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Terpenes and Cannabis: What You Need to Know
I think it is safe to say that most people are at least aware that cannabis has a unique sort of smell. Those who are educated in the various aspects of cannabis such as the differences between the many strains, might point out that the smell depends on the type of cannabis, and is as unique to the individual plant as is the ‘flavor’ and resulting ‘high’ or medicated results.
This is all new to me; the idea that cannabis could be judged and enjoyed like a fine wine is interesting and rather surprising. I can remember smelling the pungent aroma of cannabis for the first time and not liking it; almost smelling like a skunk the way I had heard it could.
From what I’ve learned, the reason for the familiar odor and even the ‘taste’ (which can vary from plant to plant just like the scent), are the plant’s terpenes. Terpenes are a group of organic compounds found in many plants and even some insects. Terpenes become Terpenoids when altered through a process of drying, curing, or chemical extraction.
Over 120 different types of Terpenes, in varying amounts, have been identified in cannabis depending on the individual strain. Each plant’s unique terpene content affects not only the aroma and flavor, but the medicinal qualities as well. Terpenes are also found in vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs, and other plants and are used in perfumes, essential oils, aroma therapy, to flavor food, and more. Terpenes are a common ingredient in our diets and are safe to consume, according to the FDA. While some are unique to cannabis, most of the terpenes are the same as those found in other plants and can deliver similar effects when consumed or otherwise enjoyed through aromatic means. There are many, but these are a few of the most common found in cannabis:
Alpha-Pinene: (also found in pine, rosemary, dill…) acts as a bronchodilator, promotes alertness and memory retention, and has antiseptic properties.
Myrcene: (also found in mango, lemongrass, hops…) has sedative effects, acts as a muscle relaxant, delivering pain relieving and anti-inflammatory results.
Linalool: (also found in lavender) relieves anxiety and stress, is a strong anticonvulsant and is said to amplify serotonin receptor transmission as well as having antidepressant effects; also reportedly effective topically to heal tissue with reduced scarring.
Limonene: (also found in citrus, juniper, peppermints…) improves mood, relieves heartburn and gastrointestinal reflux as well as reportedly having antimicrobial and anti-tumoral effects.
Beta-Caryophyllene: (also found in cloves, black pepper…) is gastro-protective, treats ulcers, has anti-inflammatory properties and more; said to be especially effective because of its ability to bind to CB2 receptors.
In combination with THC and other cannabinoids, these natural compounds are responsible for the varying strain specific effects cannabis can have on the individual. Some terpenes enhance the potency of the THC, while others serve to counteract the psychoactive effect of that same cannabinoid. Certain terpenes act to facilitate the binding of cannabinoids to receptors or allow the cannabinoids (like CBD) to deliver a more complete effect. It is slowly becoming possible to map the terpene content in a plant, thus making it easier to choose a strain specifically for the effects desired by the patient. In the future, strain enthusiasts (think wine connoisseurs of the cannabis world) suggest that proper testing could ensure patients get exactly the strains (specific combination of terpenes and cannabinoids) which they need for whatever it is they are treating. We know now, it’s not just a matter of Indica vs. Sativa or hybrid (though for now this is often the most readily available indicator of a strain’s potential effects), but a whole range of differences between.
The ability to map the specifics of the strains down to the individual terpene is still in the beginning stages, some labs only offering limited terpene testing and others not really testing for this compound yet at all. Certain strains have been identified and mapped for terpene content which can be found online, but the problem comes in knowing if the plant you have is not only the same strain, but has the same terpene content as the one tested. Terpene content is as much determined by sun, time of day harvested, and soil content, as by the strain type of the seed planted.
While there isn’t nearly enough testing for these compounds available, what is known is the synergistic quality of these compounds when utilized together in whole plant form. THC or CBD alone is not enough to get the full benefits of this amazingly diverse plant. Terpenes and cannabinoids combine to lend a full spectrum of results for each patient, making a compelling argument for utilizing the medicine in whole plant form, rather than those extracts sold as THC or CBD alone. It is no wonder terpenes are getting so much attention, it important to understand what they are when treating with cannabis as medicine.
http://heavens2betsey.com/terpenes-and-cannabis-what-you-need-to-know/