Did you know How many Terpenes in cannabis? We got the answer. Read the full article to find out the interesting facts about terpenes.

Terpenes are short isoprene chains that serve as the building blocks of essential oils in plants and are responsible for the aroma contained in plants and herbs. They give off the unique scents in particular plants such as in cannabis, lemon, and lavender. The smell in cannabis strains is due to terpenes.

How Many Terpenes Are There In Cannabis?

There are over a hundred terpenes in cannabis that work together and determine the distinctive characteristics of each strain of cannabis. There is a multitude of research works tackling the exact number of terpenes in cannabis. Still, no definite answer has been generally accepted by Science yet, some present that there are 120 while other studies show 140, 160, or even up to 200. Terpenes in cannabis are the reasons for the existence of remarkable flavors such as citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Its significance is often overlooked, but it is just as important as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), for each component has distinct contributions and complement each other when an individual takes cannabis.

Terpenes in the Entourage Effect

When cannabis is vaporized or smoked, there are about hundreds of botanical compounds that get inhaled. The phenomenon stating that these compounds present in marijuana can perform better and give off soothing and healing effects at a higher level when working together is called the entourage effect. To negate the misconception that only CBD causes the therapeutic effect and THC is just for fun, the entourage effect shows that THC also contains medicinal properties and mainly aids in the binding to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the human body.

On the other hand, CBD helps reduce the side effects when THC is taken alone, such as hunger and anxiety. To add to THC and CBD, studies prove that Terpenes add significant value to the therapeutic effect when taking cannabis, which is also exhibited due to the entourage effect. Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid interaction causes synergistic effects, particularly with the treatment of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, cancer, epilepsy, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Initially, terpenes act as a protective component in plants that drives off predators such as insects and foraging animals. It also keeps them from infectious germs and speeds up their recovery from damages. For some, it acts as an attraction to pollinators, which promotes reproduction for plants. However, the role of terpenes in cannabis focuses on its aromatic components.

Most Common Types of Terpenes in Cannabis

Coming with the aromatic components brought by terpenes in cannabis and the variation of its kinds are the different effects that they grant the human body.

The most common type of terpenes found in cannabis is Myrcene. It is known for its herbal, musky, and earthy aroma, which appears in hops, mango, thyme, and lemongrass. Myrcene is a popular sleeping aid and muscle relaxant and contributes to the sedative effects of potent indicas. It also contains antibiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. A high level of Myrcene in cannabis, which can be quantified at approximately 0.5%, leads to a couch-lock effect, which is a common effect among Indica strains. Myrcene can be found in strains such as Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.

Another common type of terpene is Limonene, which is one of the two significant compounds from pinene. As can be derived from its name, it gives off a distinct citrusy scent similar to what is present in lemons, oranges, and pomelos. It is famous for being able to aid in weight loss and being an antifungal agent that aids in suppressing the growth of various fungus and bacteria. It also plays a significant role for the better absorption and inhalation of other terpenes. Limonene can be found in strains such as Strawberry Banana, White Fire OG, and Wedding Cake.

One more common type of terpene is the Linalool, which is very popular for its calming and relaxing effect. It also contains antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anesthetic, and anti-anxiety properties. It is most abundant in lavender plants giving off its floral fragrance and making it most sought for aromatherapies. Linalool is also found to suggest that it may reverse the histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease and restore emotional and cognitive abilities through its anti-inflammatory properties. Linalool can be found in cannabis strains such as Kosher Kush, Skittlez, and Do-Si-Dos. Beta-caryophyllene is another common type of terpene that is usually found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon leaves, and Thai basils. Its aroma can be described as spicy, peppery, and woody.

It is also known for having premises in the treatment of cancer, nephrotoxicity, and other chronic and nerve pains. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties and brings significant protection to the cells present in the digestive lining. It is also present in chewing gums, especially when combined with spicy or citrusy flavors. Beta-caryophyllene can be found in cannabis strains, namely GSC, Original Blue, and Purple Punch.

Terpenes and therapeutic effects

Terpenes not only contribute to the fragrance of a particular strain, but also has significance in the therapeutic and relaxing properties of cannabis. It is a relevant factor in the development of the overall characteristics of specific pressure. Thus, individuals who wish to duplicate or find a similar particular cannabis strain consider terpenes an essential component. There is a unique terpene kind and composition present in each strain of cannabis. This can be because many factors have to be considered in the growth of terpenes, including the climate, weather, soil type, fertilizer, sunlight, age, maturation, and even the time of day.

Conclusion

With the complexity involved in the production of a specific terpene type in a cannabis plant and the particular effects it brings to the performance of cannabis, terpenes in cannabis is both a delicate and significant component that enables cannabis to become the popular, beneficial and effective medicinal and recreational plant that it is.