Support for targeted medical application?
Terpenes are natural compounds found in cannabis that create more than just aroma and fragrance. When used selectively, they can potentially complement the effects of medical cannabis. If you, as a patient, are interested in using medical cannabis , this could open up new avenues and possibilities. The following guide explains the role terpenes play in cannabis’s effects and how the entourage effect comes into play. You’ll also find a list of the most important terpenes and their properties.
The most important things in brief:
- The aromatic compounds in cannabis are not only responsible for the aroma and taste. Terpenes can also influence and support the effects of a cannabis plant.
- Terpenes interact with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD , allowing for targeted therapeutic effects and even enhancing effects.
- The effect profiles can vary depending on the terpenes. While some can have calming and anti-inflammatory effects, others can have pain-relieving effects.
What are terpenes and what role do they play in cannabis?
Terpenes are natural compounds found not only in cannabis, but also in other plants. When you smell or taste a plant, it’s the terpenes it contains that are responsible for it. Terpenes also play a crucial role when it comes to the effects. Together with the cannabinoids (active ingredients) such as THC and CBD, they complement each other—this is also referred to as the entourage effect (more on this below).
If this effect is realized, it is possible to specifically generate and enhance effects and therapeutic effects. Thus, medical cannabis, in consultation with a physician, may be used to support the relief of symptoms such as depression or chronic pain .
Depending on the effect you want to achieve, there are different terpene profiles to choose from, which can vary depending on the cannabis strain .
Occurrence in nature and in cannabis plants
Terpenes are found in numerous plants and have various properties. For example, they are found in herbs and citrus fruits, where they serve as natural defenses, protecting against UV radiation and pests, among other things. They also serve to attract pollinators.
As a cannabis plant grows, terpenes form in the trichomes (small, sticky resin glands) on the leaves and flowers. The composition and quantity of these terpenes depend on various factors:
- Growing conditions
- genetics
- Time of harvest
Professional medical cannabis growers and cultivation facilities place great emphasis on professional cultivation methods and targeted breeding. This is the only way to create and enhance a specific terpene profile, allowing for targeted optimization of effects and therapeutic benefits.
Importance of terpenes for medical applications
When it comes to the medical use of cannabis, terpenes can be crucial. They can not only complement but also modulate the effects. The majority of patients consider THC and CBD as the main active ingredients. However, the focus should also be on the terpenes contained in cannabis, which can make a small but significant difference.
Immediately after application (e.g., through vaporization ), the terpenes enter the bloodstream. There, they interact with the body’s own receptors in the nervous system and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). By influencing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, targeted effects and actions arise. For example, they can potentially support pain relief.
The power of the entourage effect – how synergies between terpenes and cannabinoids can provide additional support
The entourage effect is the interaction between cannabinoids such as THC and CBD and various terpenes. The effects of the terpenes and cannabinoids can modulate or even enhance each other. They work together, further increasing their potential therapeutic potential.
But how does it all actually work? While terpenes enter the body via the bloodstream and bind to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), they simultaneously influence the way cannabinoids are absorbed and act. For example, myrcene has the property of making cell membranes more permeable, which can increase the bioavailability of THC.
Other terpenes, such as linalool, can have a mood-enhancing effect. This enhanced effect could be even more helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders.
Therefore, it’s not just the CBD and THC content in cannabis that’s crucial. Choosing the right terpene profile can also help complement the effect. This demonstrates how important the entourage effect is and why it should be considered in therapeutic cannabis therapy.
Examples of synergistic effects
| combination | Possible synergistic effect |
|---|---|
| Beta-caryophyllene + CBD/THC | Because the terpene binds directly to the CB2 receptors, the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and THC can be enhanced. |
| Myrcene + THC | Myrcene has the ability to increase the permeability of cell membranes. This could allow THC to reach the brain more quickly, providing greater relaxation or pain relief. |
| Limonene + CBD | Because limonene can have a mood-enhancing effect, it could have even stronger anxiolytic effects when combined with CBD. |
| Pinene + THC | Pinene has, among other things, anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with THC, it could optimize cognitive performance, for example, improving memory. |
| Linalool + THC/CBD | Linalool is known for its anxiolytic and calming properties. Combining it with TCH and/or CBD could make it even more relaxing, helping with sleep disorders , for example. |
Possible effects of cannabis terpenes
A look at cannabis terpenes and their effects shows that both their mode of action and their therapeutic effects vary, can be complemented or enhanced. Depending on which cannabis terpene profile you choose, different aspects of use can arise.
List of all cannabis terpenes – aroma, taste & possible effects
The following overview shows you common terpenes and key properties such as aroma and possible effects:
| terpene | Odor | The taste | Possible effect | Happen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonen | Refreshing, citrus fruit | Lemony, sweet and tangy | Stress-relieving and mood-enhancing | Mint, rosemary, pine needles |
| Humulen | Woody and earthy, spicy with herbs | Slightly bitter with a spicy note | Pain-relieving, relaxing, creativity-enhancing | Coriander, hops, sage |
| Caryophyllen | Spicy, peppery, woody | Woody, spicy, slightly sweet | Pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory | Black pepper, oregano, basil |
| Alpha-pinene | Pine, earthy, refreshing | Herbal, slightly earthy and bitter | Bronchodilator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory | Pine, rosemary, eucalyptus |
| Beta-pinene | Spicy, earthy, light aromatic notes of dill and basil | Resinous, earthy, slightly bitter | Increase cognitive ability, more clarity | Pine, lemon, nutmeg |
| Myrcen | Fruity, slightly spicy and earthy | Cloves, mangos, slightly sweet | Sleep-promoting, relaxing, pain-relieving, anxiety-relieving | Mangos, bay leaves, thyme |
| Geraniol | Floral, rosy | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory | Lemongrass, roses, geraniums | |
| Ocimen | herbs, woody, sweet | Herbal, sweet and lemony | Stimulating, uplifting, anxiolytic | Mint, basil, parsley |
| Terpinol | Floral, light pine | Spicy, sweet, refreshing | Antibacterial, soothing, | rosemary, caraway, nutmeg |
Terpenes and their effects on humans – clinical studies on their effects
A look at research on terpenes shows that it is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, there are initial scientific studies that provide clues to potential therapeutic effects.
Effects of cannabis-specific terpenes at the University of Arizona Health Sciences
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences conducted a study (1) investigating the potential effects of cannabis-specific terpenes on neuropathic pain. These include alpha-humulene, beta, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, geraniol, and linalool. The results showed that these terpenes had a similar effect to morphine, albeit with fewer side effects.
Influence of cannabinoid effects by terpenes
In another study, researchers at the University of California, San Diego (2) investigated the extent to which terpenes can modulate or enhance the effects of cannabinoids. They found that terpenes could potentially influence the bioavailability of THC and CBD. This could optimize the therapeutic effectiveness of medical cannabis.
Which forms of consumption can support the ideal development of the terpene profile?
Choosing the right consumption method is crucial for how well a terpene profile can develop in the body. When choosing a method, keep in mind that too much heat can cause terpenes to evaporate or be destroyed.
- Vaporizing: Vaporizing with a vaporizer is a good option if you want to achieve a relatively quick effect and heat and preserve cannabis terpenes at the right temperature. Make sure you set the correct temperature (around 160 to 200°C) to ensure a good release.
- Oils and tinctures: Here, too, you contribute to preserving the terpene profile. The active ingredients are absorbed directly, and the oil or tincture isn’t exposed to excessive heat.
Medical-grade cannabis for a high-quality terpene profile
If you want to rely on a high-quality terpene profile for your medical use, we recommend medical-grade cannabis. This ensures that cultivation is controlled and carried out under good conditions and strict controls.
This is the only way to ensure that the terpenes and active ingredients contained are stable and effective. Ideal growing conditions are also required, taking into account factors such as humidity, light, and temperature.
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