What are terpenes?
Terpenes are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, flowers, lavender, hops, oranges, and many other plants and fruits.
Cannabis contains more than 200 types of terpenes. Terpenes are responsible for aromatics but also have diverse functions with the potential to produce a range of therapeutic and mood-altering effects.
There are two types of terpenes: monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Monoterpenes have a light flavor, and molecular weight and sesquiterpenes are heavier with a stronger taste.
Although most terpenes present in cannabis are only trace amounts, the more prominent terpenes band together to give each cannabis strain its distinct scent profile. The most common categorizations of cannabis terpene aromas are fruity, earthy, floral, or like fuel or gas.
Where do terpenes come from?
Terpenes are found in the trichomes of female cannabis plants. Trichomes are tiny, hair-like, sticky glands that cover the surface of the flowers and less so on the stems and leaves.
The effect of terpenes on the body
The effects of terpenes in cannabis are more than just stress relief. They also are being studied for a broad spectrum of medicinal benefits. Aromatherapy is all about terpenes; knowledge of terpenes is how essential oils are formulated.
For a long time, research has focused on the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, but now we’re just starting to understand that terpenes have those benefits, too.
While terpene research is in its infancy, researchers are looking to study terpenes as:
Antivirals that could help kill viruses
Anticancer and antitumor agents
Antidepressants (25% of antidepressant drugs are formulated using herbal extracts that contain terpenes)
Antimicrobials
Pain relief
The most common terpenes
While there are over 150 terpenes found in cannabis, the four most prominent are:
Myrcene
Caryophyllene
Limonene
Terpinolene
1. Myrcene
Scent: Myrcene has an earthy, sweet, herbaceous, or musky scent.
Where else it's found: It’s also common in hops, lemongrass, thyme, and mango.
Potential health benefits:
Calming effects
Anti-inflammatory effects
Prevent the breakdown of cartilage cells
Slow down the progression of osteoarthritis
Decrease production of certain inflammatory cells produced by the body
2. Caryophyllene
Scent: Caryophyllene has a spicy or peppery scent.
Where else it's found: It’s also common in cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, rosemary, and oregano.
Potential health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties
Easing symptoms of colitis
Helping with diabetes symptoms
Reducing cerebral ischemia symptoms
Decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression
Relieving symptoms of liver fibrosis
Treating Alzheimer-like diseases
3. Limonene
Scent: Limonene has a fresh, clean, citrusy scent.
Where else it's found: It’s also common in lemon rind, orange rind, ginger, and juniper.
Potential health benefits:
Anxiety and stress relief
Appears to alter the way certain immune cells in the body which may protect from a range of disorders
Can help with antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow
May have use in treatments for Covid-19
4. Terpinolene
Scent: Terpinolene has a robust scent, with it being fresh, piney, floral, herbaceous, and a little citrusy.
Where else it's found: It’s also common in lilacs, tea, tree, nutmeg, cumin, apples, and is used in many soaps and perfumes.
Potential health benefits:
May have antibacterial and antifungal qualities
Has anti-inflammatory properties
May repel pests like mosquitoes and weevils
May reduce the risk of heart disease
May inhibit the growth of cancer cells
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