What are Terpenes? Do they only come from cannabis?

Cannabis Terpenes 

Have you ever wondered why the aroma from the cannabis plant has a calming and soothing effect? It’s the tiny compounds present in the cannabis strains – called terpenes – that do the magic and give the plant a peculiar scent, taste, and flavor.

Canna-enthusiasts dub terpenes to be calming, pain-reducing, and mood-elevating chemicals.

We need to learn more about terpenes so that we can begin to appreciate their role in the cannabis plant and understand their potential benefits.

So, What are Cannabis Terpenes?

If you follow cannabis news, you must have come across the words CBD, THC, cannabinoids, and cannabidiol. 

There is another term that is equally important but not talked about as much yet – terpenes. Yes, you read that right; terpenes are a class of aromatic compounds that are secreted from the cannabis plant.

Terpenes are not limited to the cannabis plant though; they are secreted by many plants (such as mangoes, hops, roses, mandarines, lavender, thyme, etc.) and animals (such as isoprenoids in fish liver oil) as well. Whenever you experience a flavor, aroma, or color originating from a natural source, it is mostly due to terpenes.

In cannabis, the presence of terpenes serves as a mechanism for classifying its different strains.

It is believed that the cannabis plant developed terpenes to deter the herbivores which might want to destroy the plant by grazing on it. At the same time, these terpenes evolved to attract bees and other organisms to aid in the pollination and survival of the species.

How Do Cannabis Terpenes Work?

Now that we know about terpenes and how the cannabis plant secretes these compounds naturally for their good, it is also important to know how terpenes work for humans so that we can learn to appreciate these natural compounds from the cannabis plant apart from the usual THC vs. CBD debate.

The calming effect of terpenes on the human body is well documented. It is an indication that terpenes do interact with the human body, by accentuating the properties of other active compounds. This allows the cannabis product to deliver the maximum level of benefit to the individual using it.

The incredible combination of terpenes and cannabinoids can amplify the active properties of the cannabinoids to the max.

Different Types of Terpenes and Potential Benefits

Different strains of the cannabis plant consist of terpenes which are not the same. No two strains of cannabis have the same smell, flavor, or even efficacy. Below is a quick review of how different terpenes work with cannabis and what terpenes you should look for to get the results of your choice.

While research is still ongoing, we have listed some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and many other plants, along with the benefits they have been touted to provide.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-Caryophyllene is also extracted from hops, cloves, cinnamon, lavender, and black pepper. These terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties and have been proven scientifically to offer protection against vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. These also aid the cells that form the lining of the stomach.

In terms of mental health, studies have indicated that beta-caryophyllene could help people with depression or anxiety because of its analgesic properties. These properties could also be used to help people with their alcohol addiction. 

Linalool

When you smell lavender, think of linalool. Similar to the soothing appearance of lavender, linalool helps in managing the symptoms of pain and anxiety. Lavender is one of the top choices of aromatherapy fans because of its effective soothing properties.

Linalool has also been shown to help people with insomnia get a better night’s rest because of its calming effect.

Beta-Myrcene

Beta-Myrcene can be distinguished because of its clove-like and earthy smell. It is a monoterpene that is found in many citrus fruits, hops, mango, thyme, and lemongrass, and even cannabis. This terpene is also well known for its pairing with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as it reduces the time taken by the THC to start producing its effect in the body. 

The properties of beta-myrcene can be defined as an analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. It can help in the management of chronic pains and insomnia. 

Alpha-Pinene

Pine trees are rich in alpha-pinene and these terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory characteristics. They are known to help in conditions such as difficulty in breathing by making the lung airway clear of any inflammatory obstruction. They have also been known to support people suffering from depression and scientific studies have indicated that they might have anti-cancer characteristics as well.

Limonene

Citrus fruits owe their fresh and energizing smell to limonene. Limonene is a major component of all citrus fruits. It is also common in some, not all, cannabis strains such as Kush, Clementine, Girl Scout Cookies, and many more!. Limonene boosts mood and is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics. It can also reduce stress levels.

Bisabolol

A terpene with a satisfying aroma, bisabolol is naturally found in candeia and chamomile. Apart from the cosmetics industry which simply loves this terpene, it pairs well with cannabinoids because of its analgesic and antioxidant properties.

The Entourage Effect

The relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids can be defined as symbiotic. The terpenes do not only enhance the properties of the active cannabinoids, but they also allow for easier and rapid uptake of these cannabinoids in the body.

Final Thoughts 

By working together, both terpenes and cannabinoids produce results that are otherwise not achieved individually. These results are also described by some as the magical power of cannabis that could not be unlocked without the terpenes.

CBD & Terpenes are known to help with stress, anxiety, pain management, anti-inflammation, immunity-boosting, and overall help bring your mind & body into homeostasis – balance. 

At SYZYGY, you will find a range of CBD products that we have formulated with cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes to enhance your experience and help support focus, energize your attitude, and give you that extra help to calm your muscles. Pick your favorite product today, let it ground you with the power of CBD + Active botanicals as the space around you is transformed into a cloud of natural terpenes.