THE TERP DID YOU SAY TO ME
So what's this terpene thing you keep hearing about?
The very quick and short answer: terpenes are what you smell when you smell cannabis and they hold numerous medical benefits.
Terpenes (and terpenoids) are aromatic organic compounds found in many plants and even some insects. Plants developed terpenes to ward off herbivores that might eat them and to attract helpful predators and pollinators. Cannabis has naturally high levels of terpenes. "Dank" flower gets its stank from being rich in terpenes.
So...why do terpenes matter and why should you care?
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They directly affect your high and contribute to The Entourage Effect of cannabis
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They have medical benefits
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They give cannabis, concentrates, and vape oil its natural flavor
A groundbreaking 2011 paper by neurologist and researcher Ethan Russo described the way cannabinoids and terpenes work together to boost and modulate the effects of one another in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). For a long time THC was considered the only chemical of psychoactive importance in cannabis. Russo and team helped reveal how other cannabinoids (like CBD) and terpenes can either increase or decrease the effects of THC and other chemicals in the body that interact with the ECS.
In the same paper by Dr. Russo it was revealed that terpenes “could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.”
TERPENES
CAROPHYLLENE
HUMULENE
MYRCENE
Myrcene (or β-myrcene) is a terpene that occurs often in highly fragrant plants and herbs such as mangoes, hops, bay laurel leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. Myrcene is produced by numerous cannabis strains, and some rodent-model studies have suggested that it might lend sedative effects.
LINALOOL
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in many flowers and spices including lavender and coriander. It gives off a complex yet delicate floral aroma, and while its effects are myriad, it is in particular one of the substances used most widely to reduce stress.
LIMONENE
PINENE
But more importantly, they help improve airflow and respiratory functions, while
also helping to reduce memory loss related to THC. I know that this can sound
weird because we’re talking about cannabis, but if the strain is rich in alpha and
beta pinene, it can actually help with asthma.
You can find pinene in strains like Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream,
Island Sweet Skunk, Dutch Treat and Romulan.
ALPHA-BISABOLOL
aroma and can also be found in chamomile flower and candeia tree.
This terpene found its use primarily in the cosmetics industry, but lately it has
caught the attention of researchers since it showed medical benefits, especially in
cannabis.
and is a great antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties.
It can be found in strains like Harle-Tsu, Pink Kush, Headband, OG Shark, and
ACDC.
EUCALYPTOL
has recognizable minty and cool tones in its smell but most cannabis strains do not
contain large amounts of it. It usually makes up around 0.06% of a strains
complete terpene profile.
medical value, eucalyptol relieves pain but also slows the growth of bacteria and
fungus.
promising effects on Alzheimer’s as well.
Eucalyptol can be found in Super Silver Haze and Headband.
BORNEOL
camphor.
diseases like the West Nile virus, being passed by ticks, fleas, mosquitoes etc.
One study found that borneol kills breast cancer cells. It’s also widely used in
Chinese traditional medicine, in acupuncture to be precise.
TERPINEOL
apple blossom, and a little bit citrusy. Terpineol tastes like anise and mint.
Terpineol has a pleasant scent, similar to lilac, and is a common ingredient in
perfumes, cosmetics, and flavors.
effect. Medical benefits of terpineol also include antibiotic and antioxidant
properties.
GERINIOL
Besides cannabis, geraniol can be found in lemons and tobacco. Its smell reminds
of rose grass, peaches and plums.
Geraniol has shown a lot of potential as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant.
Island Sweet Skunk, OG Shark and Master Kush.