The Couch
Terpenoid Natural Benefits: Going Beyond Cannabinoids, Part I
If you’ve been reading about the different chemicals in cannabis, then by this point, you definitely know what cannabinoids are. Cannabinoids are the center of research when it comes to cannabis and its medicinal effects, but there are other chemicals that can also affect your cannabis products: organic compounds called terpenes.
There are many different terpenes out there, and they’re important to take note of because they can greatly impact the flavor and smell of your cannabis as well as add to the effects of your strains and cannabis oil uses. Each common terpenoid is a natural way to enhance the effects of cannabis in your mind and body. This is important those who are disgusted by certain flavors, and it is important to take note of, when making edibles, in order to pair your flavors thoughtfully.
In this two-part series, we’ll take a look at some of the most important terpenes out there, so you can keep track of what you’re getting, as most labels will provide the top three terpenes.
Myrcene
One of these important compounds is called Myrcene, which you will usually see on labels as β-myrcene. This is one of the most common terpenes you can find in cannabis. This can actually affect you in the way of weighing you down a bit, making you sink into the couch. It’s usually highly present in indica strains, for this reason. Myrcene also assists all of the chemicals in your cannabis affect you more quickly and easily, by decreasing resistance and enhancing the terpenoid natural effects that could come from other terpenes in your strain.
This compound also has some anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in conjunction with other preventative measures to help with ulcers. This essential oil is found in the leaves of many citrus fruits, so it gives off a citrusy scent, along with earthy and musky tones.
Limonene
Limonene’s name kind of says it all, as far as smell and flavor go. It’s very citrusy, so if you’re getting that sour, fruity smell from cannabis, it’s probably high in Limonene, which is good. You can find this terpene in normal citrus fruit rinds as well, and it’s easily absorbed by just smelling it. You can also use Limonene as an antifungal, which is why it’s often concentrated into oils and creams. It’s also known to help with weight-loss and is generally associated with an uplift in mood.
Limonene is also found in the skin of citrus fruits
Linalool
For those of us who get a little anxious from THC, you might want to be on the lookout for Linalool. It promotes calming feelings and can even assist with sleep. In addition to that relaxing feeling, Linalool can also promote health in the immune system, and it has been shown to inhibit the damage of cigarette smoking to your lungs. It has more of a floral scent and flavor, sometimes described to be similar to lavender.
Linalool will help with your insomnia, to keep you from falling asleep at your desk
Caryophyllene
This is one of the spicier terpenes that you may notice when you get cannabis products with a little kick. You will see Caryophyllene referred to as beta-caryophyllene or β-caryophyllene, similar to myrcene. This has a great terpenoid natural effect, as it can help with chronic pain, especially when combined with cannabis oil uses, like CBD, a miracle cannabinoid that you’ve seen us talk about quite often here at Medical Edibles. It also seems this could be a good preventative measure for any damage caused to the kidneys by anti-cancer drugs.
Borneol
This terpene is most known for its scent, and it has actually been used in Chinese Medicine for millennia. Borneol has a woody aroma that is very pleasant. It has been proven to be great for anti-insomnia and as a bronchodilator. There is a lot of research going into Borneol at this time as cancer-killer, as with many of the terpenes. It has also been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Making Use of Terpene Knowledge
Now that you know a bit about terpenes, you can start looking out for them on the labels, when you go to your dispensary. It’s always helpful to ask questions about the terpenes that may not be listed as well. Anyone at your local dispensary should know about these chemicals and be able to point you in the right direction. Getting to know the aromas associated with each terpene will also help you so that you can smell a product and get a feel for how that strain might affect you.
Of course, doing some online research into which strains have which terpenes can also help you, to ensure you head to the right dispensary for your needs from the beginning. Enjoy getting to know more about how terpenes affect your body, as you hone in on the right products for your lifestyle.
