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The zingy freshness of lemon zest, the pungent aroma of rosemary and the relaxing fragrance of lavender – just some examples of terpenes in action every day. But what do terpenes have to do with cannabis? Why are they important and what potential therapeutic benefits do they offer? Read on to discover more.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the compounds naturally found in plants which give them their individual aromas and flavours and they are all around us.
In the natural world, they have many roles such as helping plants to attract pollinators or deter predators from grazing on them.
They are used in food and drink manufacturing to impart flavour, in the manufacture of cosmetics and detergents as well as therapeutically in aromatherapy through concentrations in essential oils.
Approximately 20,000 terpenes have been identified in plants with over 150 different terpenes identified in cannabis.
The effects of terpenes are still being studied but research so far has suggested they may offer a vast array of therapeutic properties including the ability to alter and boost the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) in the body.
Why Do They Matter in Cannabis?
Let’s take a step back for a moment.
Cannabis has been described as a medical “treasure trove” and many of these treasures and the way they could benefit our health are still being discovered.
Many people may have heard about cannabinoids and they may be aware that different strains of cannabis will have different levels of THC and CBD but not everyone has heard of terpenes and why they matter.
The cannabis plant comprises over 1,000 chemical ingredients and these will vary according to the strain but also the climate and conditions in which the plant is grown.
According to some research, using the whole cannabis plant as medicine might be more helpful than using just its separate parts.
This idea that these elements work better together – the “entourage effect” – was first introduced in 1998 and a review of several studies has demonstrated that superiority of the whole plant extract over isolated cannabinoids. So the whole plant really is greater than the sum of its parts!
For example, some terpenes may support cannabinoids to get into the brain more easily which could improve how well patients respond. In addition, there is evidence that terpenes can deliver specific therapeutic properties such as combatting inflammation, viruses, parasites and fungal infections.
So, yes, terpenes will influence the flavour and aroma of individual strains of cannabis but studies suggest that terpenes are actually making a pretty significant contribution to the therapeutic effects of cannabis too.
What is a “Terpene Profile” and why does it matter?
As well as having different levels of THC and CBD, different strains of cannabis will also have their own unique terpene profile. A terpene profile indicates which terpenes are dominant in a particular strain.
A terpene profile gives you a clue to the qualities you might expect from that strain. For example, a strain may contain a dominant terpene associated with anxiety relief while another may have a dominant terpene known for pain relieving benefits.
Some people will seek out strains with a terpene profile containing a particular dominant terpene or combination of terpenes. These patients know that their condition responds well to this terpene profile or they may experience more enhanced effect of the cannabinoids when they use a strain with a particular terpene profile.
The variety of strains combined with the individual responses to them means that finding the right treatment is a very personal process. It is important to note that one person can experience a different response to the same strain from another person.
Experienced patients taking cannabis will recognise which terpene profiles are likely to suit them. Newer patients may need to try several strains to understand how their body and symptoms respond.
The good news is that there are many strains to choose from and your specialist doctor should be able to work with you to find a treatment perfectly tailored to your individual needs.
Common Terpenes and Their Effects
Some of the more common cannabis terpenes are Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, Linalool and Caryophyllene. The effects of terpenes will differ according to which strain of cannabis you are taking and the combination of terpenes it contains. Typically, specific strains will have a combination of terpenes however some will be more dominant than others. Let’s find out a bit more about them:
Myrcene – most prevalent terpene found in most strains of cannabis Effects: sedative properties; pain relieving, muscle relaxant, anxiety relieving
Aroma: earthy
Boiling point: 165°
Also found in: hops, thyme, mango
Limonene
Effects: stress relieving, antifungal, antibacterial, energising, mood elevating, antidepressant, gastroprotective (healthy digestion and gut).
Aroma: citrus (orange, lemon, lime)
Boiling point: 175°
Also found in: the skin of citrus fruits
Pinene
Effects: antibacterial, antiseptic, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, anxiety relieving, relaxes lung muscles and widens the airways
Aroma: pine
Boiling point: 155°
Also found in: rosemary, pine needles
Linalool
Effects: Stress relieving, pain relieving including neuropathic (nerve) pain, boosting immune system, relaxation, anxiety relieving
Aroma: floral
Boiling point: 195°
Also found in: lavender
Caryophyllene – the only terpene known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system
Effects: pain relieving, anxiety relieving, gastroprotective, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antifungal
Aroma: woody, spicy
Boiling point: 130°
Also found in: black pepper, cloves, sage
Is there anything else to consider?
Temperature is another factor to consider as different terpenes have different boiling points.
If you want to benefit from a particular terpene try setting the temperature of your dry herb vaporiser (if it has a temperature control) to the same temperature as boiling point of that terpene.
You can experiment with temperature for optimal therapeutic effect.
Finding the right terpenes for your symptoms or condition
Everybody is different with their own unique set of symptoms so how your body responds to a specific treatment will, of course, also be unique to you.
Don’t be surprised or disheartened if you need to try more than one strain before you find the right treatment for you and your symptoms.
That is why it is so important to monitor how you feel when starting your treatment journey. Sharing feedback on your treatment, your symptoms and any side-eBects you experience with your Alternaleaf specialist doctor will enable you to work together to find the treatment that is the best fit for you.
Summary
Terpenes occur naturally in all plants and there are over 150 terpenes in cannabis.
Research into the role of terpenes and their effect on wellness, pain, anxiety and many other conditions is continuing but studies suggest that terpenes may play an important role in the treatment of many conditions.
Understanding more about the role of terpenes in cannabis could be key to unlocking the best treatment for your symptoms.
Interested in finding the right treatment for you? Book an Alternaleaf appointment today to find out more.