Terpenes show huge potential for use in therapy
When the legal cannabis industry in Canada was finally given the official go ahead a little over six months ago, we knew very little about the less visible components of the plant. We have known for quite some time now that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary component that is produced by marijuana plants, but it wasn’t until relatively recently through vigorous cannabis research that we officially discovered the element (CBD), which is able to provide many of the same effects, without the euphoric high.
Though there is still plenty to learn about both primary cannabinoids, researchers are now turning their attention to some of the lesser known and understood components that might also cause a result when a plant product is consumed.
What are terpenes?
There are over 20 000 terpenes that we know of, and all of them are produced by plant life. Over 100 of them are provided by cannabis plants, and for the most part, it is believed that these elements exist to fend off natural predators and draw in much needed pollinators. When you sniff an orange, lemon, apple, or mint leaf, you are inhaling the delicious scent of the plant’s terpenes.
Where are terpenes found?
Terpenes are found in the natural oils that are produced by plants and often occur in large quantities in fruit trees, herbs, and cannabis plants.
Are cannabis-derived terpenes the only ones with therapeutic benefits?
No, though cannabis research has taken the importance of terpenes produced by marijuana plants to a whole new level increasing awareness of their potential, we have known for a very long time that almost any kind of smell can have either a therapeutic or discomfort causing an effect. Terpenes from virtually any type of plant could have therapeutic potential as long as it is being used for the right reasons on the right patients. The reason cannabis plants are being looked at as a source for these terpenes is that they are produced in large amounts and incredibly easy to harvest from plant materials.
How terpenes have shown a potential for use in therapy
There are a couple of different ways that terpenes can be used in treatment, and if you enjoy smoking marijuana, then you have likely experienced a bit of this effect for yourself, even if you didn’t quite realize it. Below you will find the three different ways that we know of, for terpenes to be useful in therapy.
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Aromatic
If you have heard of or used essential oils than you have likely heard of aromatherapy which has been used for thousands of years to help people to relax. Be it in the home, during a massage, or sweat out in a sauna; a pleasant smell can leave you feeling sedated, relaxed, or uplifted and energized. -
Strain compatibility
Have you ever noticed that when you enjoy the smell of a specific marijuana strain, it seems to affect you in a much more enjoyable way? If you haven’t, then the next time you get the chance to pay attention. It appears that cannabis researchers have discovered a link between the terpenes in marijuana strains and their effectiveness on specific problems. Though it is much too soon for them to provide us with guidelines yet, eventually the goal is to be able to test a person’s genetics to figure out which strains they are most compatible with. -
Pain relief
Though more cannabis research is needed as we have only begun to scratch the surface of which terpenes are beneficial and in what quantities, we do know that the introduction of specific terpenes alone can have a significant impact on the pain that is felt by people who are experiencing an injury, disease, or illness.
Since thousands of people are already smoking marijuana for various reasons, it is exciting to think about the possibility of every single one of them achieving the ideal dosing and strain choices. This theory of deduction can help us to understand which terpenes hold the most benefits, and which ones would be best to keep in the gene pool when breeding and creating brand new designer strains of the future.
