Although cannabinoids like THC and CBD are most often associated with medical marijuana’s role in patients’ wellness journeys, they’re not the only component of the medical marijuana experience. A class of compounds known as terpenes also contribute in a meaningful way. Below, we’ll cover the basics of terpenes and the benefits they may offer to medical patients throughout Pennsylvania.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that occur naturally in all plants, including marijuana flower and hemp flower. They’re responsible for the aroma and flavor of medical marijuana and may also contribute effects of their own above and beyond cannabinoids.
In nature, terpenes are known to have anti-disease, anti-predator, and pro-pollinator qualities. They’re also highly fragile and begin to degrade immediately after medical marijuana plants are harvested.
Nevertheless, medical marijuana flower contains enough terpenes to affect your experience. Although terpenes are often lost in the production of other medical marijuana products, some, such as medical marijuana concentrates and medical marijuana troches, may have terpenes added back into them for a more enjoyable flavor and stronger effects.
How do terpenes affect the medical marijuana experience?
Terpenes affect the medical marijuana experience through their interactions with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. In other words, no individual terpene or cannabinoid explains your experience or affects you the same way every time. Instead, a medical marijuana cultivar’s entire compound profile, including all the cannabinoids and terpenes present, influences how the cultivar may support your wellness journey.
Each of the most common terpenes in medical marijuana is thought to contribute certain effects to the mix. Some terpenes are known to be uplifting and energizing, some are known to be sedating and relaxing, and others may help promote relief from pain or anxiety.
How many terpenes are there in medical marijuana?
Scientists have confirmed the presence of at least 200 terpenes in the medical marijuana plant. More terpenes than these may exist in the plant, but few are present in high enough volumes to significantly impact your experience.
Keep in mind, too, that the phrase “high volumes” is relative: The average medical marijuana cultivar’s total terpene content is at most 4% by weight. An individual terpene’s volume by weight is typically under 1%. When you’re trying to get a sense of how a cultivar may affect you, we generally recommend considering the three most abundant terpenes present.
What are the most common terpenes in medical marijuana?
These seven terpenes are among the most common and abundant in medical marijuana cultivars.
Myrcene
Myrcene may well be the most common terpene in the medical marijuana plant, to which it contributes an earthy, musky, vaguely clove-like aroma. It also occurs naturally in lemongrass, mangoes, and hops.
Myrcene is associated with potential sedating, calming, and relaxing effects. There is also a small amount of evidence that myrcene may aid in the body’s absorption of cannabinoids. Medical marijuana cultivars high in myrcene may thus provide a more potent experience.
Limonene
As its name suggests, limonene abounds in lemons, especially in the rind. It’s common in grapefruit and orange rind too, not to mention perfumes and cleaning products, in which it imparts an uplifting aroma. It does the same in medical marijuana products, in which its citrus-like fragrance and flavor shine brightly.
Limonene may provide mood-boosting, stress-relieving, and anxiety-reducing effects. Scientists are currently exploring whether it has the potential to support the immune system, and it is sometimes used to counter digestive system issues. Either way, limonene’s fresh, energizing aspects are beloved by many medical patients.
Caryophyllene
This woody, spicy terpene occurs naturally in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. It’s also the only terpene that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, specifically the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptors. For comparison, THC binding to CB1 receptors is the main driver behind the medical marijuana experience. In any case, caryophyllene’s interactions with CB2 receptors may be why this terpene is widely associated with pain relief.
Linalool
This terpene occurs naturally in lavender and numerous flowers, explaining why its aroma evokes these two plants. Linalool may also impart soothing, calming effects that aid with relaxation and sleep. There is some scientific evidence, too, that linalool may help relieve pain while lowering stress and anxiety levels. If you’ve ever used a perfume or personal care product advertised as promoting relaxation, you’ve likely experienced some of linalool’s potential effects.
Beta-pinene
Often known as just pinene (though there’s another terpene called alpha-pinene), beta-pinene smells like exactly what you think it does: pine. You also won’t be surprised to learn that, in nature, beta-pinene is most common in pine needles and rosemary, as well as basil. Think of what a forest smells like, and you’re largely imagining the aroma of pinene.
Beta-pinene may aid in the treatment of avian bronchitis, giving this terpene potential for use in supporting the human respiratory system, though much more research into this topic is needed. Beta-pinene has also been found to potentially enhance cognitive function.
Humulene
Earthy and woody in aroma and flavor, humulene is strongly associated with hops and beer, though it’s also common in ginseng and sage. It is associated with appetite-suppressing effects, which notably contrasts medical marijuana’s reputation for making some patients hungrier. Research has pointed to the possibility that humulene may lessen the severity of some allergic reactions.
Terpinolene
Although terpinolene is sometimes called the “least-common common terpene,” it is known to drive cannabinoids’ potency. THC and terpinolene may work together to help you feel more energetic, while CBD and terpinolene, though a rare combination, may help with stress management and promote a sense of calm. Despite this combination being rare, some medical marijuana patients report that cultivars with high amounts of terpinolene make them feel sleepy.
As for its aroma, terpinolene is often described as floral, pine-like, and herby with notes of citrus. It occurs naturally in sage, lemon, and lilac, explaining why it’s known for a fresh aroma and flavor.
FAQs about terpenes in medical marijuana
What terpene is best for anxiety?
Terpenes generally considered effective for reducing anxiety include myrcene, linalool, and limonene. Keep in mind that no one terpene is responsible for potential anxiety-reducing effects. The entourage effect instead accounts for how you experience medical marijuana.
What terpene helps with pain?
Caryophyllene and myrcene may both promote pain relief. However, all terpenes are low in weight by volume within the medical marijuana plant, and their effects are not felt in isolation. Instead, all cannabinoids and terpenes in medical marijuana together contribute to your experience.
Are terpenes psychoactive?
Terpenes are psychoactive, but unlike THC, they do not have an intoxicating effect. Instead, terpenes are associated with certain effects on the brain (myrcene may promote feelings of relaxation, humulene may reduce hunger.)
Considering terpenes as a patient at Vytal Options
As a patient at Vytal Options, you can access a variety of medical marijuana products, each of which has its own terpene profile. We offer personalized consultations with our pharmacists so that you can get professional support in determining the terpene profiles (and cannabinoid profiles and levels) best for your needs. Choose Vytal Options for expert guidance as you structure a routine that meets all your goals.
