TERPENES
All About Terpenes
The aroma of cannabis is known to sooth the mind and body. This is known as terpenes – the pungent oils that give cannabis varieties their distinctive flavours such as berry, mint or pine. Until recently, medical research on cannabis has mostly centred around cannabinoids. However, terpenes are believed to be the next frontier in medical marijuana.
The ‘entourage effect’
Terpenes have been shown to block some cannabinoid receptor sites in the brain while promoting cannabinoid binding in others. As a result, terpenes are believed to affect many aspects of how the brain takes in THC or CBD, while offering various therapeutic benefits of their own. This synergy of effects is known as the ‘entourage effect.’
The Most commons Cannabis Terpenes
Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene
Aroma: Pine
Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects
Medical Value: Asthma, antiseptic
Myrcene
Aroma: Musky, cloves, earthy, herbal with notes of citrus and tropical fruit
Effects: Sedating “couchlock effect, relaxing
Medical Value: Antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic; good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, depression
Limonene
Aroma: Citrus
Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
Medical Value: Antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, dissolves gallstones, mood-enhancer; may treat gastrointestinal complications, heartburn, depression
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
Effects: No detectable physical effects
Medical Value: Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory; good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disorders, and other gastrointestinal complications
Linalool
Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy
Effects: Anxiety relief and sedation
Medical Value: Anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-acne
