Recently the cannabis has gained popularity as well as demand in the medical industry. But are you aware of the reasons behind this growing popularity?
There are two main factors that contribute to this growing popularity and demand are
- CBD(Cannabinoids)
- Terpenes
Terpenes are found in cannabis. And in recent times, many states have legalized the consumption and cultivation of terpenes, especially in the US.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a herbal drug that is made from cannabis plants. It contains chemicals called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are found at the highest level in the leaves and flowers of cannabis.
These are the parts of herbs that are used to make medicine.
Further making it more understood for you, cannabinoids are made up of two ingredients; one is hemp and the other is Marijuana.
Hemp has a huge amount of CBD and less amount of tetrahydrocannabinol(THC). Whereas Marijuana has a high amount of THC and less amount of CBD. Studies have shown that THC is the component that is psychoactive and makes you feel high.
But in the case of CBD, there is no need to worry about addiction or getting high. And because of this reason, CBD is used in medicinal use without any fear of harm to the human being. Apart from this CBD, one more ingredient is Terpenes because of which cannabis is used in many treatments.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are chemical compounds that are responsible for the smell of many plants and herbs.
For example, the smell of lemon in lemon, the smell of rosemary in rosemary, the smell of citrus in orange is due to terpenes present in it. In any plant, the purpose of terpenes is to attract pollinators or to ward off predators. In the case of cannabis plants, apart from this purpose it also has some health benefits that rival those of CBD and THC.
These compounds are generally used for treating many health issues. How these terpenes react in your body depends upon which strain of terpenes have been used for the treatment.
So now let’s see how these cannabis terpenes helps you for your well being
What Are Cannabis Terpenes
So basically these terpenes are aromatic oils secreted in the same gland in which various cannabinoids are also produced, which also gives essence to the cannabis-like rosemary, citrus, mint, etc.
In every cannabis plant, there may be approximately 100s of terpenes and also each strand of the plant has different types of Terpenes. Different Terpenes will have different aromas and different effects. For example one of the terpenes named myrcene has the power to enhance the effect of THC(Marijuana), so when there is a high amount of myrcene in marijuana, the THC will be absorbed quickly, leading to a more intense and longer-lasting high.
On the other hand, another type of Terpenes, named pinene has been found to reduce the intoxicating effect of marijuana. So basically cannabinoids and Terpenes work together more efficiently than alone and that is called the entourage effect,
Different Types of Terpenes Found In Cannabis Are:
|
Name |
Leafy colour |
Potential Effect |
Also Found In |
|
Mycrene |
Blue |
Sedating, Relaxing |
Mango, Lemongrass |
|
Limonene |
Yellow |
Elevated mood, Stress relief |
Rosemary, peppermint |
|
Caryophyllene |
Fushia |
Stress relief |
Black pepper, cloves |
|
Terpinolene |
Orange |
Uplifting |
Nutmeg, tea tree |
|
Pinene |
Green |
Alertness |
Basil, Pine needles |
|
Humulene |
Light green |
NA |
Hops, coriander cloves |
|
Ocimene |
Bright red |
NA |
Mint, parsley, pepper, basil |
Myrcene: This terpene is used to treat insomnia and act as pain relief but it also intensifies the effect of cannabinoids like THC and makes you feel HIGH. Its flavor is citrus and you can also find it in LIME.
This is the most found Terpenes in cannabis and so it is usually the dominant Terpenes in cannabis. One of the most special uses of this myrcene is it blocks cancer-causing effects of aflatoxins that are produced by fungi but find their way to our food. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of myrcene are OG Kush, Blue Dream, Remedy, 9 Pound Hammer, Grape Ape, FPOG, Granddaddy purple, Tangie.
LIMONENE: This terpene have yellow leaf color, and a citrus flavor which is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and for anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity. One of the studies done on this Terpenes has shown that it has the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of breast tumors.
In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of limonene are: Banana OG, Berry White, Black Cherry Soda, Cinex, MAC, Purple Hindu Kush, Quantum Kush, Strawberry Banana, Tahoe OG, White Fire OG
Linalool: This terpene has the flavor of lavender with a definite hint of citrus. This one is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Excessive stress causes very harmful effects in our body, but this terpene makes the immune system of the body so resilient towards the destructive effects of stress. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of Linalool are Do-Si-Dos, Scooby Snacks, Zkittlez.
Pinene: This is quite useful for its anti-inflammatory effects, antibiotic, and anti-cancer activity. It is also useful in treating troubles in breathing like asthma; also it increases alertness and helps to retain memory. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of pinene are Big Smooth, Blue Dream, God’s Gift, Remedy, Grape Ape, Harlequin, and Cotton Candy Crush.
Humulene: This one is used as an antibacterial and anti-tumor agent. Studies have also shown that it may help in terminating the cancer cell when combined with phytocannabinoids and other Terpenes. It tastes spicy and has an earthy fragrance. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of humulene are Death Star, Headband, Thin Mint GSC, Original Glue, Candyland.
Ocimene: This terpene contributes to antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. Some of the studies have shown that this terpene also helps in the treatment of symptoms of diabetes by inhibiting the proliferation of key enzymes. It has a sweet, herbal, and woody aroma. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce a high level of ocimene are: clementine, Dream Queen, Dutch Treat, Golden Pineapple, Green Crack
Caryophyllene: This terpene acts as an antioxidant and antibacterial protecting the brain and body from disease. It directly interacts with CB2 cannabinoids receptors. It tastes spicy and has the fragrance of woody. Studies have also found many other potential uses of this terpene, some of them are applicable in the treatment of anxiety and depression, in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, it also helps in reducing alcohol intake so it can be used in treatment for addiction. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce high levels of caryophyllene are: GSC, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Death Star, Gelato, Cookies and Cream, Candyland, Masterkush
Terpinolene: This terpene is found in lower amounts in cannabis, but its effects are still powerful. They are useful in treating stress and anxiety. There are studies going on which show that it can be used for reducing heart disease when used in concert with other nutrition. In the cannabis plant, the strains which produce high level of terpinolene are; Dutch treat, Jack Herer, Golden Goat, Golden Pineapple, Orange Cookies, Gold Train Haze.
Final Thoughts
After seeing all these benefits of cannabis Terpenes, it is recommended that you want to get maximum health benefits of Terpenes’, then the best way to consume them is with cannabinoids.
And that’s why marijuana products in plant form and manufactured in edibles, capsules, vape, oil, etc should provide the optimal synergistic effect of cannabinoids and Terpenes.