Plants contain an appreciable amount of terpenes, same with insects. But what do we know about the compounds that confer cannabis plants with their characteristic aroma, make them enjoyable, and provide you with some health benefits?
As the debate about the legalization of cannabis continues to sweep across the globe, there appears to be some confusion about cannabis-derived terpenes. Also, after the Farm Bill was passed sometime in 2018, the cannabis industry is witnessing a great influx of interest and products about its terpene contents.
Contents
What are Terpenes?
Researchers have discovered more than five hundred bioactive compounds in cannabis. Terpenes are a large part of this number. Cannabis-derived terpenes are compounds with a non-psychoactive nature that can be found in both cannabis plants are many other plants in the plant kingdom.
Even though you may not have realized it, you must have encountered terpenes at a particular point in your life; either through the food you eat, drinks, or even the perfume you wear. More specifically, they can be found in citrus fruits, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, carrots, tea, etc.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds and are a true determinant of the smell of a plant. These compounds can act as defence strategies to ward off herbivores or entice pollinating insects.
There are some cases where terpenes can protect plants from germ-causing fungus or bacteria. To put it differently, they are very important phytochemicals that many plants critically need for their survival.
Because they are directly responsible for the sweet smells that we love in plants, manufacturers have been smart enough to use terpenes as flavor and fragrance components when they are producing an assortment of biotech, food, beauty, and household products.
For instance, some cleaning perfumes and supplies that have the characteristic smell of orange, lemon, lavender, and pine trees are formulated with terpenes as part of their active ingredients.
Different terpenes are also responsible for influencing the appearance of plants, together with the feelings we get as we consume them. Each cannabis strain will possess more than a single terpene, and the grouping of those different terpenes in that strain of cannabis is what forms its terpene profile.
To this very moment, about one hundred and fifty unique terpenes and about a hundred unique cannabinoids are present in cannabis. The relevance of this is not just in the case of marijuana (medical cannabis) but for one other variety of cannabis known as industrial hemp and products derived from it.
Knowing how these compounds work in our bodies will help you foretell the prospective physiological activities of a CBD product derived from hemp or a certain cannabis strain.
For millennia, terpenes have been used as part of medical formulations in the East. It is only a few decades ago that the West began paying attention to it. Because of their recent adoption, most of the researches on terpenes was conducted in cell models and animals. Only a handful of the research focused on humans.
Cannabis-Derived Terpenes
Some scientists, due to their research on aromatics, are now accepting the age-long suggestions of aromatherapists. Indeed, research has revealed that a lot of aromatic compounds have some characteristic health benefits.
Also, terpenes help certain plants protect themselves from prey and also play a part in attracting food to certain animals. Cannabis-derived terpenes from whole plants are the choice of many people because they are prepared by the direct absorption of nutrients from the earth as opposed to other compounds that are formulated in the laboratory.
Whole-plant cannabis comes enriched with vital compounds so that terpenes harvested and derived from it are often more synergistic and beneficial.
Common Terpenes Derived from Cannabis
As said earlier, tons of terpenes can be found in plants, and scientists have identified more than one hundred different terpenes of cannabis sources. Irrespective of such large numbers, some terpenes are more recurrent than others. Let’s take an in-depth look into some of the commonest terpenes, their characteristic smells, and their medicinal benefits.
Limonene
Some marijuana strains containing limonene have been found to be useful in providing relief from stress and anxiety. This compound has been found to possess anticancer properties, and many scientists are working on it as a potential chemopreventive agent for breast cancer. Aside from this hopeful research, this terpene has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties also.
Myrcene
Myrcene comes with musk that invokes memories of earthiness, and it is commonly seen in mango, basil, hops, lemongrass, and of course, cannabis. Research conducted on animals shows that it can potentially support sleep through its relaxant and sedative properties. Earlier studies have shown the anticancer and anti-inflammatory characteristics of myrcene.
Pinene
Pinene is another terpene that is a derivative of pine needles and has a characteristic earthy scent and taste. Researches on cell and animal studies show that it has neuroprotective, anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Prospective studies on humans are necessary to understand the potential effect of this terpene on neurogenerative diseases and cancer.
Linalool
Found in frankincense and cannabis, linalool dates back to antiquity. This terpene is also the compound responsible for giving lavender its sweet and rich scent, but you can find linalool in other plants like coriander.
It has been frequently deployed in aromatherapy, courtesy of its calming benefits. One particular research study in certain patients with carpal syndrome showed that when linalool is inhaled, it can decrease pulse rate, blood pressure and surge antioxidant activity in humans.
Beta-Caryophyllene
For people who love black pepper, it is common knowledge that they’re familiar with the robust and spicy scent of this terpene. It is also found in rosemary, hops, cloves, and of course, cannabis.
It has antidepressant, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety properties, as shown from studies involving mice. Research is currently ongoing as regards its neurodegenerative capability.
Eucalyptol
Cleaning supplies, beauty bars, and soaps that contain this terpene are common in many American homes. It confers a minty smell to materials and people when they use products based on it.
It is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and investigators think that it has potential anti-cancer activities. They are not only found in eucalyptus plants; they are also common in cannabis, tea tress, bay leaves, sweet basil, sage, and rosemary.
Bisabolol
Aside from the fact that this compound is not one of the major terpenes present in cannabis, bisabolol contains anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties have been demonstrated to have some clinical advantages in people who just had oral surgery.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is an amazingly complex and exceptional terpene that is common in small doses in several hemp cultivars. Even though it is present in such small quantities, it has a major effect on aroma and flavor; this makes it a common inclusion in soaps and cleaning products.
Phellandrene
Phellandrene is another aromatic and flavorful terpene and is frequently utilized as meal-grade flavoring agents because of its citrusy and spicy taste. While its therapeutic property is still being investigated, this compound is promising as an anti-inflammatory and immune booster agent.
Some Commonly Asked Questions
What is the FDA’s Position on Cannabis-Derived Terpenes?
Found in a common product like fruits, beer, and perfumes, terpenes are some derivates of cannabis plants that have been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of their widespread popularity and use.
You should also know that, although the FDA supported their scientific investigation on the health properties of cannabis itself or compounds derived from it, they have not officially supported it as a treatment agent for any condition or disease.
Both medications derived from cannabis and synthetic products manufactured from cannabis derivates are approved by the FDA, but you can only get them as a prescription from a qualified healthcare worker to address very specific types of ailments.
Are Terpenes Legal?
This is a very tough question because terpenes are also derivatives of other plants. Cannabis-derived and naturally occurring terpenes are lawful. According to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, cannabis and CBD and terpenes gotten from it are legal under the law. While some states in the United States have fully legalized cannabis and products derived from it, others are still yet to adopt such measures.
Can Terpenes Make You High?
Terpenes convey flavors, aromas, and often come with a lot of therapeutic properties. While it is true that certain terpenes facilitate the “highness” or intoxicating effects that THC and other cannabinoids give off, they by themselves are not naturally intoxicating. However, terpenes can promote energy, happiness, and relaxation feelings.
