Cannabis Terpenes: What They Are & How They Work

There are over 400 different chemical entities in cannabis. In the wellness world, cannabinoids usually grab all the attention. However, there is another field of substances that can significantly impact the nature of the plant—terpenes.

At a Glance

• Terpenes are compounds found in cannabis responsible for giving them their unique aromas and flavors. 
• When terpenes combine with cannabinoids, they can produce the entourage effect. 
• Terpenes may offer a range of health benefits, such as pain relief and inflammation reduction. 
• The most common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, caryophyllene, and humulene. 
• Terpenes have been used in traditional medicinal practices throughout history. Today, they are often integrated into modern therapies. 
• Researchers strive to reveal more about the healing properties of terpenes and how they can be used in treatments and wellness programs

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of terpenes and how to use them in your daily wellness routine.

See Related: Do You Have To Be 18 To Buy CBD?

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes, along with other chemical compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are naturally occurring phytochemicals in cannabis plants that act as a defense mechanism to protect the plant. 

Terpenes are the primary elements of the plant's essential oil, and they define the individuality of cannabis strains. They are essences that create a unique sensory experience for each strain.

Terpenes Protect and Boost the Immune Response

Terpenes support plant growth and survival and have evolved to combat disease, ward off pests, and attract pollinators. 

These organic compounds serve as a language for plants. They communicate details about their environment and trigger an immune response, showcasing their unique ability to interact with the world around them. 

Terpene Production

Several factors can affect a cannabis plant's terpene production. These factors include growing conditions, light exposure, temperature, growing medium, nutrient levels, harvest timing, and microbiome.

How Do Terpenes Work?

Terpenes may strengthen the therapeutic power of cannabis through complex interactions within your body. Some terpenes alter cellular permeability, which is how easily substances can pass through your cell walls. It's also worth noting that potential functions can overlap between terpene compounds.

The Entourage Effect

Many researchers believe there’s a synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, known as the entourage effect. If present, this interaction may enhance the therapeutic outcomes of CBD and THC. 

However, terpenes may not solely rely on the entourage effect for their therapeutic properties. Some researchers propose that terpenes could have their own unique effects, potentially interacting with cannabinoids in ways yet to be fully understood.

Terpenes Shape the Cannabis Experience

Terpenes help shape the distinct profile and effects of various cannabis strains. These can include promoting relaxation, inducing sedation, enhancing mood, and increasing focus. This influence, dictated by their unique terpene profile, cannot be overstated.

Terpenes, alongside a balanced 1:1 ratio of CBG and CBD, are infused into our CBG & CBD Optimal Wellness Gummies, creating a potent blend of THC-free hemp wellness.

What Is a Terpene Profile?

Every cannabis strain boasts its distinct terpene profile, akin to a fingerprint that sets it apart from the rest. 

How Many Terpenes Does One Cannabis Strain Have?

Genetics, growing conditions, processing techniques, and extraction methods help to determine the number of terpenes in a cannabis strain. On average, a cannabis strain can contain anywhere from 100 to 200 different terpenes, but some strains may have more or fewer.

The Most Prevalent Terpenes Found in Cannabis

• Myrcene: You know it by that earthy, musky scent. Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, and its sedative effects make it perfect for winding down. This quality is often associated with Indica strains.

• Limonene: It's like a burst of citrus, known to lift your spirits. People tout it can give you an energy boost and brighten your mood. Sativa strains are known for their energizing high.

• Pinene: As its name suggests, pinene smells like fresh pine. It has a reputation for calming inflammation and helping people breathe easier. 

• Linalool: Lovely floral-woody scent. It's like a soothing balm, melting away stress and helping you chill out. Linalool is all about relaxation and sleep.

• Caryophyllene: Get a whiff of that spicy, peppery scent? That's caryophyllene. Some say it's great for knocking out inflammation and easing pain.

• Humulene: If it smells earthy and woody, chances are it's humulene. People believe it can curb your appetite and help with inflammation. 

• Terpinolene: Fresh and herbal, terpinolene is like a gentle hug. It fights off unwanted free radicals by acting as an antioxidant.

Do Terpenes Make You High?

Terpenes, despite their psychoactive properties, don't induce a high. Instead, they offer a calming effect and may alleviate discomfort.

While distinct from cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds, terpenes originate from the same botanical segment of the cannabis plant and exert similar influences on the human endocannabinoid system.

How Are Terpenes Used in Medicine?

Long before modern-day cannabis use, ancient healers and herbalists were onto something with terpenes. They utilized the therapeutic power of the aromatic compounds found in cannabis to whip up healing essential oils. Whether you're soaking in the scent, sipping a tea, or applying a cream, terpenes have been the go-to for keeping mind, body, and soul in balance for ages.

Terpenes for Pain and Inflammation

Recent studies show that terpenes may have pain-relieving effects and lower pain sensitivity. They could be at the center of promising new therapies for chronic pain. Both caryophyllene and humulene have anti-inflammatory properties, which could significantly relieve swelling and discomfort. 

Terpenes for Mental Health

Terpenes alone aren’t a cure-all, but there is evidence they can influence mood. Terpenes like linalool and limonene are gaining attention for their potential to ease anxiety, depression, and stress. Especially when used alongside CBD and healthy lifestyle changes, they could help balance the neurotransmitters in the brain and have an uplifting effect.

Terpenes for Brain Health

The terpenes pinene and terpinolene may protect against oxidative stress and optimize cognitive function due to their neuroprotective properties. 

Delta 8-THC, a cannabinoid found in cannabis, has also gained attention for its impact on brain health. Although research on delta 8 THC is in the early stages, preliminary studies suggest it may have neuroprotective properties.

Our Delta 8 THC Gummies contain delta 8 THC, a naturally occurring cannabinoid sourced from the hemp plant. It's known for its uplifting and euphoric effects, coupled with a soothing bodily sensation that can be distinctly felt by both the mind and body.

Bonus: How Much CBD To Relax? A Guide To CBD Dosage

Integrating Terpenes Into Your Daily Routine

If you’re seeking to harness the full spectrum of benefits offered by the terpenes in cannabis, then incorporating them into your daily life is paramount. 

CBD-Infused Beverages

Here at Clean Remedies, we're taking things up a notch by infusing beverages with terpene-rich CBD extracts. The result? Flavorful drinks with some added health perks. 

Try our new natural mocktails for a relaxing and refreshing way to unwind. These non-alcoholic drinks provide all the calming and uplifting benefits without any of the downsides of alcohol. Our Delta 9 THC Drink Mix Arnold Palmer Flavored Mocktails with CBD offers a potent option for those seeking deep relaxation and euphoria naturally.

Terpenes Dose-Dependent Effects

There may be a time when terpenes have a standard protocol for the dose you should consume to obtain the desired outcome. For now, figuring out the right dose for you is tricky. 

First, the amount of terpenes varies from strain to strain. Then, to make things more complex, your tolerance, metabolism, and having other cannabinoids in the mix can change how your body tolerates and responds to the terpenes.

The Future of Terpene Research

Researchers want to see more terpenes in human clinical trials for pain relief, mental health, drug development, and more. The promise of this work is that terpenes offer an alternative to treat these conditions without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Terpenes have an advantage in that they come from fruits and vegetables that you eat every day, not just cannabis, and are considered nontoxic; therefore, approval for human clinical trials by the FDA should move quickly through the approval process. 

Beyond Cannabis Terpenes

One advantage of terpenes is that they are everywhere in nature. You eat them every day in fruits and vegetables. By looking beyond cannabis and studying how terpenes work their magic in other plants and fungi, researchers can tap into natural remedies and explore synergistic effects.

Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms

Amanita muscaria mushrooms, also known as fly agaric mushrooms, are an example of a fungus that contains terpenes and other psychoactive compounds. They're becoming popular in the world of psychedelics for their ability to reduce anxiety, clear the mind, relax your muscles, and improve sleep. 

Final Thoughts

As you continue to explore the relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes, you may also come to understand the importance of a healing self-care ritual. The unique aroma and flavors offered may help you establish a deeper connection with your inner self!

Keep Reading: What Does CBD Feel Like?

--

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses USDA Certified Organic Hemp Extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.