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What are Terpenes?

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Terpenes are the compounds found in many plants that create the aromatic characteristics scent of the plant and area the most abundant compounds found in the natural world.  These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, including pine, lavender and fresh orange peel. The cannabis plant produces upwards of 200 terpenes, in varying concentrations and combination. The distinct scent of each cannabis cultivar is a result of the unique balance of terpenes produced by that particular plant's breeding.

Terpenes are the natural form of these compounds when they are in the live plant. As a plant dries and cures — in the production of cannabis, for example — the terpenes oxidize and become terpenoids. Terpenes play a vital role in the lifecycle of the plant. Some terpenes play a protective role in the plant, helping the plant to recover from damage; provide immune defense against disease. Other will attract pollinators, while others can repel insects or protect against foraging animals.

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Terpenes and The Entourage Effect

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When terpenes are combined with cannabinoids there is a synergy that can produce physiological and cerebral effects. The synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes also creates secondary metabolites and phytochemicals. Some terpenes act on the endocannabinoid system in the body in a similar way to cannabinoids. The key difference is that the body absorbs and uses these compounds in different ways. This is the essence of the entourage effect, and it's the reason terpenes have revealed themselves to be such a critical piece in cannabis research.

Cannabis contains hundreds of molecules that have the ability to directly interact with our bodies and minds. Phytocannabinoid molecules, like THC and CBD, are relatively unique to the cannabis plant, but other plant-derived molecules such as flavonoids and terpenes also bind to our cells and receptors, influencing our experiences. Not only can they have influence over how we experience THC cerebrally, but also have numerous medicinal effects. Many terpenes are bioactive, which means they affect the body. The effect will vary based on the concentration of the terpene itself, what cannabinoid is used with the terpene and how a person uses it.

The entourage effect implies that terpenes enhance or alter the effects of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids in the body. There is plenty of medical research on isolated terpenes themselves, and some are already being utilized in the medical industry.  A review in Frontiers in Neurology  found that people with epilepsy who took a CBD-rich extract had improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those who took purified CBD. This is only one of may studies that suggest the other components in cannabis, such as terpenes, affect how the body utilizes CBD.

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ISOLATED TERPENE EFFECTS

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As mentioned above, these are only a handful of Terpenes produced by the Cannabis Plant. Researchers are still uncovering all of the medicinal benefits these compounds provide. Provided below is a short-list of the most common terpenes and their effects. 

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Alpha Pinene

• When combined with cannabinoids, Pinene can block inflammation and stimulate antibiotic properties. 

• Anti-anxiety

• Improves short-term memory loss.

• Increases concentration and alertness

• Promotes bronchodilatory effects, which can assist in conditions such as asthma.

• Reduces oil production in oily skin, and reduced acne.

• Anti-depressant properties

• Anti-epileptic  

• Alpha Pinene may cause feeling of euphoria when taken with THC

 

Beta Pinene

• Increases alertness and concentration

• Improves cognitive functioning

• Pain Relief

• Anti-epileptic

• Bronchodilation

• Reduced Tumor growth

• Beta Pinene may cause feeling of euphoria when taken with THC

 

Beta Caryophyllene

• Potent anti-inflammatory properties

• Antibacterial

• Antioxidant

• Pain Relief

• Anti-Anxiety

• Helps lower cholesterol

• Epilepsy

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Bisabolol

• Anti-inflammatory

• Pain Relief 

• Anti-microbial

• Anti-oxidant

• Anti-depressant 

• Anti-Anxiety

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D-Limonene

• D-limonene has an ability to dissolve fats, including cholesterol.

• Assists with weight management

• Assist with chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Pain Management 

• Anti-oxidant

• Lowers blood sugar levels

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Delta-3 Carene

• Combats systemic inflammation

• Repairs diseased and damaged bones

• Assists with mental focus and concentration

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Eucalyptol

• Cardiovascular disease

• Chronic respiratory diseases

• Chronic inflammation

• Anti-oxidant

• Reduced tumor progression

 

Gamma Terpinene

• Antibacterial

• Antifungal

• Antioxidant

• Sedative

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Humulene

• Antibacterial

• Anti-Inflammatory

• Anorectic – does not produce increased appetite

• Reduced tumor growth

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Linalool

• Sedative

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-stress

• Anti-epileptic

• Anti-tumor

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Myrcene

• Sedative

• muscle relaxant

• Powerful pain reliever

• anti-anxiety

• Powerful anti-inflammatory 

• Assists in regulating blood pressure

• Assists in regulating blood sugar

• Antimicrobial

• Antioxidant

 

Nerolidol

• Antibacterial

• Anti-fundal

• Anti-oxidant

• Anti-anxiety

• Fights infection

• Assists with systemic inflammation disorders such as asthma, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

• Repairs ulcers and lesions

• Sedative

Terpinolene

• Antifungal

• Antioxidant

• Neuroprotectant

• Anti-Bacterial

• Anti-fungal

• Anti-viral

• Anti-tumor

• Anti-spasmodic

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