What are the Most Popular Cannabis Terpenes?

There are many reasons why people who regularly use cannabis develop strong preferences for certain varieties. Cannabis is a fascinating plant just now beginning to get the credit it deserves, whether for its taste, fragrance, or effects. Experts have only just started to scrape the surface of cannabis research, and the complexity of the plant's odor and its various essential oils and cannabinoids is mirrored in this article.

In the cannabis plant, there are approximately 200 distinct terpenes. The varied terpene profiles of different cannabis strains give those strains their unique smells and fragrances. Terpenes, the essential oils found in cannabis, have been shown in several scientific studies to have properties that go well beyond taste. Various terpene chemicals, including THC and CBD (cannabidiol), may impact the body and psyche of medicinal cannabis users. A look at the most prevalent cannabis terpenes, as well as the medicinal advantages they may provide to cannabis users, is the focus of this tutorial. Learn more about what are cannabis terpenes

Limonene

According to Claudino, Jonsson & Johansson (2013), limonene is the second most common terpene, although it isn't present in all of them. Limonene, which gets its name from the fact that it's found in high concentrations in all citrus fruits, has a lemony aroma to cannabis strains. Limonene is a common ingredient in both personal care and household items. When used as a medicinal agent, limonene elevates mood and eases tension. It also has antifungal and antibacterial agents. Lemon and sour-named strains tend to be high in limonene.

Caryophyllene

Spices such as oregano, basil, and rosemary also contain caryophyllene. It is well recognized for its spiciness and pepperiness. Anti-inflammatory topicals and lotions use beta-caryophyllene because it binds to CB2 receptors. Terpenes that interact with cannabinoid receptors include caryophyllene. The analgesic and anti-anxiety qualities of caryophyllene make it a possible treatment for alcoholism. This terpene has been demonstrated to lower the amount of alcohol mice can consume independently. Caryophyllene was indicated as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Pinene

Pinene (Pn) is a common terpene with a highly evocative name and is found in many plants. Pine needles are the primary source of pinene. It's the most common terpene in nature and is also found in many marijuana strains. As with limonene, some research suggests that pinene, too, may help with anxiety and discomfort. Unlike other strain terpenes, pinene has the potential to affect the respiratory system and open the airways. Strains with a high concentration of pinene include:

Myrcene

When it comes to terpenes, myrcene is the most common one in cannabis. According to Smith et al. (2022), myrcene may account for as much as 65 percent of a strain's overall terpene composition. The scent of myrcene is typically described as having earthy, musky undertones, like cloves. A juicy, red grape-like scent accompanies it as well. Indicas with sedative effects may be found in strains with 0.5 percent of this terpene. Myrcene may help reduce inflammation and persistent discomfort. Therefore, it's often advised as a supplement during cancer therapy. Eat a mango for around 45 minutes before smoking weed for an extra potent experience. A high concentration of myrcene may enhance the THC's effects and boost its absorption rate by eating mango before smoking cannabis.

Linalool Terpenes

Hundreds of plants generate linalool throughout their life cycles. For many cannabis users, this compound's medicinal benefits are comparable to those of other cannabinoids like THC. Linalool is known for its lavender-like perfume and other floral-like aromas. Sweet citrus and mild spiciness are both present in this flavor.

The linalool terpene is the primary source of the lavender flower's distinctive smell. Birchwood, coriander, and even most tomato cultivars are among the plants that naturally generate this essential oil. Numerous medical applications are possible with the usage of linalool. Scientific investigations on lab mice have discovered a positive relationship between the therapeutic use of linalool and the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The linalool terpene molecule and cannabinoids may also help with:

• Anti-anxiety
• Antidepressant
• It has anti-microbial properties
• It is an antiepileptic (used to treat epilepsy and reduce seizures)
• Immune support is needed (especially for stress)
• Muscle-relaxing
• Alleviation of discomfort and anxiety reduction

Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene

These cannabis terpenes have a piney scent and are abundant in cannabis. Other plants high in pinene include orange peels, rosemary, basil, parsley, and cannabis. According to Downer (2020), pinene terpenes, like many others, are anti-inflammatory for humans. It's vital to note that they also aid in reducing THC-induced memory loss by enhancing airflow and respiratory function. Pinene is a good option for arthritis, Crohn's disease, and cancer treatment. Pinene may be found in various cannabis strains, including the classics Jack Herer and Strawberry Cough.

Eucalyptol

According to Galan et al. (2020), eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is the major terpene found in eucalyptus. Most cannabis strains do not have a high concentration of this compound, but when it is present, it gives off a distinct minty and cold aroma. In addition to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, this terpene has been employed in this way. Eucalyptol's medicinal benefits include relieving pain and slowing the development of germs and fungi. Even though research on this terpene is still in its infancy stage, it has shown some promising benefits for Alzheimer's disease.

Camphene

An accurate description of camphene's aroma would include pine needles, earthy musky notes, and wet woods. Myrcene, the distinctive fragrance of marijuana that most of us are familiar with, is sometimes confused for the camphene scent. Camphene has enormous promise in the medical field. It becomes an even more potent antioxidant when combined with vitamin C. Eczema and psoriasis are common conditions for which it is used as a topical treatment. As a cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering agent, it has the highest promise for improving cardiovascular health. Learn more about how many terpenes are there?

Conclusion

Numerous terpenes in marijuana have been discussed in this article. Although it's clear that they have many advantages, they may also contribute to the distinctive smell of marijuana, which many find unpleasant. Although the cannabis plant contains several terpenes, studying them all in a single sitting is impossible. Learn more about how are terpenes extracted?

References

Claudino, M., Jonsson, M., & Johansson, M. (2013). Thiol–ene coupling kinetics of d-limonene: a versatile 'non-click'free-radical reaction involving a natural terpene. RSC advances, 3(27), 11021-11034.

Downer, E. J. (2020). Anti-inflammatory Potential of Terpenes Present in Cannabis sativa L. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 11(5), 659-662.

Galan, D. M., Ezeudu, N. E., Garcia, J., Geronimo, C. A., Berry, N. M., & Malcolm, B. J. (2020). Eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole): an underutilized ally in respiratory disorders?. Journal of essential oil research, 32(2), 103-110.

Smith, C. J., Vergara, D., Keegan, B., & Jikomes, N. (2022). The phytochemical diversity of commercial cannabis in the United States. PLoS one, 17(5), e0267498.