Cannabis terpenes offer a unique set of benefits yet to be fully explored. Terpenes are aromatic oils found in various plants and herbs, including hemp and cannabis. These oils provide a variety of therapeutic effects, ranging from relieving anxiety to promoting relaxation and aiding in pain relief. But what else can these potent terpenes do?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the more unique potentials and its benefits on how they may help you feel better.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found naturally in the resin of weed plants. It is most known for its distinct aroma and flavour, but they provide much more.
It is found in all plant species with its chemical components. In addition to naturally occurring buds, they can be found in cannabis oil concentrates such as sugar wax, crumble, shatter, and tinctures. In flower versus oil debate, extracts have significantly higher amounts resulting in a high flavour profile and increased effects compared to the CBD flower in Canada.
The most common are myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Each of them has unique qualities that can alter the effects of weed ingestion. Some may intensify specific effects, while others may reduce the intensity of particular effects.
What Are the Types of Cannabis Terpenes?
It has many therapeutic and psychoactive components. The aromatic oils called terpenes are responsible for weed’s signature flavour and scent. They are also responsible for many medical benefits of weed use. It can also induce more subtle effects in India/Sativa hybrids. The following are the most common terpenes:
Pinene
Pinene is identified in pine trees, exactly where you would expect to find pining. It comes in two varieties: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. The two types have slightly different outcomes but essentially the same driving factor.
When smoking a high-pinene strain, one could expect a highly focused high. Pinene-rich strains are widely sought for artistic endeavours such as painting or writing.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene has a few distinguishing characteristics. CB-1 and CB-2 are the names given to the cannabis receptors that are found in your body. When smoked, caryophyllene has the potential to bind to the CB-2 receptors in the body.
Conversely, caryophyllene boosts specific physiological effects of weed, such as its anti-inflammatory characteristics, without augmenting the feeling of pleasure commonly associated with weed use.
Myrcene
Myrcene has a peppery and earthy aroma that is often linked with plants like bay leaves. Myrcene, the most common in the Indica flower, is a strong sedative. Most Indica-dominant strains contain between three and five percent myrcene, and the user should expect a relaxing body high.
Linalool
Linalool has a floral, slightly spicy aroma. Linalool, found in lavender and other fragrant flowers, has long been valued for its relaxing qualities. Linalool is typically found in marijuana strains used for topical treatments since many linalool-rich strains are marketed as relaxants and stress relievers.
Limonene
Limonene is commonly seen in Sativas. It has an energizing effect that gives you energy and vitality in the morning. Limonene is widely found in oranges and other citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes, and lemons.
Humulin
Humulin is abundant in hops and other weed cousins. Humulene, also known as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient, brings relief to beer enthusiasts around.
Humulene may be to blame if you enjoy strains like Girl Scout Cookies. Humulene is also an appetite suppressant, so look for strains that contain it if you want to avoid cravings.
Distinction Between Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Terpenes and cannabinoids are two compounds found in cannabis plants that are responsible for many of their beneficial effects. They each play an essential role in the plant’s therapeutic properties, but there are some critical differences between them.
They also have medicinal properties, such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Terpenes are also responsible for the various flavours and aromas of different strains of cannabis. These molecules act on other receptors in the brain, providing a variety of mental and physical effects.
Cannabinoids, on the other hand, are chemical compounds found within the weed plant. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for producing the “high” associated with consuming marijuana.
Other cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). These molecules interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is involved in regulating a wide range of bodily processes, such as pain perception, memory, mood, appetite, and more.
The distinction between terpenes and cannabinoids is essential to understand when looking into the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Although both compounds offer therapeutic benefits, they act on different body areas.
What Are the Benefits of Cannabis Terpenes?
It generally works in tandem with cannabinoids to provide more potent effects than either component could produce. The most apparent benefit is their ability to enhance the flavour and aroma of a given strain.
Different mixes can provide various odours, from pine to citrus to diesel fuel. This can make smoking cannabis more pleasurable for some users who prefer specific fragrances and help them discern the diverse qualities of different strains.
It can also have an impact on the effects that a cannabis user feels. Certain combinations of it, for instance, are calming, while others are energizing. Some can even enhance the effects and intensity of THC and CBD, providing users with an even more potent high.
Furthermore, it has therapeutic properties in addition to flavour and sensation. Linalool and limonene, for example, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
Cannabis terpenes have numerous potential benefits that have yet to be fully investigated. Terpenes are aromatic oils found in cannabis plants that have therapeutic properties such as anxiety relief, relaxation, and pain relief. Understanding the various types of terpenes and their unique properties, such as myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, and caryophyllene, can assist users in selecting the strains that best suit their needs.
It’s also worth noting that terpenes and cannabinoids interact to enhance the effects of cannabis, so knowing the difference between the two is critical. To summarize, understanding the potential benefits of cannabis terpenes can help users make more informed decisions about which strains to use and how to use them to maximize cannabis’ therapeutic benefits.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Health category
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