Terpenes - MedLeaf

Cannabis is a group of three plants known as Cannabis sativa Indica and ruderalis. They offer different types of effects, but the psychoactive action of Cannabis is prominent and makes it a popular recreational drug commonly known as marijuana. Research has shown that Cannabis is made up of different chemical compounds, including fatty acids, amino acids, terpenes flavonoids, antioxidants and phytocannabinoids. These cannabinoids are primarily responsible for the effect of Cannabis. Most prominent of these are THC, CBD, CBN, CBC and THCa.

THC is the main active ingredient of Cannabis which is held responsible for the euphoric effects produced by marijuana. There is a general perception that a higher THC content means a more significant marijuana effect. However, the impact of a particular strain depends upon the chemical composition and the occurrence of other cannabinoids and phytonutrients as well. Let’s take a quick look at how Cannabis interacts with our body.

Effects of Cannabis

Numerous components of Cannabis can interact with our body at different levels and offer varying effects. Some desirable short-term effects of Cannabis are:

Focus
Creativity
Relaxation
Increased appetite
Altered perception of time

However, if you keep using Cannabis for a long time, it may cause side effects like coordination issues, reaction time, paranoia and decreased blood pressure.

These effects are not solely produced by THC. Here is how other components of Cannabis affect the body.

CBD

Even though CBD is non-psychoactive but its variant can also cause slight psychoactive effects.

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is considered pretty mild as compared to the standard delta 9 THC. It also offers mind-altering effects.

CBN

CBN or cannabinol is another cannabinoid that adds the euphoric effects of Cannabis.

Terpenes also create a wide range of effects, including euphoria.

Different Terpenes and Their Effect

Myrcene

Myrcene is known for its relaxing and sedating effect, primarily if it’s extracted from cannabis Indica. It is famous for producing the couch Lock effect.

Linalool

Linalool is a powerful pain that is known to have a significant effect on the serotonin receptors. It has a prominent sedating and relaxing effect.

Pinene

Beta pinene is also known for its tingly and uplifting effect. Even though it offers extraordinary health benefits but it is psychoactive.

Humulene

Humulene is an incredible anti-inflammatory compound that can also help in reducing tumor growth. Research shows that humulene also produces psychoactivity.

The Entourage Effect

THC, along with other phytocannabinoids and phytonutrients, is responsible for the exact effect produced by different strains of Cannabis. The synergistic effect of all these compounds is known as the entourage effect. Research has shown that the presence of CBD with any THC product can reduce the psychoactivity of tetrahydrocannabinol to make it more beneficial for the human body.

It is essential to know the ingredients of the product before buying it, as each one of them can make a difference.

If you have ever used cannabis, you will agree that the substance’s aroma is soothing to the mind and body. But one thing you may not know is that cannabis terpenes are the substances responsible for the aroma of your cannabis. From skunky smell to sweet fruity taste, terpenes can lead to an array of aromas.

What are cannabis terpenes?

Simply put, cannabis terpenes are aromatic oils produced by the glands that also synthesize CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. These oils are known for coloring the various types of cannabis with unique flavors. Some of the common flavors of terpenes include pine, berry, mint, and citrus.

The development of cannabis terpenes started like other strong-smelling flowers and plants. This means that the aromatic oils were initially meant to attract pollinators and get rid of predators. However, the development of terpenes in a plant depends on numerous factors. These factors include soil type, weather, climate, fertilizers, age and maturation as well as the time of day.

Cannabis experts have identified more than 100 types of cannabis terpenes. It is noteworthy that each cannabis strain comes with distinctive composition and terpene type.

The effects of various cannabis terpenes

According to some studies, the effects of numerous strains of cannabis can be differentiated through the help of terpenes. However, there is still a need for lots of studies in this area.

While some of these aromatic oils can aid acuity and focus, others are known for alleviating stress and improving relaxation. For instance, Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, and other relaxing strains are known for containing myrcene. On the other hand, Ghost Train Haze and Jack Herer, and other uplifting, active cannabis strains have terpinolene.

However, it is essential to understand that the presence of other substances can change the effect profile of a particular terpene. This phenomenon is regarded as the entourage effect. But there is a paucity of research on the effect of each terpene when combined with other compounds.

The connoisseurship and horticultural art of cannabis can be improved significantly by terpenes. Due to their special medicinal abilities, these aromatic oils can also boost the therapeutic value of cannabis.

To have a good understanding of the possible effects of a strain, lots of cannabis analysis labs test the content of terpene. Without a doubt, there is still a lot of room for research on how cannabis can bring about new development in the medical and scientific fields.

Most common terpenes in cannabis

Here are the most common terpenes found in cannabis:

Myrcene

Myrcene comes with herbal, cloves, cardamom, earthy, and musky aromas. This sedating and relaxing terpene may help to treat inflammation, pain, and insomnia. Mango, hops, thyme, and lemongrass also contain myrcene.

Limonene

This terpene has a citrus aroma and is responsible for stress relief and elevated mood. Apart from cannabis, limonene is also found in peppermint, fruit rinds, juniper, and rosemary. The possible therapeutic effects of this terpene include the treatment of cancer, depression, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Pinene

Pinene is another common cannabis terpene with a pine aroma. It is associated with memory retention and alertness. This terpene is also available in dill, pine needles, basil, rosemary, and parsley.

Other common cannabis terpenes are humulene, terpinolene, linalool, ocimene, and caryophyllene.