By: Sahra Ali
What are terpenes? Most of us know the soothing, aromatic effects of essential oils. We may have been introduced to them during a massage therapy session or we know someone who swears by them.
Those of us who use CBD or THC products in general may not know that terpenes, a diverse class of organic compounds produced by an array of plants, are an active ingredient in essential oils and plants such as cannabis.
By now, we are aware that many people use cannabis to obtain medical relief from epilepsy to cancer. Terpenes, though still being studied by researchers, have shown to treat various ailments.
What are terpenes?
In their natural form, they are active in plants. As a plant dries, in cannabis production, the terpenes oxidize and become terpenoids. Here are some fun facts and benefits of terpenes in cannabis.
Where are terpenes found?
Most commonly, terpenes are found in cannabis, and can help combat anxiety or help us destress.
Terpenes are bioactive which means they affect the body, though it depends on how it is used, and the concentration.
These complex compounds are also found in many of the things we eat mainly, in spices such as rosemary, basil, black pepper, cardamom.Their distant floral smells are also used in perfumes and body products.
In a study done by researcher and neurologist, Ethan Russo, found that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to boost and modulate the effects of one another. Sometimes they can counteract.
Additionally, certain cannabinoids such as CBD can interact with terpenes to increase or decrease the effects of THC. Russo writes, “The difference between an energetic and uplifting high compared to a sedating and relaxing high is at least partially a factor of the terpenes within the strain”.
Plants use terpenes to deter herbivores and attract helpful predators and pollinators. Cannabis contains high levels of terpenes that can enhance the “high”. It also gives vape oils that natural flavor.
What are the benefits of terpenes?
-Psychological benefits include relief from anxiety, depression, and mood enhancement
-Terpenes can be used for pain management. Still, it is important to know how they affect as the effects can vary from person to person.
–May help treat insomnia–as well as memory retention, and alertness
What are the different types of terpenes?
There are over a hundred terpenes in cannabis that have been identified.
The more we know about them, the easier it can be to navigate which ones that may work better for your specific health and wellness journey. Here are eight types of terpenes common in cannabis and the health benefits they can provide.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene: also found in thyme, mango, and lemongrass
Color: Blue
Fragrance: cardamon, earthy, cloves
Potential effects: relaxing, sedating
Health Benefit: Antioxidant, may treat insomnia, pain, and inflammation
What is Limonene?
Limonene: also found in lemon rind, juniper, orange rind
Color: Yellow
Fragrance: Citrus
Potential effects: elevates mood, stress relief
Health Benefits: may treat anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, cancer
What is Caryophyllene?
Caryophyllene: also in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
*The only terpene known to act as a cannabinoid, which can activate the endocannabinoid system to act as an anti-inflammatory*
Color: Fuschia
Fragrance: Pepper, Spicy, Woody
Potential Effects: Stress Relief
Health Benefit: may treat anxiety, pain, ulcers
What is Terpinolene?
Terpinolene: Also in lilacs, nutmeg, and cumin
*one in ten strains is rich in terpinolene, believed to have uplifting effects*
Color: Orange
Fragrance: Piney, Floral
Potential Effect: Mood Booster
Health Benefits: Antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-cancer
What is Pinene?
Pinene: Also in pine needles, rosemary and basil
*Most common natural terpene in the world*
Color: Green
Fragrance: Pine and herbs
Potential Effects: Alertness
Health Benefits: Good for memory, asthma, pain, ulcers, anti inflammatory
What is Humulene?
Humulene: Also in hops, wood
Color: Light Green
Fragrance: Hoppy, Earthy,
Potential Effects: May suppress hunger
Health Benefits: Anti-inflammatory
What is Ocimene?
Ocimene: Also in mint, parsley, orchids
*Sometimes used in perfume and essential oils*
Color: Bright Red
Fragrance: Sweet, herbal
Potential Effects: Decongestant
Health Benefits: anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-bacterial
What is Linalool?
Linalool: Also found in lavender, birch bark
Color: Purple
Fragrance: Floral
Potential Effects: Mood enhancement, sedation
Health Benefits: May be used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease
While this a list of terpenes found in cannabis, it is not by any means, an exhaustive one. Studies are still ongoing and the nuances of these organic compounds are complex and diverse.
Terpenes lend to the understanding that cannabis is far more effective beyond the amount of THC.
While we know that there have been medical benefits to help those with cancer and other serious health issues, terpenes can be used as active supplements.
Identifying what needs you may have when it comes to mood enhancement or even specific neurological functions, can be helpful in choosing which terpenes can work.
Regardless of whether you decide to investigate terpenes for yourself, it is one of the many natural remedies our planet offers for our wellness needs.
FAQs
What do terpenes do?
They are organic compounds that are found in cannabis and other plants and are known for providing unique, fragrant scent but also have therapeutic benefits.They are also naturally in some spices that we cook with and can be manipulated to achieve an array of benefits.
Are terpenes safe?
Yes, they have been known to have a direct psychological effect on the body such as boosting serotonin levels.
It is especially important to exercise caution when vaping as using high temperature when producing vapor can be dangerous. It is recommended that you use the lowest voltage to preserve flavor and get medical benefits.
Are terpenes legal?
Yes, they are naturally occurring in plants and attract animals as well as humans. They are often used in essential oils and perfumes as well as other body products for their sweet fragrance.
They are also naturally in some spices that we cook with and can be manipulated to achieve an array of benefits.
Sahra Ali is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.