Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects on the Body
What are Terpenes?
The term terpenes refers to a large group of organic compounds within plants containing specific molecular structures. Terpenes give plants their unique flavor and aroma characteristics and can offer therapeutic effects. Terpenes are the building blocks of essential oils as essential oils are comprised almost entirely of terpenes, giving them their unique aromas. Conditions such as cultivation and climate can alter a plant's terpene profile and healing effects. Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) essential oils from dōTERRA are sourced from key areas in the world wherever that specific plant grows the best, which means you get the very best terpene profile for that oil. Flavor is another characteristic of plant terpenes. The terpenes affecting flavor in citrus fruits are among the most familiar for people to recognize. Because terpenes posses these strong properties associated with scent and flavor, they can be a valuable addition to products from food additives to therapeutic hemp products. Bottom line, terpenes are medicine for the body and mind.
What Terpenes are Found in Cannabis?
Cannabis plants contain a diverse array of terpenes (aka terps), with over 100 different terpenes identified in some strains. When it comes to cannabis, terpenes act as a catalyst, opening pathways in the brain and body for a more robust experience. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include:
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Myrcene: This is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis and is also found in hops, lemongrass, and thyme. Myrcene is known for its musky, earthy aroma and has relaxing and sedative effects.
Limonene: This terpene is found in citrus fruits and is responsible for their characteristic aroma. Limonene has a citrusy, fruity scent and has energizing and uplifting effects.
Pinene: This terpene is found in pine needles, rosemary, and other coniferous trees. Pinene has a fresh, piney scent and has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory (anti-asthma) effects.
Terpinolene: This terpene is also found in lilacs, nutmeg, and cumin. It's been characterized as having floral, herbal, and even citrusy notes. It has sedative and relaxing effects as well as anti-cancer properties.
Linalool: This terpene is found in lavender and other flowers and has a floral, spicy aroma. Linalool has relaxing and calming effects.
Caryophyllene: This terpene is found in black pepper and other spices and has a spicy, woody aroma. It is unique among other terpenes in that it can also interact with cannabinoid receptors and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
Terpenes are not only responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis, but they also play a role in the therapeutic effects of the plant. When consumed together with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes may enhance or modify the effects of these compounds, leading to what is known as the "entourage effect".
What Terpenes are Associated with Indica vs Sativa Cannabis Strains?
Different cannabis strains will contain terpenes in varying levels. There are two cannabis plant types known as phenotypes; they are indica and sativa. Indica plants tend to be bushy, short, and their leaves are thicker. Sativa plants tend to be more stalky, tall, and their leaves are thinner. The 2018 federal farm bill, which legalized the use of hemp derived THC and its derivatives, defines hemp as "Cannabis Sativa L." having no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Cultivators have found that combining phenotype genetics creates hybrid cannabis plants with their own specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Hemp cannabis phenotypes have low THC levels (under 0.3% THC) while having high levels of other non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, etc. Hemp has been bred (hybridized) for the specific purpose of being federally legal (under 0.3% THC) while also creating these other cannabinoids in higher quantities. That being said, there are some commonly observed terpenes that may be more prevalently associated with indica and sativa strains, though their presence can vary:
Terpenes associated with indica strains:
Myrcene: relaxing, sedative
Terpinolene: calming, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer
Linalool: relaxing, calming
Terpenes associated with sativa strains:
Limonene: uplifting, energizing
Pinene: focus-enhancing, calming
Bisabolol: anti-inflammatory, stress relief, relaxing
It's important to note that the terpene profiles can vary widely even within indica or sativa strains, as factors such as genetics, cultivation methods, and environmental conditions can influence terpene content. Moreover, the effects of terpenes can also be influenced by their interactions with cannabinoids and other compounds present in cannabis. Indica strains are associated with a "body high" giving you rest and relaxation. When you think indica, think "in-da-couch". Sativa strains are more commonly associated with having a "head high" and can be energizing and uplifting, much like an upper but without the negative and addictive side effects of synthetically made pharmaceuticals.
Which Cannabis Terpenes are best for me?
Our bodies are complex machines and we are all wired differently. Because each of us are wired differently, each of us may require specific medicines which may include specific cannabinoids and terpenes. When selecting cannabis strains, it's generally more useful to consider the overall cannabinoid and terpene profile, rather than relying solely on the indica/sativa categorization because the effects can be highly individual. Take for example someone with ADD or ADHD who consumes caffeine derived from living plants as a plant medicine. Caffeine, which has an upper effect on most people, often has a calming effect on someone with ADD/ADHD. This is an example of why one cannabis strain, with its specific terpene profile, will work well for one person and not so well for another. Hybridization (combining genetics) of cannabis plants have increased in popularity because hybrids can offer the therapeutic effects of both plant phenotypes while reducing any of the negative side effects of one plant genetic over another.
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Our federally legal hemp derived THC rich products have specific terpenes to give you the same entourage effects you would come to expect in strain specific marijuana flower. For instance, Wasatch Apothecary's Green Crack 10:1 (CBD:THC) gummies will give you the same uplifting and energizing effects as the sativa strain Green Crack, because it has the same terpene profile and entourage effect! The same goes for their other strain specific gummies which include Pineapple Express and Blue Dream. The big difference of course is the amount of CBD you're getting. For example, in a product promoting a 10 to 1 ratio, you're getting 10 mg of CBD for every 1 mg of THC. CBD helps relax the body, decrease inflammation, modulates your endocannabinoid system so that your body can heal faster while also reducing anxiety which may be a negative side effect of THC. These products are a fabulous place to start your journey into the world of cannabis terpenes.
Terpenes are an amazing plant medicine that can be used with or without cannabis. Terpenes are found in all plants, including cannabis, and give plants their unique aroma and taste profiles. CPTG essential oils can be used in concert with your spiritual cannabis meditations and healing practices as they help unlock parts of the brain and body that need healing. Depending on what your mind, body, and soul needs, our products are here to help you in your healing journey.
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