Terpenes play a big part in what makes each cannabis strain unique. These natural compounds don’t just shape the aroma and flavour of the plant – they are also believed to influence the plant’s effect on the body and are considered when determining how a medication might work for you.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural, active compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They’re what give different herbs, fruits, and flowers their distinct aromas. In cannabis, terpenes are behind the variety of scents and flavours that give each strain their unique characteristics.
Cannabis contains more than 120 identified terpenes 1. Terpenes are the second most common compounds found in cannabis after cannabinoids, and they do much more than contribute to the plants scent.
Terpenes and Cannabis
The terpene content of cannabis can vary between different cannabis strains. Factors like genetics, soil quality, light, temperature, and the plant’s growth stage all play a role. For example, plants in their flowering stage often produce more terpenes, leading to stronger aromas2.
While researchers have identified thousands of terpenes in nature, cannabis contains a particularly high concentration of certain terpenes. Most of the research conducted on terpenes has been in laboratory studies and further research is needed to understand their effects in humans and on specific conditions. Here are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and their potential properties3:
Limonene
If you’ve ever noticed a citrusy scent in a strain, limonene is likely behind it. Found in the rinds of lemons and oranges, this terpene is thought to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though research is still in its early stages.
Pinene
Pinene, as the name suggests, is commonly found in pine needles and other plants like rosemary and basil. It has a fresh, woody scent. Some research also points to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Linalool
Linalool gives lavender its calming aroma, making it a staple in aromatherapy. In cannabis, it’s linked with potential anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects. It might also offer neuroprotective benefits, though more research is needed to understand how it works.
Myrcene
Myrcene is known for its earthy, musky scent. It’s also found in hops and lemongrass. Research suggests it may help reduce inflammation and protect tissues from oxidative damage, but these findings are based on high concentrations not typically consumed through regular cannabis use.
Beta-Caryophyllene
This terpene is present in spices like black pepper and cloves. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially offering pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Some researchers are exploring its potential for chronic pain as it has been shown to affect the transmission of pain signals along nerves in laboratory studies.
Humulene
Humulene is found in hops, cloves, and ginger with a distinctive earthy and spicy aroma. Early studies suggest it might affect pathways of inflammation associated with allergy and asthma. Its potential anti-cancer properties are also being explored, though this research and studies on inflammation is still in its infancy.
Known Terpene Effects
Although more research is needed, as much of the current research is preclinical, studies suggest that the interaction between various terpenes and the more well known cannabinoids found in cannabis may impact its effects.
The Entourage Effect
Cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are well studied but there is growing interest in how they work alongside terpenes and other compounds to create different effects. A concept known as the “entourage effect.”
While the idea is popular, the science is less certain4 5. Most of the research so far is limited to preclinical studies, and some claims about the entourage effect may be overstated.
That said, many patients find that full-spectrum cannabis products, which contain a variety of compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, provide a more balanced experience compared to isolated THC or CBD. The diversity of these compounds allows our clinicians at Curaleaf Clinic to take a personalised approach to treatment, tailoring medical cannabis prescriptions to the unique needs of eligible patients. This ensures that each patient’s medication is optimised for their specific therapeutic goals.
Conclusion
Terpenes are a fascinating part of what makes cannabis so complex and we’re learning more about their potential all the time.
To learn more about Curaleaf Clinic and to check your eligibility for a consultation, visit our Getting Started page.
Sources
1 Radwan, M.M., Chandra, S., Gul, S. and ElSohly, M.A. (2021). Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis. Molecules, 26(9), p.2774. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092774. Available Online: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/9/2774
2 Sommano, S.R., Chittasupho, C., Ruksiriwanich, W. and Jantrawut, P. (2020). The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules, [online] 25(24), p.5792. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792. Available Online: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/24/5792
3 www.medicalnewstoday.com. (2020). What are terpenes? [online]. Available Online: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes
4 Christensen, C., Rose, M., Cornett, C. and Morten Allesø (2023). Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn’t. Biomedicines, 11(8), pp.2323–2323. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082323. Available Online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/11/8/2323
5 Cogan, P.S. (2020). The ‘entourage effect’ or ‘hodge-podge hashish’: the questionable rebranding, marketing, and expectations of cannabis polypharmacy. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, pp.1–11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2020.1721281. Available Online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17512433.2020.1721281