TERPENES: WHAT ARE THEY?

Terpenes are a group of organic compounds that are found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinctive flavours and scents of different strains of cannabis, whilst they also offer a number of potential health benefits. Terpenes have a variety of functions in plants, such as attracting pollinators, deterring predators, and protecting against diseases. There are over 20,000 different terpenes found in nature, with more than 100 different terpenes found in cannabis alone. 

 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of some terpenes we use and how they can enhance the effects of CBD.

Myrcene has a number of potential therapeutic properties. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects, and is often used in traditional medicine for these purposes. Some of the other potential benefits of myrcene include:
    • Pain relief: Myrcene has been shown to have analgesic properties and may be effective at reducing pain.
    • Anti-inflammatory: Myrcene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
    • Sedative: Myrcene has been shown to have sedative effects, which may make it useful for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.
    • Antimicrobial: Myrcene has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which may make it useful for treating infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
Limonene is a terpene that is commonly found in the rinds of citrus fruits, as well as in many other plants including cannabis. It is known for its fresh, citrusy scent and is often used in perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products for its pleasant aroma. Limonene has a number of potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. It has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of health conditions, including:
    • Stress and anxiety: Limonene has been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which may help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
    • Depression: Limonene has been shown to have antidepressant effects, which may make it useful in treating depression.
    • Pain and inflammation: Limonene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may make it useful for treating pain and inflammation.
    • Digestive issues: Limonene has been shown to have gastro protective effects, which may make it useful for treating digestive issues such as gastric ulcers.
    • Cancer: Limonene has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, particularly in preventing the growth of breast cancer cells.

    Linalool is a terpene that is commonly found in many different plants, including lavender, mint, and cannabis. It has a floral, spicy scent and is often used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products for its pleasant aroma.

    Linalool has a number of potential therapeutic properties, including:

      • Anxiolytic and sedative: Linalool has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, which may make it useful in treating anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders.
      • Pain relief: Linalool has been shown to have analgesic properties, which may make it useful for treating pain.
      • Anti-inflammatory: Linalool has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
      • Antimicrobial: Linalool has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which may make it useful for treating infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
      • Neuroprotective: Linalool has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which may make it useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

      Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that is commonly found in many different plants, including black pepper, cloves, and cannabis. It has a spicy, peppery aroma and is often used in food and beverage products for its flavoUring properties. Beta-caryophyllene has a number of potential therapeutic properties,                    including:

        • Anti-inflammatory: Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
        • Pain relief: Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have analgesic properties, which may make it useful for treating pain.
        • Neuroprotective: Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which may make it useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
        • Anti-anxiety and antidepressant: Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, which may make it useful in treating anxiety and depression.
        • Anti-cancer: Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, particularly in preventing the growth of colon cancer cells.
      Alpha-pinene is a terpene that is commonly found in many different plants, including pine trees, rosemary, and cannabis. It has a fresh, piney aroma and is often used in perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products for its pleasant scent.

      Alpha-pinene has a number of potential therapeutic properties, including:

        • Bronchodilator: Alpha-pinene has been shown to have bronchodilator effects, which may make it useful in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma.
        • Anti-inflammatory: Alpha-pinene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
        • Memory enhancement: Alpha-pinene has been shown to have memory-enhancing effects, which may make it useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
        • Anti-cancer: Alpha-pinene has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, particularly in preventing the growth of prostate cancer cells.

         

        The Entourage Effect
        One of the most important benefits of terpenes is their ability to work synergistically with cannabinoids like CBD to enhance their effects. This is known as the "entourage effect," and it is believed to make the therapeutic benefits of cannabis more potent.
        The entourage effect occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids interact with each other and produce a more significant effect than they would on their own. For example, the terpene limonene is known to enhance the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of CBD.

         

        In summary, terpenes are an important component of cannabis and offer a range of potential health benefits. Whether you're looking to enhance the effects of cannabinoids, improve the taste and aroma of cannabis products, or explore the therapeutic properties of individual terpenes, they are definitely worth exploring further.

        By understanding the benefits of terpenes, you can make more informed decisions about the products you consume and potentially experience greater therapeutic benefits.

        Ready to explore?