While cannabis oil, CBD oil, CBD, THC and other compounds from marijuana are getting mainstream attention, one compound from the plant is currently making waves in the cannabis world — terpenes. Like other substances from the plant, these compounds have health benefits that cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes [pronounced as tur-peens] are oils from cannabis secreted by the same glands that produce CBD, THC and other cannabinoids (compounds from cannabis). These substances provide distinct aromatic flavors like berry, citrus, mint or pine to different weed strains. Marijuana and hemp are not the only plants that produce terpenes. Other plant varieties, particularly conifers, also release these compounds.
These substances have many uses. Various plants secrete more than 20,000 of these oils to shoo away predators and attract pollinators. These compounds also delay maturation and regulate their metabolism. Without these chemicals, most plants, including marijuana, will never survive and reproduce.
Terpenes in Marijuana
Female marijuana plants have glandular trichomes, glands that look like small hairs that extend from plant’s flowers and leaves. Trichomes contain vital compounds, which include THC and CBD and other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
Scientists have found more than 100 types of terpenes in cannabis. Each of them provides a distinct aromatic quality. Many factors influence marijuana’s production and development of terpenes, which include age, climate, soil type, and weather.
When growers handle the plants delicately in such a way that the trichomes remain intact throughout the collection and processing, you can expect excellent cannabis with strong and unique colors, flavors, and aromas. Hence, it is essential to buy cannabis products from companies known for their strict production process.
Health Benefits
Terpenes are the main ingredient for aromatherapy in most plants. Those in cannabis provide many health effects, depending on the strain. The therapeutic benefits are:
- Gives deep relaxation
- Manages stress
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Relieves chronic pain
- Enhances memory and other mental activities
- Improves sleep quality
- Uplifts the mood
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps fight Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
No wonder many aromatherapy enthusiasts are looking for cannabis terpenes in their storage of essential oils. Apart from their attractive smells, they provide tons of medical benefits for users.
Most Common Types
- Myrcene – Apart from marijuana and hemp, this terpene produces earthy, musky, and fruity scent in mangoes, basil, hops, lemongrass, and thyme. It is the most common terpenes in cannabis, comprising almost up to 50% of the plant’s entire terpenes. Myrcene has an anti-inflammatory property and can be used to promote sleep and as a muscle relaxant.
- Pinene – This is the most common terpene in the world that gives pine needles their smell. It is also found in basil, parsley, orange peels, and rosemary. This type provides relief to asthma, anxiety, inflammation, pain, ulcers. Studies found this substance can counter short-term memory loss that comes from taking THC. It can also improve airflow to your lungs, and increase alertness.
- Limonene – This gives a citrus odor in rinds of citrus fruits, juniper, peppermint, and rosemary. Smelling this terpene can elevate the mood and relieve stress. It also has potential medical benefits such as treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and cancer.
- Caryophyllene – Also found in basils, cinnamon leaves, cloves, and black pepper, this terpene can relieve stress and provide cure to anxiety and depression. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linalool – This substance gives off a floral scent that is also found in lavender. It can be used for enhancing the mood and inducing sleep and has the potential in helping treat anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and some neurodegenerative diseases.
Terpenes and CBD Oil: Perfect Combination
Aside from giving a fragrance, adding a cannabis terpene to CBD oil can increase their potency of these compounds in treating various diseases. The combination of cannabinoids (CBD and THC) and other compounds from weed like terpenes produce the Entourage Effect, which makes a mixture of cannabis substances more potent than when taken individually.
Terpenes provide more than fragrance to cannabis. It can also produce beneficial effects on your health and wellness.
