Terpenes: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

You've likely seen terpenes referenced when you’re shopping for cannabis, or seen words like pinene, myrcene, or caryophyllene. But what are terpenes exactly? Which terpenes can treat your particular symptoms? And how do terpenes affect cannabis?

We’re here to clear things up. Then below, we’ll offer a handy cheat sheet for you to bookmark for reference when you’re shopping for medical cannabis treatments.

The Scent and Taste of Nature

Terpenes (or “terps”) are compounds found in nature that give plants their signature taste and smell. Citrus gets its zest from limonene, while lavender’s soothing scent comes largely from linalool. Unique combinations of these terpenes exist in every plant on Earth.

Scientists have identified nearly 30,000 different terpenes. In cannabis over 150 terpenes have been found, although typically 15-20 are common and dominant.

Medicinal Potential

In recent years, researchers have been studying terpenes and their uses in medical marijuana. Terps themselves are not intoxicating like THC, but research suggests that terpenes work together with THC and other compounds in cannabis to potentially treat various health conditions.

This co-effort is often called “the entourage effect”, as multiple compounds combine to offer stronger, targeted, and more effective relief.

Different terpene concentrations in a cannabis strain can lead to different effects. Even if two strains contain the same terpenes, the amount of each terp may vary, which can make one strain better suited to a particular treatment plan than another.

Your Terpene Reference Guide

Here are some of the most common terpenes you'll encounter when shopping for cannabis. Products that are dominant in these terpenes may help support relief for the symptoms listed below.
‍

‍
Symptomatic Relief

If you’re seeking relief for any of these specific symptoms, we’ve compiled the terpenes that may enhance your medical cannabis treatment.

Chronic Pain

·      Caryophyllene

·      Myrcene

·      Linalool

·      Humulene

These are the terpenes that could benefit you if you’re seeking relief from back pain, sciatica, arthritis, joint pain, muscle soreness, neuropathy, or migraines.

Anxiety

·      Linalool

·      Caryophyllene

·      Limonene

·      Geraniol

Seek products that are dominant with these terpenes, which may help those experiencing anxiety, nervousness, excessive worrying, panic, or racing thoughts.

Stress and Tension

·      Limonene

·      Linalool

·      Myrcene

·      Geraniol

Keep an eye out for these terpenes, which may help treat stress, nervous tension, burnout, irritability, or restlessness.

Insomnia and Other Sleep Issues

·      Myrcene

·      Linalool

·      Caryophyllene

·      Geraniol

These terpenes could be useful if you are having trouble falling asleep, racing thoughts at bedtime, restless sleep, waking up frequently, or feeling tired in the mornings.

Focus and Mental Clarity

·      Pinene

·      Terpinolene

·      Ocimene

·      Limonene

For those suffering from brain fog, difficulty concentrating, ADHD, creative blocks, or low motivation, these terps might be beneficial.

Inflammation

·      Caryophyllene

·      Humulene

·      Pinene

·      Myrcene

Research shows these terpenes may be anti-inflammatory and could help with those struggling with arthritis, joint pain, tendonitis, muscle soreness, or sports and exercise recovery.

Mood Support

·      Limonene

·      Terpinolene

·      Gerianiol

·      Ocimene

Here are three terpenes that could help those fighting depression, sadness, irritability, emotional fatigue, burnout, or lack of motivation.

Finding Your Cannabis Treatment

The latest research suggests the terpenes listed above may be associated with an improvement in your cannabis treatment. But each patient is different, and how your body and mind are affected by cannabinoids is unique.

So, explore our various vapes, edibles, and tinctures to find the terpene profile that suits your needs, and let us know your results! We’ll be happy to discuss any treatment options and guide you towards the right products with the right terps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.        Does THC percentage or terpene profile matter more?

Both can be important! Think of THC like the engine of the car, telling you how powerful and potent that product is. Terpenes are the steering wheel, potentially guiding the strain’s effects in certain directions.

2.        If two strains have the same terpenes, will they have the same effects?

Not necessarily. If two products are listed as having humulene, limonene, and linalool, the quantities of those terps matter as well. A product that’s heavy in linalool but light in humulene may be better suited as a sleep aid, whereas a product with the opposite concentrations may help with focus and mental clarity.

3.        What is the most common terpene in cannabis?

Myrcene is generally considered the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, giving that signature earthy aroma.

4.        Do terpenes get you high?

No. While terpenes can affect the mind and body, they are non-intoxicating alone. Terpenes work with the psychoactive compound THC to potentially enhance its health properties.

5.        Do Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid varieties matter as much as terpene profiles?

While the general rule for these three indications is typically true (sativa = energizing, indica = relaxing, hybrid = balanced), experts recommend exploring the terpenes in a strain for more detailed effects. A sativa that’s heavy in linalool may be more relaxing and help with sleep, for example.

If you’re seeking a specific treatment, our team is always ready to help out. Give us a call or stop by one of our locations today and we’ll help get you on the right path!

‍