The cannabis plant is known for its distinct aromas that are calming and soothing to one’s mind and flavors that are divergent and loved by many, these features of Cannabis are due to the presence of terpenes, terpenoids, terms whatever you want to call it. They induce the flaming characters that make cannabis a popping ingredient in consumer products everywhere.!

What are Cannabis Terpenes?

Terpenes, also called isoprenoids are the largest and most diverse group of naturally occurring aromatic compounds. They are mostly found in plants but larger classes of terpenes such as sterols and squalene can be found in animals. Terpenes are responsible for the fragrance, taste, and pigment of plants. Similarly, the Cannabis plant produces terpenes that give them the characteristic smell, taste, and flavor like berry, mint, citrus, and pine.

What’s wondrous is that different cannabis strains secrete different terpenes, some strains have terpenes promoting stress-relief and relaxation like Myrcene is found in many relaxing cannabis strains like Blue Dream and Granddaddy Purple, while some others can promote activeness and focus, Terpinolene is commonly found in uplifting, active strains like Jack Herer and Ghost Train Haze. The aromas of terpenes range variously, from citrusy to fruity, some may imitate other flowers, each is unique to its own kind.

Besides providing details to a plant, the characteristic features of smell and taste in cannabis are derived due to adaptive purposes i.e. to repel predators and attract pollinators.

Terpenes and potent Medicinal properties.

The cannabis plant as a whole has been labeled as a wellness product. There are more than 100 terpenes in a cannabis plant. They enhance the health benefits of the products either alone or synergistically with other terpenes, THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids found in cannabis.

 Even individually, terpenes show significant therapeutic potential. To make more sense, few terpenes and their therapeutic effects can be noted below;

  • Linalool, a terpene also found in lavender, is known to provide antianxiety effects.
  • α-Pinene, also produced in rosemary, can be rejuvenating and lead to mental alertness.
  • Myrcene increases cell permeability and fastens the rate of cannabinoids absorbance in the body.
  • Limonene, responsible for increasing serotonin levels, which regulates mood.

 

Terpenes with Cannabinoids, what's the relation?

The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids is very symbiotic. By that we mean, when ingested altogether, they promote better beneficial effects, improved anti-bacterial properties, and minimized side effects. This is because terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system and help other cannabinoids in entering the bloodstream. This process is called the entourage effect.  

According to Dr. Russo, the cannabinoid-terpene interaction is a synergy with respect to the treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.

Adding on, it is shown that terpenes, terpenoids, and cannabinoids all have the ability to kill respiratory pathogens, like the MRSA virus.

Some most commonly found terpenes in cannabis.

Among 120 terpenes found in the cannabis plant, each with a unique property and composition, listing down major and abundantly found terpene below;

  1. Myrcene

 

  • The most abundantly found terpene is myrcene found around 65% of total terpene profiles in some cannabis strains.
  • The aroma feels herbal, earthy, and musky with a touch of Cardamom, and cloves.
  • Strains that are rich in myrcene include Skunk XL, White Widow, and Special Kush.
  • BENEFITS;
  • Potential effects include Sedating, relaxing
  • Potential therapeutic values are Antioxidants, treatment of insomnia, chronic pain, and inflammation.

 

  1. Limonene

 

  • Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in cannabis, not necessarily present in all stains.
  • The aroma feels citrusy like lemons.
  • Present abundantly in citrus fruits.
  • Strains containing limonene are O.G. Kush, Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Jack the Ripper.
  • BENEFITS;
  • Incredible mood booster and stress reliever.
  • Found to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, also plays a role in reducing tumor size.
  • Widely used in cosmetics and cleaning products due to its refreshing scent.
  • Used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and cancer

 

  1. Linalool

 

  • The cannabis terpene is known for its pungent, spicy, and floral scent.
  • Linalool can also be found in lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander. All of which have calming scents.
  • Strains that contain Linalool are Amnesia Haze, Special Kush, Lavender, LA Confidential, and OG Shark.
  • BENEFITS;
  • Potential effects include Mood enhancement, sedation, calming, and relaxation.
  • Used in Treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease

 

 

  1. Caryophyllene

 

  • Cannabis Terpene that spices up our life with its peppery aroma and a spicy note.
  • Caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and spices like oregano, basil, and rosemary. All essential daily life spices without which your tastebuds will curse you.
  • Strains rich in caryophyllene are Super Silver Haze, Skywalker, and Rock Star.
  • BENEFITS;
  • Potential effects include Stress relief.
  • Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to also act as a cannabinoid, activate the endocannabinoid system, and generate anti-inflammatory responses.
  • Found in many anti-inflammatory topical creams.
  • Shows analgesic and anxiolytic properties.
  • Plays role in Alcohol rehabilitation and treats Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
  • Used in the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, and ulcers.

 

  1. Alpha-pinene, Beta-pinene

 

  • Pinenes are the most abundant terpenes found in nature.
  • Found abundantly in pine trees and give pine trees the characteristic scent.
  • Other common plants rich in pinene include rosemary, orange peels, basil, and parsley.
  • Strains that are great sources of pinene are Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream, Island Sweet Skunk, Dutch Treat, and Romulan.
  • BENEFITS;
  • Potential effects include Alertness, memory retention, and counteracts some THC effects.
  • Used exclusively to treat pain, anxiety, and inflammation, also in asthma as they improve airway flow and respiratory functions.
  • Found effective in case of arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, and even cancer.

 

  1. Camphene,
  • Best known for its antioxidant properties, and earthy, musky, fir needle-type aroma.
  • Camphene can be found in Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, and Mendocino Purps.
  • BENEFITS;
  • In combination with vitamin C, it becomes a powerful antioxidant and it is widely used in conventional medicine as a topical for skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis.
  • A powerful antioxidant lowers blood cholesterol and TAGs, promotes overall Cardiovascular health.

 

A number of other terpenes are playing a significant role in regulating different aspects which are all unique to their own kind. Few others that have worth mentioning roles include Humulene, Eucalyptol, Trans-nerolidol, Delta 3 Carene, and others.

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