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Cannabis is a well-known plant, but few people know what it contains and how its composition influences its psychoactive principles. Today, we invite you to discover the particularities and properties of terpenes, the oily natural compounds that characterize resin plants, the family to which cannabis belongs.
Cannabis contains terpenes in varying concentrations, which are naturally occurring hydrocarbons, as opposed to terpenoids, which are generally chemically modified. It's the terpenes that influence the way the consumer feels.
A multitude of terpene varieties exist, offering very different tastes and smells. Indeed, cannabis contains hundreds of phytochemical molecules, not least the terpenes that produce its very tastes and smells. They are what give cannabis its distinct flavours, depending on the variety, and give the consumer its sensations. These aromatic oils are present and play a vital role in cannabis, enabling the synergy of THC and CBD molecules within the plant in the same glands, the two active ingredients in cannabis that give it its effects.
Terpenes are a plant's defence against predators: they give off a strong, penetrating odour that repels troublesome insects and attracts beneficial insects for pollination, for example. The quantity of terpenes produced by a single plant depends on many factors, such as climate, soil used, fertilizers and the age of the plant.
Terpenes are characterized by their odor, which varies according to species, and by the coloration they impart to plants. They are also widely used for their aromas, and can give cannabis a light fruity taste, a touch of citrus or even a lemony flavor.
The terpenes present in cannabis act in a number of different ways, providing taste and smell but also interacting with cannabinoids, their mixed molecules producing an "entourage" effect that results in additional benefits. In short, terpenes combine with THC to create the effects of cannabis, depending on the variety. However, terpenes do not produce psychoactive effects like THC; they are similar to CBD, but in a much more subtle way, altering mood by interacting with the serotonin and dopamine systems. Depending on the terpene variety, the effect will not be the same. For example, myrcene has a relaxing, dulling effect, while limonene has a refreshing, stimulating effect.
Terpenes pass into the body during vaporization, each puff bringing a range of terpenes into the lungs and then into the bloodstream. Vaporization is the best way to preserve the integrity of terpenes: temperatures are lower than those of a smoked joint, but this method of consumption is not authorized in France and remains harmful to health. Modern vaporizers allow the user to modify the temperature setting, and thus the use of the desired terpenes according to their evaporation points.
Cannabis can contain around a hundred terpenes, depending on the variety. But some are more commonly found, and we're going to find out what they are.
Myrcene is the most common, accounting for the majority of aromatic oils. Its aroma is often compared to clove and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties. It has a sedative and calming effect, while enhancing the psychoactive effects of THC.
Pinene or alpha-pinene is in the same family as myrcene, responsible for pine odors as its name suggests. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to have a dilating effect on bronchial tubes and seems to positively affect memory. It increases energy and improves concentration.
Limonene is very common in cannabis, with its strong citrus scent. It is an anti-bacterial that helps prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. It increases mental concentration and is sometimes used to treat depression and anxiety.
Linalool has a very floral fragrance and a calming effect, used to treat anxiety and nervousness disorders. It has analgesic and anti-epileptic properties.
Terpineol smells like lime and the pleasant scent of lilac. It has a sedative and relaxing effect. It is often used in perfumes for its scent. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing vascular muscles: indirectly, it has calming properties that facilitate sleep.
Nerolidol is also used in perfumery for its woody aroma. It is an anti-fungal agent with a sedative and calming effect.
Caryophyllene is a powerful anti-inflammatory and local analgesic. It is a natural remedy for toothache (cloves contain a lot of caryophyllene).
Borneol has a fresh, minty aroma. It has benefits against stress and fatigue. It is a local anesthetic with sedative properties.
Eucalyptol is present with its very fresh scent. It improves concentration and relieves pain.
Does carene remind you of musk? That's normal! It has positive effects on the nervous system and helps strengthen memory.
Camphene is often present, but in small quantities. It gives off a piney scent and soothes the skin with anti-oxidant properties.
In this article, we've described just a few of the terpenes present in CBD, but there are over a hundred terpenes present, depending on the variety of plant chosen. The combination is therefore infinite, which is why each cannabis plant has specific properties and unique aromas depending on the terpenes it contains.
Depending on your needs and desires, the choice will not be the same.
Sources :
- Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Chemoprevention and therapy of cancer by d-limonene - PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Linalool exhibits cytotoxic effects by activating antitumor immunity - PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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