Are Terpenes Important for Medical Marijuana Patients? What are terpenes? Terpenes are organic compounds that occur naturally in the essential oils of many types of plants. Cannabis contains more than 200 different terpene-derived molecules. Each strain, or variety, of Cannabis, has its unique combination and relative concentrations of these molecules. These variances give each strain its distinct aroma and flavor, which is part of what makes them so appealing to consumers. But they may also influence other aspects of a plant’s effects — including how it affects medical marijuana patients.
Cannabis Class: Are Terpenes Important for Medical Marijuana Patients?
Terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in oils from many plants. Some common examples of terpenes include menthol (mint), limonene (citrus), and caryophyllene (basil). People have recognized that certain smells can elicit specific emotional and physical reactions for hundreds of years. Many religious rituals have incorporated the burning of herbs to evoke an emotional response from those observing the ceremony. For example, menthol feels cool and fresh, used in cough drops.
The medicinal properties of terpenes are widely unknown
Terpenes work synergistically with other cannabis compounds, like THC and CBD to provide many different therapeutic effects. These effects cannot be recreated using individual components (i.e., terpenes + THC or CBD). Limonene is “strongly anti-carcinogenic, anti-depressant, muscle relaxant, antibiotic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and sedative.” Terpenes also have different boiling points, which means that they can be separated from other compounds by selectively applying heat. By separating the various components of Cannabis, medical marijuana patients can titrate their doses to achieve specific medical effects.
The ability to selectively isolate terpenes should be of extreme interest for medical marijuana patients
There is no reliable way to know the level of cannabinoids in any commercially available product. This lack of standardization can lead to unpredictable outcomes for medical marijuana patients, leading them to rely on anecdotal evidence. The medical community widely accepts that cannabinoids affect different people in different ways. Experimentation and communication between doctor and patient is the only way a patient can determine which cannabinoid profile works best.
These are called “essential” or “volatile” oils. It was once thought that plants needed them to survive. The term volatile implies that they are components of a liquid or gas. This means that they will reach their highest concentration in the air and dissipate if not contained. Not all terpenes are fragrant.
Two of the most common terpenes in Cannabis are known as “β-myrcene” and “α-pinene”.
Many other plants produce these chemicals, so they’re often found outside the cannabis world. Beta-myrcene is used to give some fragrances their musky smell. α-pinene is an anti-inflammatory and may improve memory retention.
Two additional terpenes currently being studied in the medical marijuana community include cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). Cannabidiol is not psychoactive. It provides anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. Cannabinol is usually found in the old bud, and it may have sedative properties and is also believed to affect memory retention.
Some terpenes may help reduce pain, increase alertness, or cause sleepiness
The highest levels of terpenes are found in the essential oils of certain plants. Shamans and priests once used them as medicine. The myth of “the cure” was likely due to some degree of a placebo effect. There is evidence that at least one component is present at high enough levels to elicit a physiological response. That component is β-myrcene.
Terpenes possess a wide range of medicinal properties. Some terpenes activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Others inhibit activity at specific receptors. Terpenes and their metabolites may also function as neurotransmitters.
Terpenes are an exciting piece of the medical marijuana puzzle, but they remain poorly studied for now
That means that few proven claims can be made about how these molecules influence the effects of Cannabis itself. You don’t need clinical studies to tell you what your nose already knows: different strains have distinct aromas! You’ll need to experiment to see if terpene-derived properties might improve your quality of life.
If you want to try some new flavors, consider trying the many varieties of Cannabis at The Stone Dispensary
This dispensary carries over 300 different strains of medical marijuana, including Girl Scout Cookies, Green Crack, and Sour Diesel. You can use the menu filters to look for products that might appeal to you based on their terpene profile. Or you can go for something tasty!
Terpenes are often regulated as food additives and might be used in pharmaceutical drugs in the future. For now, medical marijuana patients and recreational users should keep an eye out for these chemicals on product labels. This information will help them get the most out of their treatment, leading to additional research.
Terpenes and Medicine
Terpenes possess a wide range of medicinal properties. Some activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Others inhibit activity at specific receptors. Terpenes and their metabolites may also function as neurotransmitters. Research is unfortunately quite limited.
Terpenes are certainly an exciting piece of the medical marijuana puzzle, but they are poorly studied. That means that few proven claims can be made about how these molecules influence the effects of Cannabis itself. You don’t need clinical studies to tell you what your nose already knows. Different strains have distinct aromas! You’ll need to experiment to see if terpene-derived properties might improve your quality of life. If you want to pick up some new flavors, consider trying the many varieties of Cannabis at The Stone Dispensary.
Shop at The Stone
This dispensary carries over 300 different strains of medical marijuana, including Girl Scout Cookies, Green Crack, and Sour Diesel. You can use the menu filters to look for products that might appeal to you based on their terpene profile. Or you can go for something tasty!
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