Terpenes are highly aromatic compounds that are the source of the intense scent found in many plants, including the cannabis plant. They are often used to add flavor to distillates, oils, and other products. In addition to providing flavor and scent, terpenes have been found to have potential health benefits.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are highly aromatic compounds found in many plants, including trees, herbs, and fruit peels. They act as attractors for pollination and can also repel dangerous animals. Terpenes are often used to create various flavors and scents in a wide range of products, from body products and perfumes to gummies, drinks, and regular foods.
Terpenes vs. cannabinoids
While both terpenes and cannabinoids can be found in the hemp and cannabis plant, they serve different purposes. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD provide specific medicinal properties or produce the traditional high when consumed. In contrast, terpenes provide the smell and taste that can often be found in cannabinoid products.
Can terpenes affect you?
Terpenes can have aromatherapeutic benefits and can affect a person’s stress, anxiety, and mood levels when consumed. Recent research has suggested that terpenes mixed with cannabinoids may enhance the potency and effectiveness of cannabinoids. For example, people who suffered from epilepsy and took CBD enriched with terpenes had improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those who took pure CBD.
Different strains of terpenes
Terpenes come in many different flavors or strains, which have been developed over the years. Popular strains include O.G. Kush, Gelato, and Gorilla Glue.
Different types of terpenes
There are a wide variety of different types of terpenes, including Humulene, Myrcene, and Linalool. Humulene, for example, can be found in the hop plant, clove, and ginger, and has been found to prevent allergic reactions and asthma. Myrcene, which is found in lemongrass, thyme, and the cannabis plant, has antioxidant properties and may protect the brain from oxidative damage.
The Potential Benefits of Terpenes
While terpenes are often used for flavor and aroma, there is a growing body of research suggesting that they may also have potential health benefits. Here are a few examples:
Pain Relief: Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene that can be found in black pepper, cloves, and some strains of cannabis. Research has suggested that it can help relieve pain and inflammation by acting on the body’s CB2 receptors.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Terpinolene is a terpene that can be found in sage, rosemary, and some strains of cannabis. Studies have suggested that it may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Anti-anxiety: Linalool is a terpene that can be found in lavender, as well as some strains of cannabis. Research has suggested that it may have anti-anxiety effects, and may even be helpful in treating conditions like social anxiety disorder.
In summary, terpenes are aromatic compounds that can be found in a wide variety of plants, including the cannabis plant. While they are often used for their flavor and aroma, research suggests that they may also have potential health benefits. As the scientific community continues to study terpenes, we may discover even more about their potential uses and benefits.