What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic hydrocarbons (among the hundreds of chemical compounds found in cannabis) that plants manufacture and which act as a defense mechanism to deter herbivores (deer or insects) from eating them. Some terpenes even attract species of predators who naturally feed on plant herbivores. Science, right?

Terpenes work because they emit a strong aroma. They are frequently used as the basis of fragrances and flavorings in a wide variety of organic products. For example, the distinctive smell of lavender, mint, or marijuana is entirely due to the unique makeup of terpenes and flavonoids in each of these plant species.

Like cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes interact with neural and cellular receptors. In particular, they can modulate neurotransmitter levels. By binding to receptors in the brain, terpenes can inhibit the breakdown of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) or boost dopamine activity (the neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure, motivation, and reward).  

In fact, the terpenes in cannabis provide many of the same benefits as anti-depressants, but without the often debilitating side effects that traditional tricyclic or re-uptake inhibiting medications entail.

THC, because of its psychoactive properties, has received the most interest from researchers. Likewise, CBD has attracted noticeable attention because of its effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system. In contrast, terpenes remain comparatively understudied and unappreciated, but preliminary evidence suggests they’re a much larger piece of the marijuana equation than we currently think.

Useful Facts About Terpenes

Despite our limited understanding of them, here are some intriguing things we do know about the terpenes in cannabis:

• Scientists have identified no less than 120 terpenes in marijuana.
• About 10 to 30% of cannabis resin consists of terpenes.
• The terms “terpenes” and “terpenoids” are often used interchangeably. However, terpenoids are terpenes that have been chemically modified by curing or oxidation.
• Terpenes are responsible for pot’s distinctive odor; it’s what drug-sniffing dogs zero in on.
• Synthetic forms of marijuana — such as Marinol — lack terpenes, which may explain why many patients find Marinol so ineffective as a medicine.
• The terpenes in cannabis are often virtually identical to those found in other plants.
• Evidence indicates that the terpene Myrcene boosts the effect of THC. Anecdotal reports suggest that eating Myrcene-rich mangos prior to ingesting cannabis can increase both the medical and psychoactive impact of THC.

Terpenes & The Entourage Effect

Most of the scientific and medical interest in terpenes has centered on their synergistic effects. For example, Dr. Ethan Russo has specifically called attention the so-called “entourage effect,” which refers to the way that the various compounds in cannabis work together and reinforce each other.

More specifically, the presence of terpenes in marijuana can actually inhibit THC’s intoxicating effects. However, as Dr, Russo notes, the modulation of THC actually serves to increase marijuana’s “therapeutic index” meaning that an inhibition of THC’s effects can actually produce more medical value for you, the consumer.

The dissatisfaction most patients experience with Marinol, a synthetic form of THC, illustrates shortcomings that stem from ignoring the entourage effect. Put simply, many patients find that the isolated concentrations of THC (meaning it lacks terpenes and any other cannabinoids) in Marinol produce a very unpleasant, ineffective experience.

In fact, cannabis researchers believe that both terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD work to modulate THC’s effects. In particular, the presence of terpenes and compounds like CBD are thought to lessen anxiety while boosting THC’s analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, among other effects.

This “phytocannabinoid-terpenoid synergy,” according to Dr. Russo, is the key to marijuana’s extraordinary versatility and effectiveness as a medicine, and is something we’re excited to learn more about as new research is conducted.

In a word, the marijuana plant as a whole is more beneficial than the sum of its constituent parts. With terpenes in the mix, you get more bang for your buck.

Flavonoids in Cannabis

Flavonoids are nutrients that give many plants their distinctive colors. For example, flavonoids are the compounds that give blueberries their vibrant hue. There’s already over 6,000 identified flavonoids known to scientists, and over 20 are found to exist in cannabis.  In particular, they are noted for their nutritive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The role they play in marijuana’s therapeutic effects is not well-known, but like terpenes, they are believed to have a synergistic influence.

Only time will tell, as clinical studies will hopefully be possible in the not-too-distant future, once cannabis is removed from the federal list of Schedule I substances.

Choosing Cannabis Strains Based on Terpene Profiles

Terpenes are the building blocks of cannabinoids, plant hormones, and pigments. So, they naturally play a huge role in marijuana’s overall psychological and physical effects. Of course, terpene concentrations and configurations will vary considerably from strain to strain and even batch to batch. Environmental conditions and curing methods will also have a tremendous impact on terpene qualities.

Many medical marijuana patients select specific strains by their scent. There is a sound basis for this. Different terpene concentrations have unique fragrances and medicinal properties. For example, anecdotal reports suggest that strains with a musk or clover scent provide relaxing and sedative effects. In contrast, pot with a piney scent is known for promoting mental alertness and boosting memory. And weed with a lemony scent is renowned for its mood-elevating qualities.

The following are a few of the better-known terpenes along with their characteristics, the medical effects that they’re known for, and some typical strains you can find to match:

Myrcene

Musky aroma. It’s normally found in fruit, but it is the most common terpene found in cannabis too. It is believed to quicken and intensify pot’s psychoactive properties. It is also known for its painkilling, sedative, and insomnia-fighting properties.

• Medical Value: Natural antioxidant with anti inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Also indicated for insomnia, depression, and muscle tension.
• Strains to Look For: Pure Kush, White Widow, and El Nino.

Limonene

Citrusy smell. Researchers are studying its potential anti-tumor properties. Cannabis strains high in limonene are renowned for having an uplifting effect on mood.

• Medical Value: Antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer properties. Has shown efficacy for gastrointestinal disorders.
• Strains to Look For: Lemon Skunk, Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, and OG Kush

Pinene

Characterized by a piney scent. This terpene has been used as an antiseptic, antitumor agent, and bronchodilator in many folk-remedy traditions.

• Medical Value: For treating asthma and as a natural antiseptic.
• Strains to Look For: Trainwreck, Bubba Kush, and Super Silver Haze

Caryophyllene

Exhibits a peppery/woody aroma. Researchers are investigating the potential of high-caryophyllene strains to treat arthritis and neuropathic pain.

• Medical Value: Possible gastroprotective properties. In particular, noted for treating autoimmune conditions like arthritis, ulcers, and depression.
• Strains to Look For: Hash Plant and Trainwreck.

Terpinolene

Sweet, floral scent. Studies indicate that terpinolene tends to induce drowsiness. It has also been identified as a potential tumor inhibitor.

• Medical Value: Has a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Also, believed to have antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-tumor properties.
• Strains to Look For: Pineapple Jack, Lemon Sour Diesel, and Super Jack.

Camphene

Pungent smell reminiscent of fir needles. Animal experiments suggest that camphene may help lower cholesterol.

• Medical Value: Research indicates it is natural antibiotic with antiinflammatory properties.
• Strains to Look For: Indica strains.

Terpineol

Smells like lilacs. It is believed to have a  calming effect as well as antibiotic and antimicrobial properties.

• Medical Value: Studies indicate it is an antioxidant.
• Strains to Look For: Jack Herer.

Geraniol

Rose-like aroma. Studies suggest this terpene may help reduce neuropathy.

• Medical Value: Shows promise for treating neuropathic pain
• Strains to Look For: Master Kush, Amnesia Haze, and Great White Shark.

Sabinene

Reportedly has a spicy/citrus fragrance. Scientists are investigating its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

• Medical Value: Being investigated as a possible source of anti-inflammatory medications..
• Strains to Look For: Sativa strains

Pulegone

Peppermint scent. It believed to have sedative and memory-enhancing properties.

• Medical Value: May have fever-reducing and memory-enhancing properties. Also indicated for reducing stress.
• Strains to Look For: Usually found only in trace amounts in cannabis, but believed to contribute the the entourage effect.

Linalool

Lavender fragrance. Studies suggest that it has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

• Medical Value: Lowers anxiety, alleviates depression, and reduces convulsions.
• Strains to Look For: Lavender, LA Confidential, and Amnesia Haze.

Phellandrene

Described as having a peppermint/citrus aroma. Turmeric, which has been used for centuries by Chinese herbalists to treat fungal infections, is very high in this terpene.

• Medical Value: Investigated for possible anti-depressant and pain reduction effects. Researchers are also looking at possible antitumor properties.
• Strains to Look For: Sativa strains.

Conclusion

Terpenes are widely recognized as a safe and all-natural way to promote wellness. Increasingly, patients and medical professionals are recognizing the important role they play in medical marijuana, as terpenes can help patients identify the most suitable strains for specific conditions. In addition, their synergistic effect, which magnifies the therapeutic value of cannabinoids and THC, is only beginning to be understood.