What are Terpenes?

For many medical cannabis patients, the therapeutic potential of the plant extends beyond just THC and CBD. Beyond these famous cannabinoids, there's a world of molecules known as terpenes that may play an influential role in the cannabis experience, both in terms of flavour and therapeutic properties.

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in plants, herbs and some animals. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent associated with plants such as pine, lavender and fresh citrus peels. Manufacturers use terpenes to scent and flavour consumer products such as cosmetics, perfumes, foods and drinks.

Terpenes are vital to plants and have various biological functions. They can protect plants from pests, animal grazing and disease and are implicated in pollination and plant-plant communication. As a result of their defensive role in plants, terpenes are often used as active ingredients of pesticides.

Terpenes are bioactive, meaning they have an effect on the human body. Many terpenes have been shown to have pharmacological effects, although most studies are from laboratory research, and clinical research in humans is preliminary. Terpenes are used frequently in alternative therapies such as aromatherapy. They are responsible for the distinct aroma and flavor of different strains and can also play a significant role in the effects of the strain. Terpenes are thought to work in synergy with cannabinoids produce a wide range of effects. Overall, terpenes play a crucial role in the complexity and diversity of different strains, and their importance cannot be overstated.

There are more than 50,000 terpenes and terpenoids used across a variety of applications. Rubber or polyterpene is one of the most widely used terpenes and it's likely that there are other terpenes that could act as precursors to produce synthetic polymers. Turpentine is created using pinene from the distillation of pine tree resin. Some of the more widely known terpenes are:

Pinene

The most common naturally occurring terpene, it produces the distinct aromas of pine and fir. There are two structural isomers of pinene found in nature: α-pinene and β-pinene. Both forms are important components of pine resin. It is found in many conifer and herb species such as sage. It is associated with increased memory and alterness. Pinene is used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator and local antiseptic.

Limonene

Common is sativa varieties, limonene is associated with elevated mood. It is found in citrus rinds, juniper and mint. It aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and other body tissue. It is well documented that limonene suppresses the growth of many species of fungi and bacteria. It may also be beneficial in protecting against various cancers, and aiding in weight loss.

Caryophyllene

Known for its peppery, woody and spicy aroma. This is the only terpene that is proven to interact with the endocannabinoid system. Caryophyllene is also found in basil, oregano, pepper and cinnamon. Believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic and sleep aiding properties.

Geraniol

Has a sweet aroma that is present in geraniums, lemons and tobacco. Often used in perfumes and cosmetics it is also an effective mosquito repellant. Geraniol may have neuroprotective, anti-fungal and anti-tumor properties.

Humelene

Has an earthy aroma that is present in hops and coriander. Humulene is what gives beer its distinct ‘hoppy’ aroma. Humelene can act as an appetite suppressant and has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties.

Linalool

Linalool has a strong floral scent found in many wildflowers, lavender, birch and rosewood. It has calming and sedative properties and can help relieve anxiety. Also believed to have analgesic and anti-epileptic properties, it has been used for centuries as a sleep aid.

Myrcene

Myrcene is often described as earthy and musky and is associated with increased uptake of THC as it lowers the resistance across the blood to brain barrier. Myrcene has also been shown to increase the maximum saturation level of the CB1 receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect. Found in mango, hops, thyme and citrus, it is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antimutagenic.

Ocimene

Found in a wide variety of botanicals, it has a sweet, woody scent. Plants use ocimene as a defense against pests. Found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, orchids and kumquats. It is believed to have anti-fungal properties.

Terpineol

Has the aroma of lilac and flower blossoms and is often used in cosmetic products. It is often found alongside pinene which overpowers it's scent. May have antibacterial, anti-anxiety and immuno-stimulant properties.

Terpinolene

Has a piney scent with notes of herbs and wildflower, it is often used as an active ingredient in insect repellants. Found in rosemary, sage and cypress, it has been shown to have anti-cancer and tranquillising effects.

Terpenes are an integral component of the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis. By understanding the individual properties of these compounds, patients and healthcare providers can better tailor cannabis-based treatments to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before making decisions about cannabis-based treatments. The pharmacological effects of terpenes listed here are based on preliminary research, and more studies are needed to fully understand their potential benefits and interactions.

References

1. Chaverri, C., Diaz, C., & Cicció, J. F. (2011). Chemical analysis of essential oils from Ocotea gomezii W.C. Burger and Ocotea morae Gomez-Laur. (Lauraceae) collected at Reserva biológica Alberto M. Brenes in Costa Rica and their cytotoxic activity on Tumor cell lines. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, 22(4), 729-734.

2. Falk, A. A., Hagberg, M. T., Löf, A. E., Wigaeus-Hjelm, E. M., & Wang, Z. (1990). Uptake, distribution, and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 317-324.

3. Fernandes, E. S., Passos, G. F., Medeiros, R., da Cunha, F. M., Ferreira, J., Campos, M. M., ... & Calixto, J. B. (2007). Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds alpha-humulene and (−)-trans-caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea. European journal of pharmacology, 569(3), 228-236.

4. Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S., Racz, I., Chen, J. Z., Xie, X. Q., ... & Karsak, M. (2008). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26), 9099-9104.

5. Komori, T., Fujiwara, R., Tanida, M., Nomura, J., & Yokoyama, M. M. (1995). Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation, 2(3), 174-180.

6. Peana, A. T., D'Aquila, P. S., & Panin, F. (2002). Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine, 9(8), 721-726.

7. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.

8. Santos, P. L., Brito, R. G., Oliveira, M. A., Quintans, J. S., DeSantana, J. M., Guimarães, A. G., & Quintans-Júnior, L. J. (2015). The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Aspidosperma tomentosum (Apocynaceae). Journal of pharmacy & pharmacognosy research, 3(2), 22-30.

9. Satou, T., Kasuya, H., Maeda, K., & Koike, K. (2013). Daily inhalation of α-pinene, d-limonene, and terpinolene by humans exerts anxiolytic and antidepressive effects. Phytotherapy Research, 27(7), 1109-1114.

Disclaimer

Medical Cannabis, like all other medications comes with the potential for risk and adverse side-effect including, but not limited to, sedation, vomiting, nausea, cotton mouth, appetite changes, paranoid delusions, vertigo, psychosis, euphoria, depression, confusion and other unknown side-effects. Cannabis interactions with other medications are currently unknown and the risk of addiction or dependence over time has been reported but not been well studied. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal, medical or other information.