Anyone who has ever come into contact with cannabis is familiar with its unmistakable smell. But why is the scent so intense? One of the primary factors behind this distinctive odour is terpenes. Along with cannabinoids, terpenes are among the most important compounds in medical cannabis. Approximately 400 terpenes have been isolated from the cannabis plant. These aromatic compounds are also found in other plants, herbs, trees, and fruits such as lavender, rosemary, conifers, and grapes, and can even be found in essential oils.
Let’s take a closer look at what terpenes are and the roles they play in cannabis.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are chemical compounds that serve multiple functions. They are most abundant during the flowering phase of the plant and play a vital role in its survival. On one hand, they act as a natural defence against fungi, bacteria, and insects. On the other hand, they attract beneficial insects and pollinators. In addition to these protective functions, terpenes may also offer potential health benefits, contributing to the overall therapeutic properties of cannabis-based medicines.
Terpenes are formed in the resin glands of the cannabis plant, called trichomes. To produce more terpenes, the plant needs more trichomes. The resin itself is made up of about 10% to 30% terpenes. The specific type and quantity of terpenes vary depending on the cannabis strain.
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light can influence terpene production, making each cannabis strain unique in its aroma and therapeutic profile. Additionally, terpenes can be preserved in various ways, depending on how the plant is harvested and processed. For example, full spectrum extracts or CO2 extraction methods tend to preserve a wider range of terpenes.
Therapeutic Effects of Terpenes
Terpenes can have a range of therapeutic effects, including calming, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and mood-lifting properties. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact directly with cannabinoid receptors, terpenes interact with other receptors and systems in the body, such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. This helps explain how terpenes influence mood, pain, and other aspects of health.
Here are some of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis:
- Myrcene: The most commonly found terpene in cannabis, myrcene has an earthy, musky scent. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, making it ideal for pain relief and relaxation.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: With a woody, spicy scent, beta-caryophyllene is believed to have powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. It is the only terpene thought to interact directly with one of the body’s cannabinoid receptors—CB2. It may be particularly helpful for patients with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
- Linalool: If you’ve ever used lavender for relaxation, you’ve already experienced the calming effects of linalool. This terpene is thought to be beneficial for conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.
- Limonene: Known for its lemon-like scent, limonene is recognized for its mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects.
- Pinene: With a piney aroma, pinene is a bronchodilator as well as an anti-inflammatory. It is believed to help improve memory and focus.
- Humulene: Found in plants like sage and ginseng, humulene has an herbaceous, woody aroma. It is thought to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, as well as analgesic benefits, and may be useful in wound healing.
The Entourage Effect
Terpenes work in synergy with cannabinoids to create unique effects, contributing to what is known as the entourage effect. This term describes the way different compounds in cannabis work together to enhance the plant’s overall effects. Each strain’s terpene and cannabinoid profile produces different effects, making every strain distinct.
Cannabinoids and terpenes may work together to produce enhanced or more nuanced effects, which can help patients find strains that work best for their specific needs. Certain terpenes can also enhance the bioavailability of cannabinoids, allowing the body to absorb and utilize these compounds more effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding terpenes can help patients make more informed choices about their medicinal cannabis use. By considering the terpene profiles of different strains, patients can better tailor their cannabis experience to meet their individual needs and preferences. The future of terpene research is exciting, with ongoing studies exploring how terpenes could be used in targeted therapies for a wide range of medical conditions, from cancer to neurological disorders.
References:
Myrcene:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8326332/
Beta-caryophyllene:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0803601105
Linalool:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9886818/
Limonene:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29427589/#:~:text=The%20therapeutic%20effects%20of%20limonene,other%20beneficial%20effects%20in%20health.
Pinene:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25340185/
Humulene: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/humulene
