Terpene is a significant phytocannabinoid compound responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis strains. Scientists have been studying it for more than 6,000 years, even though most of the things we know about it today were discovered before the end of the 19th century.
It is important to understand terpenes and their contribution to the marijuana strains. Your experience with the use of cannabis is by their presence. They are the mastermind behind most effects we attribute to CBD and THC. For example, pinene terpene in synergy with CBD lessens the psychoactive “high” presented by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This synergy is known as the “entourage effect.”
Aside from that, terpenes offer medical benefits of their own. Beta-caryophyllene terpene medical benefits include alleviation of depression, anxiety, pain, and ulcer. Meanwhile, terpenes like myrcene are potent enough to treat conditions like insomnia.
In addition to the medical benefits offered by most terpenes, they also present some effects when consumed either alone or along with another compound. When you take pinene terpene, you are more likely to experience its alertness effect, and the same is true of limonene. When you take linalool, however, the sedative effect is sure to hit you hard.
Terpene is as important as any other cannabinoid in marijuana. As possible research is conducted, we will continue to see how intriguing these compounds could be. Most of the information we have today is mostly based on the major terpenes such as pinene, myrcene, terpinolene, etc. We anticipate more discoveries on the health benefits and effects of the minor terpenes too such as camphene. Camphene has already been revealed to be capable of reducing cardiovascular diseases.
Introduction
The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) is one of the most studied and complex plants in the world. More than 400 compounds have been discovered in the plant, but only a few are widely studied.
It is also interesting to know that most of these compounds found in the marijuana (cannabis) plants are also present in other plants except for the cannabinoid compounds ― those are unique to the plant (more on that later).
A brief history of the marijuana compound discovery
Human beings have been studying the cannabis plant for no fewer than 6,000 years. The discovery so far has been outstanding. Recall there are more than 400 compounds discovered so far; the health benefits proclaimed today are more of those discovered through the nineteenth century.
We tend to think THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the first identified compound of the plant, but according to research documentation, the first compound identified in the plant was cannabinol (CBN), which presents sedative effects. At the time of its discovery, it was believed to be the main active compound of marijuana and responsible for the “high” (psychoactive) effect.
The non-psychoactive compound, cannabidiol (CBD), is the second compound in the plant, discovered by two researchers in 1963. However, the THC was not discovered until the following year (1964) by two researchers ― one of them was part of the group that discovered CBD a year before.
Terpenes
Of the more than 400 compounds in cannabis plant identified so far, over 200 of them are terpenes.
Terpene (pronounced tur-peen) is a phytocannabinoid, one of the three cannabinoids groups ― others include endocannabinoids (naturally produced in the body) and synthetic cannabinoid (produced in the lab).
Terpenes secretion sites and role
Along with other phytocannabinoids, terpenes are secreted in the cannabis plant trichomes by the resin glands. Trichomes are a hairlike part of the plant and appear as an outgrowth on the flowers, leaves, and stems. Naturally, terpenes protect plants from UV rays, heat, and pests. To protect the plant against pests, terpenes might attract herbivores, predators, and parasites.
They are responsible for the distinct smell and flavor of the cannabis plant. That is why police K-9 trained dogs can sniff out marijuana. It has been reported that these dogs are now trained not to sniff out marijuana in states where cannabis is legal, such as in New Jersey where lawmakers are pushing the bill to legalize marijuana. However, these dogs were reported to sometimes raise false alerts.
Terpenes influence marijuana strain effects
The number and amount of terpene compounds in cannabis differ from one marijuana strain to another. Their difference causes different effects of different strains. They can be easily evaporated and thus inhaled while smoking or vaping.
Aside from terpenes, there are about 113 other phytocannabinoids present in cannabis plants ― same with all plants.
Terpene is considered safe to be used as food additives by the FDA; therefore, it can be found used in drinks (such as orange and pine flavor) and in foods.
Terpenes and Terpenoids
Terpenes and terpenoids are two terms used interchangeably and confused with each other most of the time.
The difference between them can be best explained using their chemical components. Terpenes are hydrocarbons, meaning they contain hydrogen and carbon elements only. On the other hand, terpenoids are modified versions of terpenes that happen by oxidation during drying and curing of the buds.
A simple distinction is that terpenes are fresh and wet while terpenoids are dried products of a marijuana strain.
Common cannabis (Marijuana) Terpenes
Generally, terpenes are divided into major and minor. The major terpenes are:
Pinene (Alpha and Beta)
Pinene is one of the most studied cannabis terpenes. It is naturally present in plants in two forms ― alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. It is easy to guess how it smells — just like pine. Research has proved it is a powerful bronchodilator and therefore offers some health benefits for people struggling with asthma.
Its effects include memory retention, alertness and the “entourage effect.”
Pinene vaporizes at: 311oF (155oC)
Medical Usage: To alleviate asthma, pain, cancer, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s.
Common in: Vanilla kush, Cookie cross, 9lb Hammer, Lavender.
Can also be found in: Rosemary, parsley, dill, and pine needles.
Limonene
Limonene terpene is commonly used as a food additive and in aromatherapy such as perfume and lipstick. The smell is similar to normal orange and lemon.
Its absorption is quick. In fact, it enhances the absorption of other terpenes in the body.
Aroma: Citrus
Effects: Elevated mood, heartburn, and stress relief
Limonene vaporizes at: 348oF (176oC)
Medical Usage: Improving anxiety, inflammation, pain, cancer, and depression.
Common in: GSC (Cookies), Pre-98 Bubba kush, Tangerine dream, Cush/Green crack.
Can also be found in: Peppermint, rosemary, and fruit rinds.
Linalool
Linalool is abundant in lavender and offers sedative and relaxing effects. A study suggests it could reverse the histopathological morphology of the brain in the case of Alzheimer’s disease.
Its effectiveness and safety are validated by the Environmental Protection Agency when it was approved as a pesticide and flavor agent.
Aroma: Floral, citrus
Effects: Mood enhancement, sedation
Linalool vaporizes at: 388oC (198oC)
Medical usage: Stress relief, anxiety relief, treatment of anxiety disorder, neurodegenerative disease, pain, and inflammation.
Can also be found in: Bubble gum, 9lb Hammer, Sour diesel, Locomotion.
Myrcene
This is the most common terpene in cannabis. It is known for its sedative effect when consumed. This terpene also hastens and reinforces the effects of cannabinoid compounds in marijuana.
Myrcene is quite abundant in non-cannabis plants like orange. You can boost the action time of a cannabis strain by consuming fruits like mango about 45 minutes before smoking or vaping marijuana.
Aroma: Cardamom, cloves, musky, earthy, herbal
Effects: Muscle relaxant, sedating, and relaxing
Myrcene vaporizes at: 332oF (167oC)
Medical Usage: Treatment of insomnia, inflammation, and pain.
Common in: Chemdawg, Grape stomper, Fire Alien kush, Agent orange.
Can also be found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops.
Beta-Caryophyllene
It is the only terpene known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB2). This characteristic is suggested to be as a result of its unique large size and structure.
You are most likely to have tasted it in conventional products like chewing gum.
Aroma: Spicy, dry, woody, peppery, cloves
Effects: Stress relief
Beta-Caryophyllene vaporizes at: 266oF (130oC)
Medical usage: Alleviating anxiety, depression, inflammation, ulcers, and pain.
Common in: Gorilla glue #4, Tangerine dream, Sage n sour, Pineapple express, AMS, Diamond girl.
Can also be found in: Cinnamon, pepper, cotton.
Humulene
The humulene “hops” aroma is what you smell in beer. It is famous for suppressing appetite; hence, it is a good contributor to a weight loss program.
Its scent has been proven to be a strong repellant to adult mosquitoes and at the same time capable of destroying third-stage mosquito larvae.
Aroma: Hops, woody, earthy
Effects: suppress appetite
Humulene vaporizes at: 222oF (106oC)
Medical usage: Anti-inflammatory, weight loss
Common in: Arjan’s haze #3, Bubba kush, Chemdog, Greenhouse cheese, Great white shark
Can also be found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil
Ocimene
Ocimene’s natural function includes mounting a defense against the natural environment. It is widely used in several perfumes ― you remember the fragrant and woody aroma.
It has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in white blood cells and to be very effective in destroying the SARS virus.
Aroma: Sweet, herbal, tropical and woody
Ocimene vaporizes at: 122oF (50oC)
Medical usage: Antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial
Common in: Golden Goat, Strawberry Cough, Chernobyl, Arjan’s haze #3, Himalayan gold and Space Queen
Can also be found in: Mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, kumquats
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is usually present in sativa-dominant marijuana strains. It is assumed to be the least common terpene as it is usually present in small quantities in cannabis strains.
Its aroma is multidimensional, unlike most terpenes. In fact, it exhibits the piney smell and flavor of the popular pinene terpene.
Aroma: Piney, floral, herbal, citrusy
Effects: Relaxing, sleepy, sedative
Terpinolene vaporizes at: 366oF (186oC)
Medical usage: Antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer
Common in: Jack Herer, Pineapple Jack, J1, Sensi star, Dutch treat, and Super Jack
Can also be found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs.
Why should I care about terpenes?
Whenever cannabis consumers are considering a marijuana strain, they tend to focus on the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) component of the strain. You are more likely to belong to this group of consumers.
However, terpenes are as important as the active constituents. Pinene terpene, for instance, limits the “high” effect of THC, while terpenes generally are known to offer an entourage effect. Aside from that, they also make the smoking and vaping experience phenomenal. Even if you don’t vape or smoke your favorite marijuana, that scent you enjoy about your cannabis essential oil is the contribution of terpenes.
Terpene entourage effects
The entourage effect is the synergy characteristic of terpenes and other cannabinoid compounds such as CBD and THC. Terpenes have health benefits of their own, but through their entourage effect, they promote and modulate the action of other phytocannabinoid compounds, especially in the brain.
Linalool terpene, for instance, alters the neurotransmitter configuration to create sedative feelings in strains of cannabis characterized with such an effect. Sometimes, terpenes would only act to accelerate the effect of a phytocannabinoid.
Pinene terpene is another good example as it reduces memory loss through its synergy with CBD.
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