What are terpenes?

But wait. You thought that cannabinoids were the compounds in the cannabis or hemp plant that brought about healing, right? Yes, but it's been discovered that terpenes can also play a big role in this. In fact, cannabinoids and terpenes work together in something called the entourage effect.

The entourage effect simply means that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are meant to work together with the hundreds of other compounds and the terpenes. It is the whole plant that does the best job, not just a single compound. Even if relief is provided by the use of a CBD or THC oiltherapy with the whole plant is the most common application. The use of all compounds and terpenes in the plant may be the best way after all.

THE TERP TABLE

Currently, there are at least 20,000 different terpenes, and the cannabis or commercial hemp plants contain more than 100 of these terpenes. Many terpenes produced by the cannabis or commercial hemp plant are also found elsewhere in nature. However, there are some terpenes that are found in high concentrations in cannabis and commercial hemp plants. Here are the ones you should know about:

MYRCEN-TERPEN

Myrcene, which is also found in mangoes, is the most important terpene in cannabis plants. In some plants, up to 65 percent of the terpene profile can consist of myrcene alone. The presence of myrcene often determines whether a particular strain can be classified as indica or sativa. Plants with more than 0.5 percent myrcene are designated as indica. Myrcene has relaxing Properties as well as anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic Features.

LIMONENE TERPENES

Limonene, the second most abundant terpene in cannabis, is also found in various citrus fruits and is responsible for the citrus-like smell. However, it is not present in all cannabis strains. Limonene has strong Anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and its great smell means it is a common additive in household cleaning and cosmetic products. Limonene can also help to improve the Stress and strengthen Mood.

PIN TERP

The name of this terpene actually says it all. Pinene is most commonly found in pine trees and gives pine needles their distinctive smell. It comes in two varieties: Alpha, which is responsible for the smell wonderful pine aromaand beta, which smells like rosemary, dill or parsley. Pinene is a strong bronchodilatorbut also has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic Effects used for centuries in herbal medicine.

LINALOOL TERPENE

If you've ever used lavender for its relaxing effects, then you're familiar with the terpene linalool. Linalool is widely known for the Stress Relief, Anti-anxiety, and Antidepressant Effects. Linalool can help offset the anxious side effect sometimes caused by THC, making it an ideal terpene for treating anxiety.

CARYOPHYLLENE-TERPENES

This terpene, which has a spicy, woody and peppery scent, is also found in black pepper and cinnamon. Studies suggest that this small terpene is able to perform the large task of Anxiety treatment, Depression, and Inflammations.

HUMULEN-TERPENES

While many other varieties help to increase appetite, which is beneficial in conditions where nausea and loss of appetite play a role, varieties containing humulene may actually help to decrease appetite. Humulene, which is found in hops, cloves and basil, has also been shown to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in research.

As stated, cannabis or industrial hemp contains about 100 known terpenes, each with their own effects. Combined with the cannabinoids and other terpenes, the future of cannabis may lie in cultivating varieties rich in certain terpenes and cannabinoids to create customized varieties that have specific effects.