This is part 3 in our Medical Cannabis 101 education series.
Part 1 covers the endocannabinoid system.
Part 2 covers the cannabinoids THC and CBD.
What are terpenes?
Does your cannabis smell like craft beer? If so, it likely has the terpenes humulene or myrcene which smell like hops.
Terpenes are found throughout nature and are responsible for a plant’s flavour and smell. There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis with aromas ranging from pine to citrus.
More interesting though is their effect on the human body. Terpenes can have different effects on the human body such as improving mood or relaxation. For example, the terpene myrcene is actually what is responsible for the relaxing effect of indica cannabis strains.
Terpenes can also increase or decrease the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This is known as the “entourage effect”. For example, terpenes can influence the amount of cannabinoids that pass through the blood-brain barrier.
Every strain of cannabis has a different terpene profile.
Similar to research in cannabinoids, only a few of the over 100 terpenes have been thoroughly researched:
Alpha-Pinene
Smells like pine and can help with alertness and memory.
Also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill.
Myrcene
Earthy herbal smell and can help with relaxation.
Also found in mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops.
Limonene
Smells like citrus and can help with mood and alleviating stress.
Also found in citrus peels, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Smells spicy and can help with stress.
Also found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon.
Linalool
Linalool has a floral smell and can help with stress.
Also found in lavender.
Humulene
Smells like hops and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Also found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil.
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Scientists are still researching the different effects terpenes have on the human body. It’s just one of many exciting areas of cannabis research that holds a lot of promise for patients using medical cannabis.
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