Terpenes and Their Potential Health Benefits

If you have been following the trends in medical cannabis or hemp, chances are you’ve heard about terpenes. These organic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants give plants their distinct aromas and flavors. But terpenes don’t only provide flavor and taste, they also have a range of potential therapeutic benefits. Let’s take a deep dive into terpenes and their potential health benefits.

What are Terpenes

Terpenes are naturally-occurring aromatic compounds found in marijuana plants. They give plants their distinct flavors, scents, and effects. Terpenes can enhance relaxation, boost energy, improve creativity, and so much more. These make terpenes an integral part of providing a great cannabis experience –especially for medical cannabis users.

The Entourage Effect: The Source of Terpene Benefits

The blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds enhances the effects of hemp in the body, therefore providing maximum effects. This is called the entourage effect. When all the compounds in the cannabis plant create synergy together, it contributes to various benefits including:

• Decreases mental disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, etc.
• Improves sleep
• Relieves different types of pain such as migraines, menstruation pain, muscular pain, etc.
• Relieve skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
• Decreases the symptoms of chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis

Common Terpenes and their health benefits

• Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is classified as both a cannabinoid and a terpene due to its ability to activate the endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Beta-caryophyllene is found in excess amounts in the hemp plant. It offers a lot of benefits such as a reduction in inflammation.

• Limonene

This terpene is common in citrus fruits and it's responsible for the citrusy smell. Limonene is the second most abundant terpene that exists. It's used in several products, such as cleaning supplies and fragrances. Based on preliminary research it may interact with hemp to provide relief from anxiety and improve mood.

• Linalool

This terpene is common in rosewood, bergamot, coriander, rose, jasmine, and lavender. It generates a sweet and pleasant floral aroma, and manufacturers of soaps and perfumes use it in their products. Linalool may possess anti-convulsant and sedative properties.

• Myrcene

This terpene is responsible for the “earthy” aroma found in most hemp plants. Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis. It offers sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ocimene

This terpene is found in mint, mangoes, basil, and orchids. It produces a strong, sweet, herbal scent. Ocimene has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

• Pinene

As its name says, pinene is commonly found in pine trees and other conifers. This terpene is also responsible for the “piney” aroma of certain hemp plants. Pinene is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that it interacts with GABA receptors to provide relaxation.

Final thoughts

Most people are just beginning to learn about the benefits of terpenes. These incredible compounds have a wide range of health benefits yet to be uncovered. Furthermore, they blend with cannabis compounds to provide benefits such as pain relief and inflammation. Terpenes also help in enhancing the overall effects of Hemp products.

Additional resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87740-8

https://www.kind.com.au/post/terpenes-and-their-role-in-medicinal-cannabis