Introduction
Terpenes are aromatic, naturally occurring compounds found in a wide variety of plants. Turpentines are what make some breeds smell or taste different from others. Terpenes play an integral role in cannabis plant development and survival. Terpenes help enhance a plant's attractiveness to some creatures while may harm others. They are perhaps the most well-known of those found in cannabis and some of the spices may exert medical benefits. Like other flowers, cannabis flowers develop terpenes to ward off predators and attract pollinators.
Cannabis terpenes are described as hydrocarbons that occur in plant essential oils, and they are known to occur commonly in conifers (most evergreen plants). In cannabis, terpenes are found as a compound that occurs naturally in the trichome of cannabis buds. You can see trichomes on cannabis plants because they are sticky, translucent glands found on the surfaces of the buds. This is where cannabis terpenes reside. Cannabis contains over 150 types of terpenes.
How do terpenes affect the body?
Most of the therapeutic properties of cannabis are due to cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. However, some evidence suggests that terpenes do not change the way CBD and THC affect the brain.
Researchers believe they may slightly alter the sensations and medical benefits of smoking cannabis.
Different terpenes affect the body differently. Some have a more energizing or uplifting effect and some are more relaxing or sedative. Terpenes also have additive therapeutic effects in their own right and more research is being done to understand their potential benefits and uses for various symptoms and diseases.
Some strong weeds can make you feel extra energetic and creative because of the terpenes in cannabis, while others make you feel ready to snooze.
Terpenes, on the other hand, have a more subtle, indirect effect on the overall feel of the cannabis that is sniffed. They enter the bloodstream and interact with various hormones and receptors in the brain, glands, organs, immune cells, and connective tissues. Researchers believe they may slightly alter the sensations and medical benefits of smoking cannabis.
Do Terpenes Get You High?
Terpenes do not make a person feel high in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, some are considered psychoactive because they affect the brain. Therefore, terpenes affect the body by producing certain psychoactive effects, such as calming and relieving pain.
While terpenes are not addictive in themselves, some believe they may affect the effects of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the high feeling of cannabis.
What are the benefits of terpenes?
Terpenes provide several important benefits. Importantly, the exact benefits of terpenes will change depending on the mix of terpenes found in a specific cannabis plant.
Some terpenes can make you relax. If you are looking for a source of stress relief, terpenes can help you.
Some terpenes may provide mental health benefits. Some may also help people treat symptoms of depression.
Contains terpenes that also have antimicrobial effects. This means that some terpenes may play a role in fighting infections.
Specific terpenes may play a role in pain relief. Like many people with chronic pain, terpenes may play a role in the healing process.
Several terpenes, including alpha- and beta-pinene, caryophyllene, camphor, and carvone, may show strong potential to help kill viruses.
Some terpenes, including those found in cannabis, may exhibit anticancer activity, helping to inhibit the activity or growth of cancer cells.
A potentially unique advantage of terpenes is that they are unlikely to affect healthy cells or cause side effects – which is important for cancer treatment
These are just a few of the many benefits of cannabis terpenes. As more research is done, more benefits may emerge.
Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects
Here are some of the most prominent terpenes found in cannabis:
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most prolific terpenes found in cannabis as well as sisal, bay leaf, celery, cardamom, thyme, and basil. Myrcene gives cannabis a mildly sweet flavor profile. Myrcene is the most abundant of all cannabis terpenes. Its fragrance is both fruity and herbal like clove. Myrcene can also be found in citrus fruits, hops, lemon grass, and eucalyptus oil. Researchers believe that myrcene is a potent analgesic terpene that potentially helps reduce inflammation. In addition to contributing to the distinctive odor of cannabis, myrcene may also provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene, also known as beta-caryophyllene or β-caryophyllene, imparts a spicy, peppery bite to some cannabis strains. Caryophyllene is responsible for the pungent odor of black pepper. It is also found in cloves, hops, and rosemary. Caryophyllene can relieve symptoms of anxiety. Its vaporization point is 266°F. Caryophyllene is the only known terpene found in cannabis that can bind to the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system found in the body's immune system. Research into the therapeutic actions of caryophyllene suggests that it has the potential to reduce symptoms in a variety of conditions such as colitis, diabetes, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, liver fibrosis, and diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Humulene
Humulene gets its name from Humulus lupulus, better known as common hops. True to its name, Humulene produces a spicy, earthy aroma similar to caryophyllene. Humulene is found in cannabis as well as sage and ginseng, which have long been used in folk medicine to enhance effects. Humulene is also one of the major terpenes in cannabis and is produced heavily in the resin of mature plants. Many researchers say that it has been shown to have tumor-fighting and anti-carcinogenic properties when combined with other phytocannabinoids.
linalool
Lovers of lavender as aromatherapy can look for cannabis with linalool, which may help. Linalool, the primary terpene in lavender, is responsible for the plant's floral scent. Boasting rich, spicy, and floral notes, linalool occurs in over 200 species of plants and is best known for giving lavender its distinctive scent. Of all the marijuana terpenes on this list. Like lavender, cinnamon, and coriander found in it, linalool is also known for its relaxing properties and is best suited as a potential sleep aid. Its vaporization point is 388.4°F.
Limonene
Giving off a bright, citrusy odor, limonene is the second most abundant terpene in all cannabis strains. Also found in all citrus fruits, limonene is commonly used in cosmetics and cleaning products. Limonene is often found in cannabis as well as in the peel of lemons and other citrus fruits. Preclinical studies suggest that it has anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-bacterial effects. Clean, fresh, uplifting citrus scent—the name limonene is a nod to the aromas associated with this terpene. Limonene is found in the rind of citrus fruits and ginger, and the terpene is also prominent in many cannabis cultivars, including fruity, fresh bouquets such as papaya punch or black cherry soda. Limonene appears to change the way certain immune cells in the body behave, which may protect the body from a variety of disorders.
Conclusion
Terpenes are aromatic, naturally occurring compounds found in a wide variety of plants. Cannabis terpenes are described as hydrocarbons that occur in the essential oils of the plant. Cannabis contains over 150 types of terpenes that you can buy from LealfyweedNYC recreational cannabis delivery in New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Visit our website and shop for your favorite Cannabis Terpenes products from the comfort of your home.
(blog written & website managed by Selnox infotech best cannabis business marketing company)