You may be familiar with what a terpene is, but not from appearances. My scent, on the other hand, may come as a surprise. Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants that are the essential component for cannabis aroma and flavor. A cannabis plant’s Essential Oils contain over 100 different terpenes, which are organic hydrocarbons present in the cannabis plant’s essential oils. Terpenes are divided into four categories based on their flavor: sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter. When you inhale the pungent bag of sour diesel or sample the earthy pineapple express flavor, it’s the terpenes that provide those delicious scents and tastes. We’ll delve into the intriguing world of cannabis terpenes in this lesson, as well as how they may influence your favorite cannabis strain in more ways than one. You can buy this product in our store.
Terpenes and Where They Come From
What exactly is a terpene, you ask? You already know what a terpene is, but you’re not aware that it’s a terpene. The citrusy odor of an orange comes from terpenes, as does the pine scent of a pine tree and the relaxing effect of lavender. Terpenes are responsible for the smells of so many plants.
Terpenes can be found in a variety of plants, including cannabis, herbs, and fungi. Cannabis terpenes are produced within the trichomes of the plant, which are crystals that are shiny, sticky mushroom-shaped crystals that cover the leaves and buds of a cannabis plant. Terpenes have been around for millions of years and have both a natural protection role as well as an assist in plant reproduction. Terpenes give off various fragrances with some being recognized to keep away harmful pests from eating the plants and being destroyed. Various terpenes have been known to attract bees, which can distinguish between plants due to terpenes, and other terpenes have the opposite effect but for the greater good. It is thought that as cannabis crops developed, they began producing terpenes that would entice specific species while repelling others, ensuring their survival and allowing them to flourish.
What Do They Do?
Terpenes are believed to help plants withstand harsh weather and predators. When it comes to what they do in people, there’s still a lot of mystery. Terpenes, on the other hand, are being looked at by cannabis researchers and users alike as a method to categorize cannabis products and anticipate their effects.
The main hypothesis is that the terpene profile, or the major terpenes, work in tandem with the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids to generate the effects associated with various strains.
They may, for example, go into detail about the difference between two similar strains with the same amount of THC.
How Do Terpenes Affect the Body?
The aromatic qualities of terpenes have long been understood. Humans have used the vibrant fragrances associated with terpenes for ages to create essential oils for therapies such as aromatherapy.
Anyone who has dabbed lavender oil behind their ears understands that it may help them relax. Terpenes, for example, in certain cannabis strains can enhance the effects of the drug.
However, the effects of terpenes appear to go well beyond emotional uplift and stress relief. Terpenes have also been found to be a new frontier in cannabis medicine. Prior to now, the focus has almost entirely been on the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but as our knowledge of terpenes improves, it’s becoming clear that these fragrant chemicals are powerful medicines in their own right.
Terpenes, like other cannabinoids, are a collection of chemicals that provide a variety of health benefits. Unsurprisingly, some of the therapeutic effects terpenes have on people mirror their function in cannabis and other plants—including helping to combat infection-causing germs and pathogens.
Growing Cannabis And Terpenes
Cannabis terpenes are becoming increasingly popular and desired by consumers who want to discover the best strain for their condition, which has a direct bearing on how cannabis terpenes turn out. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want improved weed terpene quality from your crops.
While there is more control over the variables that influence how a cannabis plant develops when it’s grown indoors, it does not necessarily imply that growing in a controlled environment can alter the terpene content of the plant. It all comes down to growing in traditional soil, which allows for better weed terpene development. If you pick too soon, the trichomes will be cut off from producing cannabinoids and terpenes, and if you wait too long, the trichomes may lose their chemical potency. Other factors to think about include temperature; make sure your plant is kept at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 degrees Celsius at night.
The Medicinal Benefits of Terpenes
In test tubes, preclinical and in vitro studies have revealed a variety of therapeutic effects linked with terpenes. Terpene research, on the other hand, is still in its infancy, and no human studies have been conducted. To further strengthen our knowledge of these chemicals, additional study is required.
Antiviral
Antivirals are always being sought after by scientists. Many terpenes, including alpha- and beta-pinene, caryophyllene, camphor, and carvone, may have significant antiviral activity.
Anticancer
The desire to discover medicines that can help prevent cancer is increasing as rates of many types of the disease rise. Some terpenes, including those found in cannabis, may have anticancer properties by inhibiting the activity or growth of cancer cells.
Limonene may be a unique anticancer and antitumor agent in addition to other terpenes such as pinene, camphor, terpinene, and beta-myrcene. One potential distinct advantage of terpenes is that they are unlikely to impact healthy cells or produce adverse effects—something that is particularly important for cancer therapies.
Antidepressant
Terpenes are present in 25% of antidepressant pills. Terpenes are present in herbal extracts that make up 25% of antidepressant drugs. Linalool and beta-pinene are frequent terpene components found in many plant extracts used in antidepressants.
Antimicrobial
Terpenes can have antibacterial effects, or the capacity to stifle a harmful microorganisms in its tracks. Geraniol, menthol, eucalyptol, and terpinolene are examples of terpenes that may aid in the destruction or prevention of disease.
Pain relief
Some cannabis terpenes have been shown to have pain-relieving properties, according to studies. Terpenes and cannabinoids in one 2021 study were found to enhance pain relief without increasing negative side effects. This interaction might suggest the entourage effect (described below).
Humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene are some of the terpenes that can help relieve pain. The activation of CB1 receptors by these terpenes is fascinating, as the study above discovered that they activate the body’s CB1 receptors, which make up part of the endocannabinoid system and influence pain perception.