WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, including trees, herbs, and certain foods. These compounds are known for their distinctive aroma and are responsible for the flavors and smells of plants.
Terpenes also have medicinal properties and are used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Some examples include limonene, used to treat acne and stress, and caryophyllene, used to relieve pain and inflammation.
In the world of marijuanaTerpenes are considered especially important because they have a significant impact on the plant's flavor and aroma, as well as its effects on the body. Different types of marijuana have unique terpene profiles, making them taste and feel different.
In the field of cannabis research, it has been discovered that terpenes can act synergistically with cannabinoids, another class of compounds present in the cannabis plant, to create a more complete and beneficial experience for the user.
In short, terpenes are organic compounds present in a wide variety of plants, known for their distinctive aroma and medicinal properties. Especially in cannabis, they are essential for their impact on flavor and aroma, as well as for their ability to interact with other plant compounds to produce a more complete effect. It is believed to have more than 200 different terpenes, each with a slightly different chemical structure and, as a result, a unique aroma and effect on the human body.
TYPES OF TERPENES
As we've discussed before, there are over 200 different terpenes present in the cannabis plant, but some of the most common include:
- LimoneneDo you know that fresh lemon scent? It exists thanks to limonene. This terpene is widely used in the production of perfumes, cosmetics, and air fresheners.
- MyrceneThis terpene has a fruity aroma and is commonly found in indica strains. It's a potent sedative and has analgesic properties.
- LinaloolThis terpene has a floral aroma and is commonly found in early-flowering varieties. It has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties and is also used in perfumery.
- Pinene: It's the most common terpene in nature, known for its fresh aroma and commonly found in sativa varieties. It has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties and is used in asthma products.
- CaryophylleneThis terpene has a spicy aroma and is commonly found in hard bud varieties. It's an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- TerpinoleneThis terpene has a sweet aroma and is commonly found in sativa varieties. It has sedative and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in perfumery.
Each cannabis strain has its own unique terpene profile, and some strains may have a higher concentration of a specific terpene compared to others. Cannabis breeders often use information about terpene profiles to create strains with unique flavors and effects.
EFFECTS OF TERPENES ON THE CANNABIS PLANT
The terpenes present in the cannabis plant have effects on the body and mind. These effects can vary depending on the type of terpene and the amount present in the cannabis strain. Some of the most common effects include:
- Analgesic effects: Many terpenes have analgesic properties and can help relieve pain. Caryophyllene, for example, is known for its analgesic properties.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Many terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Limonene, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anxiolytic effects: Many terpenes have anxiolytic properties and can help reduce anxiety. Linalool, for example, is known for its anxiolytic properties.
- Sedative effects: Many terpenes have sedative properties and can help improve sleep and reduce insomnia. Myrcene, for example, is known for its sedative properties.
- Psychoactive effects: Some terpenes have psychoactive properties and may contribute to marijuana's psychoactive effects. For example, pinene, along with other terpenes, may increase mental clarity and concentration.
Terpenes can also act synergistically with cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, to create a more complete and beneficial experience for the user. A cannabis strain's unique terpene profile can influence the effects it produces, and some strains may be better suited to alleviating certain symptoms or treating certain medical conditions.
WHY ARE TERPENES IMPORTANT?
From their synergy with cannabinoids to their dynamic influence on the body, terpenes are small aromatic compounds with a lot of potential.
That said, we still have much to learn about how and why they interact with certain receptors and biological processes. Fortunately, one thing all researchers agree on is the essential role of terpenes in full-spectrum CBD extracts, as they enhance their efficacy compared to CBD isolate. Since terpenes are legal and safe to consume, it's never been easier to experience their boundless influence alongside the power of CBD.
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