You might have lately come across a less often used phrase, “terpenes,” combined with other cannabis terms such as cannabinoid, Indica, and Sativa. These are other chemicals discovered in cannabis.
But, technically, what are terpenes? And how crucial is it to understand which varieties and levels of cannabis are present in a product before purchasing it?
Continue reading to learn what scientists have discovered so far.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic molecules that exist spontaneously in flora and fauna. Fragrances, tastes, and even colors linked with distinct plants are all due to them. Terpenes are the chemical makeups in cannabis that give various strains their distinctive aromas and flavors.
Cleaning solutions, pesticides, and colors are among the items made from them. Some of them have medicinal benefits.
Although terpenes can be found in practically all plants, the following are some of the more prevalent sources:
- cannabis
- citrusy fruits
- fragrant herbs such as rosemary and thyme
What does Terpene do?
Terpenes are believed to defend vegetation from animals and inclement weather. It still is a little of a riddle about exactly how they benefit humans. On the other hand, terpenes are rapidly being used by cannabinoid researchers and users to categorize hemp items and forecast their benefits.
The notion is that a strain’s terpene spectrum, or dominant constituents, works in combination with its cannabinoid concentration or the quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other compounds, to provide the experiences that individuals connect with different varieties.
They could, for instance, describe why two varieties with identical THC content have such varied effects.
How does Terpene compare to THC and CBD?
THC-Tetrahydrocannabidiol and CBD-cannabidiol are only two of the more than 110 cannabinoids contained in cannabis. Still, they are the more prevalent and very well-researched.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are two different chemicals that might give you hints on what to anticipate from a cannabinoid.
However, they all seem to connect, a phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect.” This is the theory that the “full-spectrum” of cannabis chemicals, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other substances found in the cannabis plant, work together to generate cannabis’ feelings and actions.
To put it another way, it’s a theory that just a small amount of every chemical is better than a boatload of a single element.
For instance, a 2010 study found that combining CBD and THC was much more helpful for relieving pain versus THC individually.
Breast cancer tumors in a Petri dish reacted differently to cannabis extracts versus simple THC by itself, according to a 2018 study. However, other compounds, not terpenes, were responsible for the synergetic effect.
When you’re consuming CBD for medical reasons, this is something you should think about. If a CBD isolate (a product that solely contains CBD) doesn’t give you the results you want, consider a full-spectrum Cbd oil that will also include terpene as well as other compounds, as well as minor levels of THC.
Common terpenes and their effects
There are over 400 terpenes in cannabis, and only a few have been connected to particular actions by scientists.
Next are some of the most prevalent terpenes and associated impacts:
- Beta-caryophyllene. Beta-caryophyllene is a compound found in cloves, black pepper, and hops that may help with mood and anxiety disorders.
- Beta-pinene. Suppose you’ve ever taken a walk into a pine woodland. In that case, you’re familiar with the scent of beta-pinene, which has anti-depressing and anti-cancerous properties.
- Humulene. Ginseng root contains this terpenoid traditionally utilized in conventional medicine for its uplifting properties.
- Limonene. Limonene is among the most abundant terpenes, with characteristic citrus aromas and possible anti-cancer capabilities. It has been demonstrated to possess anti-anxiety benefits in rodents.
- Linalool. Cannabis containing linalool, a stress-relieving compound, may interest fragrant massage aficionados.
- Myrcene. Myrcene, which is found in mangoes, possesses antimicrobial and antifungal activities and soothing characteristics.
Please remember that most of the terpene investigation is still in its infancy. More significant human research is required to comprehend the health effects of various terpene compositions completely.
The Takeaway?
Terpenes have a vital influence on a cannabis strain’s scent and flavor. They may also generate psychedelic effects combined with substances and other marijuana plant components.
However, because study into the plants and over 400 terpenes is still in its early stages, it isn’t easy to make any factual assertions.
Apart from phytocannabinoids, your biochemistry, past cannabis experience, and the setting in which you smoke cannabis can all have an stimulus on how you feel. Terpenes are just a piece of the jigsaw. Nonetheless, they could be a fun way to try out different items and see which ones you enjoy best.
