Terpenes in Medical Cannabis

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants. Terpenes provide the characteristic scent and flavor of many plants, including cannabis.

Cannabis plants contain high concentrations of terpenes. Terpenes are responsible for the aromas and flavors of various plants. Terpenes in medical cannabis protect some plants from harsh weather and predators, such as insects or foraging animals. Terpenes also attract pollinators in some plants.

Some terpenes protect plants and help them recover from damage, while others act as part of a plant’s immune system to protect them from infectious germs and keep them away.

What are terpenes in medical cannabis?

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a type of cannabinoid which activate receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates some processes and functions in the body, including mood, appetite, memory, pain sensation, sleep patterns, and reproduction.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another type of cannabinoid. CBD contains medicinal properties. THC creates the “high” feeling people experience when they smoke or use cannabis. It doesn’t make a “high” feeling like THC.

The main difference between terpenes and cannabinoids is that the body absorbs and uses them differently. Terpenes in cannabis are primarily responsible for the smell of cannabis. However, some terpenes may also act on the endocannabinoid system in the body, just like cannabinoids.

How does cannabis make terpenes?

Yes. The cannabis plant contains a high concentration of terpenes. Terpenes in medical marijuana are primarily responsible for the smell of cannabis.

How are they different from cannabinoids?

Terpenes are similar to cannabinoids in their chemical structure. The main difference between terpenes and cannabinoids is that the body absorbs and uses them differently. Some terpenes may act on the endocannabinoid system in the body similarly to cannabinoids.

Types of Terpenes

There are over 200 types of terpenes. However, the most common terpenes are:

1. Pinene

Pinene is a common type of terpene. Pinene provides the fresh aroma of many plants. Pinene may also have some therapeutic benefits.

Pinene acts as a bronchodilator. It allows more air into the lungs. Pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help fight against some infectious germs.

2. Limonene

Limonene is another common type of terpene. Limonene provides the flavor and smell of fruits such as lemons and oranges. Limonene contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.

3. Myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene commonly found in plants such as hops, lemongrass, and thyme. Myrcene is a powerful antioxidant and may help protect the brain from oxidative damage.

4. Linalool

Linalool is a type of terpene that is most abundant in the lavender plant. It gives the flower in the lavender plant its rich scent.

Linalool is an essential compound in aromatherapy. It provides the calming effect many people experience when they smell or inhale lavender or its essential oil. Linalool contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anticancer, and anti-anxiety properties.

5. Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in many herbs and vegetables, such as cloves and black pepper. Beta-caryophyllene may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It could help reduce pain in some people.

6. Humulene

Humulene is a common type of terpene found in hop plants and other plants, such as clove and ginger. Humulene may help prevent allergic reactions and asthma.

Terpenes in Medical Cannabis and Their Benefit

1. Pinene 

Pinene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis flowers. Pinene is available in two varieties, Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene. The alpha-pinene is in higher amounts in medical marijuana strains, while the beta-pinene is in smaller quantities.

Benefits of Pinene

• Most topical antiseptic ointments contain pinene. It is an effective ingredient in topical antiseptic creams.
• Pinene contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for patients with inflammatory diseases such as fibromyalgia or arthritis.

Other potential benefits of cannabis that contain high amounts of pinene include:

• Improved focus
• Energy-boosting
• Aids in increasing airflow to the lungs
• Pain reduction
• Stress relief

2. Limonene

Limonene is one of the most aromatic terpenes. It provides the smell and aroma of citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, and lemons.

Benefits of Limonene

• Limonene contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
• Most plants rely on limonene, a natural insecticide, to repel pests and predators.

3. Myrcene 

These are the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants.

Benefits of Myrcene

• Myrcene is a powerful antioxidant and may help protect the brain from oxidative damage.
• Myrcene has been used as a medication to aid sleep in many traditional medicine practices.

Other potential benefits of myrcene include:

• Anti-anxiety
• Anti-inflammatory
• General relaxation
• Muscle relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Stress relief

4. Linalool 

Linalool is most abundant in the lavender plant. It provides the calming effect many people experience when they smell or inhale lavender or its essential oil.

Benefits of Linalool  

• It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anticancer, and anti-anxiety properties.
• It helps support the immune system, relaxes the muscles, and relieves stress.

5. Humulene 

Humulene is found in many medical marijuana strains. It provides the distinctive smell and bitter flavor of beer hops.

Benefits of Humulene

• Humulene has been used for centuries by ancient Chinese apothecaries as a natural antibiotic and energy stimulant.
• Humulene contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressant, and energy-boosting properties.
• It aids in absorbing, distributing, and metabolizing drugs.

Primary Terpenes vs. Secondary Terpenes

In medical marijuana, there are primary and secondary terpenes. The primary terpenes significantly influence how a strain smells, tastes, and aroma it gives.

Secondary terpenes are not as prominent as primary terpenes. Secondary terpenes play a minor role in the strain’s performance.

Medicinal Properties of Terpenes

Terpenes contain many medicinal properties, including:

• Anticancer
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Antiviral
• Analgesic
• Anti-anxiety
• Antihyperglycemic
• Antiparasitic
• Neuroprotective
• Antidepressant
• Antidiabetic

Why are Terpenes in cannabis so important?

Terpenes provide the aroma and smell of medical marijuana. They contain many medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, antihyperglycemic, analgesic, and antiparasitic properties.

How do Terpenes in cannabis work?

Terpenes, combined with other compounds found in medical marijuana, work together to produce the feelings and effects of medical marijuana. Terpenes are similar to cannabinoids in their chemical structure. Some terpenes may act on the endocannabinoid system in the body similarly to cannabinoids.

Risk and side effects of Terpenes

Terpenes are generally safe for use. However, very high doses of terpenes can cause:

• Irritation
• Allergic reaction
• Nausea
• Headache
• Acute toxic effects
• Organ damage

Most Common Terpenes in Cannabis

Myrcene is the most common type of terpene in cannabis.

Other common terpenes in medical marijuana include:

• Limonene
• Linalool
• Pinene
• Humulene
• Terpinolene

FAQS

Are Terpenes in cannabis bad for you?

Terpenes in Medical Cannabis are generally excellent and safe for use. However, very high doses or concentrations of terpenes can cause side effects.

Is it illegal to use Terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes in Medical medical marijuana are legal in the United States. They don’t contain any THC and are safe for use.

How do Terpenes in cannabis make?

Terpenes are chemical compounds that are naturally found in plants. They provide distinct flavors, aromas, and smells in plants.

Do Terpenes in cannabis affect people?

Terpenes in medical marijuana don’t affect people. They’re generally safe for use and provide many medicinal benefits.

Are Terpenes harmful?

Terpenes are not harmful. They may only be dangerous in their pure, concentrated form.

Do Terpenes count as cannabinoids?

Terpenes are similar to cannabinoids in their chemical structure. Some terpenes may act on the endocannabinoid system in the body in similar ways as cannabinoids. However, terpenes do not contain any cannabinoids.

Will Terpenes show on drug tests?

Terpenes may show on a drug test.

How Terpenes affect the body

Terpenes affect the body in various ways. Some terpenes can influence neurotransmitters in your brain and may affect your mood differently. Some terpenes may have a calming effect and provide pain relief. Most terpenes have various medicinal properties that benefit the human body.

Ark Medical Cannabis Clinic: Best Marijuana Doctor/Clinic to get Medical Cannabis in Texas

If you’re looking for the Best Marijuana Doctor/Clinic to get medical cannabis in Texas, Ark Medical Cannabis Clinic is the right place to get medical cannabis.

Ark Medical Cannabis Clinic is a reputable medical cannabis clinic where treatments for various medical conditions are provided using medical cannabis.

While we provide treatments for various medical conditions, we also offer comprehensive information on medical cannabis, including its benefits and risks.

At Ark Medical Cannabis Clinic, we help patients manage their conditions and improve their general health using medical cannabis.

Before providing treatments, we first diagnose your condition and conduct a series of tests to know if medical cannabis is ideal for you.

Please book an appointment with us together to get all the necessary information you need about medical cannabis.