What if you knew that plants could communicate with you? Well, it’s true. Most plants have built-in defense mechanisms that protect them from deterring herbivores. Terpenes, a class of organic compounds found in cannabis, play a key role in this process. These little, smelly hydrocarbons also serve as a way for a plant to communicate with its surroundings.
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Natural cannabis essential oils, aka terpenes, are not only for pot. They are found in rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and even some insects. Terps give plants their distinctive aroma and may help with pain management, stress relief, anti-inflammatory effects, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, and relieve depression. They also play a role in the entourage effect, a concept suggesting all parts of the cannabis plant work best in concert.
With all that in mind many consumers will wonder: how do terpenes work? Most importantly, which ones are best for you? Here’s what you should know about these fragrant compounds and their potential health benefits.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are volatile oils that can attract pollinators and repel predators. They’re also responsible for the distinctive fragrance of various cannabis strains. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of different terpenes and cannabinoids.
These fragrant substances have a wide range of therapeutic uses. Some may protect against cancer; others may help ease anxiety, reduce pain, and ward off infections. The non-psychoactive compounds interact with the system, potentially impacting the effects of cannabis products.
How cannabis terpenes work
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and other CBD products are used for their potential analgesic, sedative, and antioxidant effects. For example, one study has found that CBD reduced anxiety in nearly 80 percent of patients. Subjects also experienced better sleep.
These benefits are due to cannabinoids and terpenes, which work synergistically to improve your health. That’s what the entourage effect is all about. Simply put, the different compounds in cannabis are more potent when used together.
The synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids may help with anxiety and other conditions. Many terpenes also interact with each other — not just with cannabinoids. This is why many recommend full-spectrum hemp products—aka products that contain all of the active ingredients in the cannabis plant.
After ingestion, terpenes bind to specific receptors in the central nervous system. They also interact with cell membranes, enzymes, and muscle ion channels. These interactions may trigger cancer cell death and relieve pain, among other benefits.
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Common terpenes include, but are not limited to:
- Myrcene
- α pinene
- Limonene
- Terpinolene
- Bergamotene
- Linalool
- β caryophyllene
- Delta-3-Carene
- Eucalyptol
- Humulene
- Camphene
Each common terpene has individual effects and aromas. Linalool, for example, occurs in cannabis, mint, lavender, and some mushrooms. This compound has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects. It also supports neural function and may benefit people with epilepsy.
Another terpene, limonene, may have a stimulating effect. Myrcene exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic potential.
Potential health benefits of terpenes
Now that you know more about terpenes, you may be wondering how they benefit your health. Let’s start with myrcene, one of the most abundant terpenes in the cannabis plant. This compound occurs in most cannabis strains, especially indica, and has sedative effects. It’s particularly effective against pain and inflammation.
Alpha- and beta-pinene are found in cannabis, sage, basil, and orange peel. These terpenes can boost your energy and brainpower. At the same time, they protect against oxidative damage, suppress inflammation, and ward off anxiety.
Borneol may help relieve pain, dilate the airways, and prevent infections. It also has a mild sedative effect. Eucalyptol, another beneficial compound, suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A recent study assessed its effects on the cognitive function of older adults with dementia. Subjects were exposed to varying amounts of eucalyptol diffused in the air. Their cognitive and behavioral status improved within days.
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The cannabis plant is also a source of geraniol. This compound has strong antioxidant effects and may suppress tumor growth. Moreover, it sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy agents.
Current evidence suggests that geraniol may protect against breast, skin, liver, and colon cancers. It also appears to benefit those with melanoma, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer.
These findings support the idea that terpenes play a role in the cannabis experience; some even believe that they heighten the effects of THC, responsible for something called the “entourage effect.” Therefore, they should probably be preserved when extracting or manipulating the plant.
Choosing weed products based on terpenes
Cannabis culture values a solid, impressive terpene profile. The higher the terpene content, the better for many flower consumers. When it comes to plant extracts, the urge for terps is just as high, but the outcome gets stickier.
Certain extraction processes could remove terpene content by the time final iterations are packaged and sent to the store. This is why it’s important to choose natural products like sun-grown flower and quality CBD products.
Specific cannabis genetics will produce certain terpenes as well. Consumers who dial in which of the compounds are commonly in their favorite strains could use this information to pick future flower at the dispensary.
Frequently asked questions about terpenes
With all of the focus generally on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), people naturally have lots of queries about these aromatic oils. Here’s the quintessential FAQ on cannabis terpenes.
Do terpenes contain THC?
Terpenes do not contain THC, CBD, or any other cannabinoids. They are compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma in plants and may direct the effects of cannabis as well.
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Can terpenes get you high?
Terpenes will not get a person high in the traditional cannabis sense, but some may interact with the brain. For example, linalool (found in lavender) is used in aromatherapy for relaxation.
Can terpenes make you sick?
Terpene toxicity could present differently in each person. High concentrations of certain terpenes might lower blood pressure, cause dizziness, create pain, inflammation, or other irritation. Many recommend diluting terpenes to five percent or less before applying them to the skin or eating them.
Do terpenes work in edibles?
Adding a safe concentration of terpenes to edibles might make them tasty or smell good, but stomach acid burns off much of them before they hit the system.
Will terpenes show up on a drug test?
Terpenes will not show up on a drug test for cannabinoids because they are not cannabinoids.
What are terpenes: the backbone of the cannabis experience
The cannabis plant naturally creates one of the most diverse expressions of terpenes in the natural world. These volatile compounds may improve your health and energy levels, keep your brain sharp, and boost immunity. Some have been shown to protect against cancer and reduce seizures.
Terpenes are not the only beneficial compounds in cannabis, though. This plant also contains CBD, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that support overall health. When consumed in concert, these ingredients enhance the overall cannabis experience and may actually lead to more potent effects.