Doctors of Natural Medicine

Cannabis Terpenes 101: How They Affect the Body

Cannabis Terpenes 101: How They Affect The Body

Terpenes are one of the only components of the cannabis plant acknowledged by the Food and Drug Administration due to their extensive use. You can find them in products like beer, fruits, and perfumes. Terpenes are also the main components of essential oils and are in charge of giving cannabis its distinct aroma.

Terpenes derived from cannabis exhibit synergic or entourage effects with cannabinoids, but their interactions have only recently fallen under speculation.

This article will explore what you need to know about terpenes in cannabis.

what is cannabis terpenes

What Are "Cannabis Terpenes?"

If you are wondering what cannabis terpenes are, they are organic compounds found in plants, flowers, fruits, and even some insects. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for each organism’s unique flavor and fragrance profile. As to how many terpenes in cannabis, there are around 400 known terpenes; however, only a few have gotten connected to specific effects by scientists.  Hundreds of these wondrous molecules have been discovered in the cannabis Sativa plant thus far, and the list keeps growing. Through these discoveries, it is now widely assumed that terpenes, rather than the strain or THC concentration of cannabis, primarily influence the psycho-activity experienced by users making cannabis terpenes neurotoxic.

How Cannabis Terpenes Work

Terpenes are supposed to protect plants from predators and harsh weather. What they do to people is still a bit of a mystery. On the other hand, terpenes get used increasingly by cannabis researchers and users to classify cannabis products and determine their effects.

To generate the effects people associate with various strains, the fundamental notion is that a strain’s terpene profile — the dominating terpenes — works in conjunction with the cannabinoid content — the quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids.

Common Terpenes And Their Effects

As established, about 400 terpenes have gotten identified in cannabis. Yet, only a few have gotten connected to specific effects by experts. Common terpenes and their potential effects are listed below:
  • Beta-caryophyllene: alleviates anxiety and depression symptoms.
  • Beta-pinene: has antidepressant and anti-cancer qualities.
  • Humulene: You can find this terpene in ginseng, which has long gotten utilized in folk medicine for its stimulating properties.
  • Limonene: this is one of the most common terpenes, with characteristic citrus aromas and potential anti-cancer properties.
  • Linalool: may help alleviate stress.
  • Myrcene: possesses antifungal and antibacterial activities, as well as sedatives.
It is important to keep in mind that most of the research using terpenes is still in its preliminary stages. Additional research is necessary to understand the effects of terpene profiles on one’s health.

Conclusion on terpenes cannabis

Terpenes are responsible for a significant portion of a cannabis strain’s aroma and flavor profile. In addition, they can create euphoric effects by working in conjunction with cannabinoids and other chemicals found in cannabis plants.

However, because studies into the plant’s more than 400 terpenes are still in their infancy stage, it isn’t easy to make conclusive assertions concerning them. Thus, it’s always best to speak with a physician before trying anything new.

Author: J.P. Carrol

J.P. is an accomplished writer with a lifelong passion for a range of subjects, including medical marijuana. As lead copywriter at thedonut.co, he writes daily for an audience of 100k+ and is deeply committed to helping businesses achieve their full potential with his guidance and expertise.

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