Have you ever wondered what gives an orange its citrusy smell? Or lavender its calming aroma and effects on your mental state? How about your weed? Have you ever wondered what makes your weed smell so good?
That would be the terpenes in your cannabis products.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Terpenes 101
So, what are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?
Simply put, terpenes are the organic compounds found within the cannabis plant that enhance your high, provide a flavour profile, distinct aromas, and have a number of medical benefits. If you've ever used essential oils, then you're already familiar with terpenes—because they're actually found in all plants (and even some insects).
They are responsible for all of nature's aromas, so to speak. Plants have developed terpenes as a survival mechanism. The flavour and aroma that they create help to ward off herbivores while also attracting pollinators.
What About the Terpenes in Weed?
The terpenes in cannabis are secreted from the same glands that produce its cannabinoids. These aromatic oils give cannabis its colouring and distinct flavours—and that "dank" smell.
Over 100 different terpenes have been identified among the variety of cannabis plants so far. Each strain created is strongly associated with a unique terpene. For example, the strain known as Cheese and its off-set strains will always have a distinct cheese-like smell.
Terpenes do more than just add some colour and distinct smells and flavours to cannabis. They also have therapeutic benefits, just like their cannabinoid counterparts. Terpenes can actually enhance or minimize the effects of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. But unlike THC and CBD, terpenes can't necessarily work on their own.
In other words, they contribute to what is known as the entourage effect. This is when all of the cannabinoids work together to produce greater effects. For example, you can have similar strains that are profoundly different. One effect may be energizing while the other may be completely grounding—These effects are driven by the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Why Do Terpenes Matter?
Studies have shown the terpenes in each cannabis dictates the healing properties in the plant.
Here's the terpene breakdown:
- Myrcene: Alleviates pain and inflammation, and accounts for 50 percent of all terpene content within the cannabis plant.
- Linalool: Minimizes stress and anxiety. Also is known to be analgesic, anti-depressant, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, and to have anti-tumour properties.
- Pinene: Kills bacteria and improves cognitive function. Known to be the most common terpene of all plants, possessing antimicrobial effects and enzyme inhibiting effects.
- Limonene: Reduces gastric reflux and ulcers. This citrusy terpene promotes the healing of mucous cells within the digestive tract and promotes the absorption of other terpenes into the tissues.
- Humulene: Inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It has the ability to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which oxidize cancer cells, slowing their growth.
- Borneol: Reduces the risk of heart disease. Used as ancient Chinese medicine, this terpene has anti-coagulative properties, aiding in heart health.
As you can see, terpenes do more than just produce aromatherapeutic benefits.
Better Together
Although aromatherapy works wonders to boost our emotional well-being, with medicinal cannabis, terpenes always work best alongside other cannabinoids. This is important to remember if you're looking for alternative treatment.
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