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The wonders of terpenes


By Rena McCain

Happy Weedsday, everyone!

In previous articles we have touched on what is called the “Entourage Effect†and why it is useful for people who use cannabis. We have discussed some of the cannabinoids present in cannabis. But do you know what terpenes are?

Terpenes are found in a variety of plants, insects and even some animals around the globe. The biggest collection of terpenes in nature are found in various strains of cannabis, which gives the plant powerful medicinal value.

There are hundreds of terpenes in cannabis. Each terpene contributes to the plant’s aroma, texture and flavor, albeit some more than others. Each strain contains its own specific range of terpenes, which add their own unique properties. Certain “terps†are more dominate in some strains than others which contribute to what strain is most appropriate for certain medical relief.

Some of the most commonly found terps in cannabis are pinene, myrcene, linalool, caryophyllene, humulene and limonene. This list of terpines is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of them. They all do different things and they are found throughout nature.

Myrcene is the smallest of all terpenes but it is the most abundant in cannabis. Myrcene can also be found in mangoes, hops and thyme. It produces a spicy, balsamic flavor and aroma.

Myrcene’s effects and benefits are numerous. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic or pain reliever, an antibiotic, a sedative that promotes relaxation and an antimutagenic, which reduces the frequency of mutation.

Pinene is a terp found primarily in cannabis and conifers. It puts off a strong scent of pine. Conifers are a tree that bears cones and evergreen needlelike or scale-like leaves.

Pinene’s known benefits are also numerous. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and a bronchodilator that helps improve airflow to lungs. Pinene also helps counter short-term memory loss associated with THC, and promotes alertness

Linalool is a lovely terpene that is found in many flowers and spice plants, such as lavender, coriander, and basil. People have used smells for therapeutic value, including many containing linalool, since ancient times to help lower stress levels, fight inflammation, and combat depression.

Linalool also relieves anxiety and symptoms of depression, promotes relaxation, reduces inflammation systemically, prevents and or stops epileptic seizures and relieves pain.

Caryophyllene is a terp that is common in two main forms, beta caryophyllene (also commonly seen as β-Caryophyllene or abbreviated to BCP), and trans-caryophyllene or TC.  Aside from cannabis, this terpene can be found in clove, black pepper and cotton.

Caryophyllene relieves pain, slows bacterial growth, relieves symptoms of depression, reduces inflammation systemically, inhibits cancer cell growth, prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body, helps relieve anxiety and slows damage to the nervous system and brain.

Humulene is found  naturally in ginger, hops and sage. This terpene is known for its earthy, woody aroma and flavor. Humulene acts as an antibacterial agent and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In small quantities, it has been shown to kill the S.aureus bacteria. A 2003 study showed that humulene, especially when acting in concert with other terpenes and cannabinoids, killed cancer cells.

Limonene is a terp that is known for its citrus aroma and flavor. It is found in high concentrations in citrus fruit rinds, juniper, and rosemary. Limonene is used to prevent and treat cancer, treat bronchitis and aid in weight loss.

Nature is wondrous!

Rena McCain is a co-founder of the Cannabis Open Carry Walks. Find her on Facebook at Rena McCain, or via Twitter @sassikatt24 and Instagram at ganja_grrl420.

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