Terpenes are still a mystery for many people, but scientific breakthroughs have given users a much better understanding of what exactly these compounds are, and how they affect the cannabis we enjoy. Terpenes, to explain it in the simplest terms, are the fragrant oils that give different strains of cannabis their unique scents and flavors. These oils are made by the flower’s sticky resin glands, where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids come from, however they are by no means unique to cannabis. In fact, terpenes can be found in all manner of herbs, plants, and even fruits as well.
So, now that we have a better understanding of what terpenes are, we can move on to what it is that they do. Well, much like cannabinoids, terpenes bind to receptors in the brain and give rise to various effects, and every different terpene works a little differently. Below we will take a look at some of the more common ones, and explain what they do to us and for us.
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Mycrene
Mycrene, the most common terpene by far, has a relaxing, sedative effect and has been found to have significant medical benefits as well. Studies have found myrcene to be useful as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and even anti-biotic, and some scientists believe that it might also be able to block the action of certain pro-mutagenic carcinogens. Mycrene also has a smell most similar to cloves, and can often be identified easily by this fact.
Limonene
Limonene has, as its name might suggest, a very citrusy aroma and has a ton of potential medical uses. Research has been this terpene shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can even have be used to help fight cancer. It does this by working against the deterioration of the RAS gene, which is a major factor in tumor development. Already, it is available in spray form to help combat anxiety and depression, and in the wild plants use it to keep predators, especially insects, from making a meal of their leaves and flowers.
Pinene
Pinene’s name, much like limonene, gives away the secret of its scent. Pinene has a fragrance similar to that of a pine or fir tree, and has medicinal uses as an expectorant, a bronchodilator, an anti-inflammatory and even as an antiseptic. Pinene has also been found to boost memory, and can even provide an energy boost, although this effect is often decreased by other terpenes in most strains.
Other terpenes include caryophyllene, terpineol, and borneol, among dozens more, and all of them have their own unique scents and affects. Many of these work synergistically with each other too, so it is always a good idea to find a blend that works best for you and read up on the effects of the many terpenes that exist out there today. When selecting your method of ingestion, however, always keep in mind that terpene properties can be severely damaged if heating past their boiling point, so it is a good idea to stick with low heat devices to really feel the maximum benefits from the terpene of your choice.
