cannabinoids and terpenes
In essence, cannabinoids are a group of substances found in the cannabis plant. They exert their effect on our bodies by interacting with different receptors present on the surface of cells. This interaction triggers homeostatic responses throughout the body. To learn more about the endocannabinoid system click here.
Though more than 100 cannabinoids have been found in the cannabis plant, the following are some of the most common in medicinal marijuana:
Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the lesser known cannabinoids, but that does not mean it's not one of the most helpful! Similar to cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBC comes from cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). Enzymes cause CBGa to convert into cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCa). When exposed to heat CBCa breaks down and becomes cannabichromene, through the process of decarboxylation.
CBC has a number of wonderful benefits including:
Information from: www.originalfarm.com
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most popular and well-known cannabinoids. CBD accounts for up to 40 of the cannabis plant's extract. Unlike it's more famous counterpart, tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause a "high". This is because CBD does not stimulate CB1 receptors, whereas THC does.
CBD is a compound with incredible diverse medical potential. It can have the following benefits:
Information from:
https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbd
https://www.leafly.ca/news/health/cbd-types-of-pain
https://www.leafly.ca/news/health/marijuana-and-epilepsy-seizure-treatment
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is abundant in plants of cannabidiol (CBD) varieties. CBDa converts to CBD over time and when it's exposed to heat. CBDa is usually in the form of capsules, concentrated extracts, and topical creams and lotions.
CBDa has a number of potential medical benefits, including:
Information from: https://www.leafly.ca/news/cbd/what-is-cbda-cannabidiolic-acid-marijuana-cannabinoid
Similar in structure to cannbidiol (CBD), cannabidvarin (CBDv) is non-intoxicating and does not effect a user's mental state. Research has shown that CBDv is found mostly in cannabis indica landrace strained, usually from Asia and Africa. Since CBDv is not found in high quantities in pure strains of cannabis plants scientists use cellular agriculture to get enough CBDv for medicinal purposes.
Potential medical benefits:
Information from:
https://www.leafly.ca/news/cbd/what-is-cbdv-cannabidivarin-marijuana-cannabinoid
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), the acidic form of CBG. Since CBG is found in much smaller quantities than other cannabinoids, it is usually derived from younger cannabis plants as they contain more of it than fully developed plants. CBG binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. Within the system, it strengthens the function of anandamide. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.
Research on CBG is continuing. However, the research completed so far shows a number of therapeutic uses and benefits, including:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbg-oil#potential-benefits
Though structurally similar to cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) is created through oxidization, rather than decarboxylation. When tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is exposed to heat and light, it breaks down into CBN. Because of this, it is usually present in high amounts in older cannabis.
While research is currently being expanded on CBN, there are some documented therapeutic and medicinal benefits of this cannabinoid, including:
Information from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-vs-cbn#effects-of-cbn
https://www.leafly.ca/news/science-tech/what-is-cbn-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid
Tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) is the most popular and well-known cannabinoid. It is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant that produces the sensation of being high. THC binds to the CB1 receptors in our brains whereas cannabidiol (CBD) binds weakly to those receptors. When used with CBD, both are able to affect CB1 receptors with the CBD lessening the psychoactive effects of the THC. As the most popular cannabinoid, there has been an abundance of research done on THC and its medicinal value.
THC has a number of benefits for a wide variety of conditions including:
Information from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101/what-is-tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In order to get the most benefit that THCa can provide a patient should use a raw method of consumption such as cannabis juicing.
THCa has shown a number of medicinal and therapeutic benefits, such as:
Information from: https://www.crescolabs.com/cannabinoids/thca/
https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/difference-between-thca-thc
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) offers a unique variety of medical benefits and effects that sets it apart from all other cannabinoids.
These benefits include:
Information from: https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101/what-is-thcv-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid
One of the most appealing qualities of cannabis are the aroma and flavors. This wide variety of aromas and flavors are due to terpenes. However, terpenes do so much more. Terpenes support other cannabis compounds, such as terpenes, in producing the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This process is known as the entourage effect. As cannabis has a significant number of active chemical compounds the combinations one can create are almost limitless.
The cannabis plant produces more than 200 terpenes. These terpenes occur in varying concentrations and combinations. This means that terpenes are the largest group of phytochemicals within cannabis. Some of the more common terpenes are:
Along with the cannabis plant, alpha-bisabolol is also found in the chamomile flower and candeia tree. Till now it has been primarily used in the cosmetics and beauty industry, but has caught the attention of researchers for its medical benefits.
Aroma: pleasant, warm, and floral similar to honey, apples, and chamomiles
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Bisabolol has a wide variety of proven medical benefits for a number of conditions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-microbial properties.
A study done in 2018 also shows that bisabolol has gastro-protective effects and could protect the digestive system from damage. Another study done in 2017 showed bibasolol could reduce anxious behavior in several experiences. This is possible because the terpene may impact gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for inducing relaxation.
A number of studies over the past 10 years have also shown that the terpene may also be useful in the fight against pancreatic cancer and leukemia.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bisabolol-and-its-benefits
https://terpenesandtesting.com/category/science/what-is-alpha-bisabolol/
Pinene is the most common terpene in the natural world. These two terpenes can be found within pine trees in large amounts. They are also found in rosemary, orange peels, basil, and parsley.
Aroma: woodsy and earthy, similar to pine trees.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: A number of uses for pinene are being researched and investigated including anti-inflammatory uses, use as a broncholidator (to help open airways), anxiety relief, pain relief, and to help combat short-term memory impairment associated with THC.
Treatments using alpha-pinene have been found to have a protective effect on the pancreas and lungs. Because it can inhibit certain forms of cell death, akpha-pinene is being studied as a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer. Another benefit of alpha-pinene is that it has shown to be toxic to certain kinds of bacteria. Alpha-pinene has also shown potential in boosting memory.
Beta-pinene has been shown to have benefits as an analgesic. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. It also works as an anti-oxidant and prevents oxidation damage to molecules and cells within the human body.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
Borneol has been a staple of Asian traditional medicine for hundreds of years now. It comes from a type of teak tree and used to be harvested by tapping the tree's trunk. Asides from it's physiological uses, borneol can also be used as an active ingredient in insect repellents. It's protective qualities are so strong that it can shield against serious illnesses brought on from mosquito bites, such as West Nile Virus.
Aroma: woody, camphor-like
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: A study from the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry shows borneal as capable of reducing inflammation brought up on gingivitis. This suggests that it can be used alongside medicated mouthwash to ease conditions like red gums or tonsilitis.
Borneol is also thought to be an anticoagulant and can be used as a topical treatment for joint and muscle pain relief. A placebo study showed that borneol had more favorable effects than a placebo by a significant margin. Borneol also has a long history in Asia as a preventative treatment for cardiovascular disease. A 2014 study done on rats showed that ischemic stroke damage was reduced by borneol.
Borneol is also a shining example of the entourage effect in medical cannabis. Borneol helps amplify the permeability of the blood/brain barrier. This allows other molecules, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, to interact and bind with receptors in the brain and central nervous system more effectively.
Information from: https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/borneol
https://foreverest.cn/news-list/what-are-the-properties-and-uses-of-borneol
As the name suggests, camphene can be found in camphor oil, citronella, sage oil, ginger oil, and neroli in addition to the cannabis plant. Historically, camphene was used as a fuel for lamps before being phased out by kerosene due to it's highly explosive quality. Camphene has also been used as a food additive and a fragrance component in skin care.
Aroma: woodsy, similar to fir needles
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Camphene has been shown to possess antifungal properties. When mixed with sage oil it is an effective remedy against athlete's foot. When combined with tulsi or holy basil essential oils and applied directly to the skin camphene has been shown to treat fingal dermatological diseases.
When combined with citrus oils, camphene has been shown to an effective antioxidant. Citrus oils are already notorious for their refreshing scents that have a negative effect on stress and stress symptoms. When the two are paired camphene has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can cause tissue damage.
Camphene has also been shown to useful in battling respiratory illnesses and as a cardiovascular treatment. Diluted camphene vapor can act as a cough suppressant and an anti-congestive tool. Further, several animal and cell studies have shown that camphene behaves in the same manner as a lipid lowering agent. Lipid lowering agents lower "bad" cholesterold. This means that camphene can help aid the treatment of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Information from: https://www.medmen.com/blog/guides/terpenes-411-camphene
Caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and spices such as oregano, basil, and rosemary. Caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, with beta-carophyllene binding to CB2 receptors. This makes it an ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams.
Aroma: spicy and peppery
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Animal studies have shown pain-relieving properties of this terpene in mice. Another study showed its potential to reduce alcohol intake. This makes caryophyllene a possible treatment for addiction.
Caryophyllene has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is being studied as a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://www.leafly.ca/news/science-tech/caryophyllene-terpene
Though eucalyptol is not a well-known terpene, it is an important and distinct component in some strains. Asides from the cannabis plant, eucalyptol is found in eucalyptus trees, bay leaves, cardamom, tea tree, and sage.
Aroma: vibrant and fresh, minty, cooling
Medicinal and therapeutic properties: One of the most common uses for eucalyptol is sinus and nasal congestion relief. Eucalyptol has also been shown to be useful in antioxidant and antibacterial functions.
There is also research that suggests eucalyptol can be used to treat and manage pain. For about 20 years, researchers have known about eucalyptol's potential to fight pain. Eucalyptol fights pain by acting as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
It has also been shown to have potential benefits for cognitive function. A study done on the effects of eucalyptol on the cognitive function of cognitively impaires nursing home residents showed the patients' Demential Behavior Disturbance Scale (DBD) scores improved significantly after taking eucalyptol.
Information from: https://www.leafly.ca/learn/cannabis-glossary/eucalyptol
Also found in basil, bell pepper, cedar trees, rosemary and terpentine delta 3 carene is quickly establishing itself as a popular terpene. Delta 3 carene has wide and all-encompassing range of distinct medicinal and therapeutic uses.
Aroma: sweet and earthy with undertones of citrus, pine, lemon, cypress, or wood
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: One of the most significant medicinal uses of delta 3 carene is it's capacity to behave as a drying and reducing agent against bodily fluids. This is particularly useful in the cosmetics industry. Delta 3 carene is used in several topical skincare products to draw out liquid from and treat skin. This drying behavior also makes delta 3 carene a particularly effective antihistamine and is used in other products that are meant to inhibit mucus production.
Delta 3 carene also has the ability to reduce systemic inflammation. This makes delta 3 carene an effective treatment for chronic pain disorder or joint discomfort resulting from inflammation.
Delta 3 carene also has potential as part of treatment plans for those who suffer from diseases of dementia such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Delta 3 carene promotes neurogeneration and neuroprotection. This results in increased cognitive function and recall ability.
Delta 3 carene is also unique because it can greatly assist with bone repairs and helps combat bone disease. This is especially true in cases involving injury or poor nutrition.
Information from: https://strainprint.ca/understanding-terpenes-delta-3-carene/#
Though geraniol is not as well known as other popular cannabis terpenes, it is still well known because of it's floral scent. Like numerous other terpenes, geraniol is often used in the cosmetics industry and as a natural ingredient in sweet foods such as candy and ice cream.
Aroma: sweet rose with notes of citrus
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: In an animal study published in 2016, geraniol has been found to reduce inflammation in traumatic spinal cord injury. This injury treating characteristic is further aided by the fact that geraniol promotes cell survival and offers antioxidant benefits.
Research also shows that geraniol functions as a neuroprotectant. In particular, a study showed that geraniol may be useful in the treatment of neuropathy in individuals with diabetes.
Information from: https://wayofleaf.com/education/geraniol-cannabis-terpene-guide
Humulene was the first terpene to be found and also occurs in clove, sage, and black pepper. For centuries it has been used in Eastern medicinal practices.
Aroma: earthy, woody, spicy notes
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: The medicinal and therapeutic potential is wide ranging and well-researched. One such study shows that humulene may help terminate cancer cells when used in combination with phytocannabinoids and other terpenes.
Humulene is also present in a number of essential oils, including therapeutic grade essential oils. In Balsam fir oil humulene is believed to be an active mechanism in fighting tumors. This is indicated by its ability to produce Reactive Oxygen Species, which are essential signalling molecules for normal biological processes.
Humulene also has shown strong anti-inflammtory properties in animal studies. It also posseses both topical and systemic anti-inflammatory properties and is shown to be an incredibly effective analgesic when taken topically, orally, or by aerosol.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://www.leafly.ca/news/science-tech/humulene-terpene
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/humulene
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene found in all cannabis strains. It is produced in the flower's resin glands. Limonene is also found in fruit, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
Aroma: citrusty smell, similar to lemons
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Studies done on limonene so far have shown potential in elevating mood, relieving stress, antifungal uses, antibacterial properties, relief of heartburn and gastric reflux, and improved absorption of other terpenes and chemicals.
In animal studies, limonene was also shown to inhibit the growth of skin and mammary tumor. A follow up study, which included a human trial found limonene had potential in reducing breast cancer tumor growth for up to a year. Further studies found that taking a daily limonene supplementation for 2-6 weeks inhibited a protein that promotes breast cancer growth.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
Linalool is the terpene that gives cannabis it's recognizable smell. It is also found in lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander. Linalool is so common that even people who do not use cannabis consume over two grams of the terpene each yeah through other foods.
Aroma: spicy and floral notes, lavender
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: linalool has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for it's sedative and anti-epileptic properties. Animal studies have shown mice exposed to linalool vapors show reduced levels of anxiety and lowered depression-like behaviors.
Linalool also helps make the immune system more resilient to the destructive effects of stress. Stress can cause a shift in the distribution of white blood cells within the body. Animal studies have shown linalool to preven this shift and in doing so prevented the stress-induced changes in the animals' DNA. This was due to linalool's ability to interact with and activate the parasympathetic response.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://www.leafly.ca/news/science-tech/linalool-cannabis-terpene-benefits
Myrcene is the most abundantly occuring terpene in the the cannabis plant. It can make up as much as 65% of the total terpene in certain strains. Myrcene is also found in lemongrass and mango. Like cannabis, lemongrass has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries.
Aroma: earthy, musky notes, resembling cloves
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: herbal medicines have a history of being used as a sleep aid in folk medicine. Tea made from with myrcene-rich lemongrass has also been used as a muscle relaxant. Animal studies have also shown myrcene can play a role in reducing inflammation.
Studies have also shown that myrcene can block cancer causing effects of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are produced by fungi but can find their way into our food. Myrcene ihibits the liver enzyme, CYP2B1. This enzyme induces aflatoxin's ability to damage our DNA.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
Alongside the cannabis plant, phytol is also found in other plants such as green tea. Alongside it's therapeutic and medicinal uses, phytol is also used as a good additive in spices, various extracts, food colourings, and flavorings.
Aroma: grassy and balsamic, not as aromatic as other terpenes
Medicinal and therapeutic uses: Though a lot of research around phytol is still in preliminary stages, numerous studies have found that the terpene offers a wide array of therapeutic and medicinal benefits.
A 2016 study found that phytol could be useful in the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress mediated diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and neurogenerative disorders among others.
Similar to other terpenes and cannabinoids, phytol has demonstrated anti-tumor properties. In particular, a 2015 study showed it might be effective for the treatment of liver cancer. However more studies are showing that phytol has an ability to fight other kinds of tumors as well.
By interacting with the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain, phytol can function as an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant medication. However, these studies have only been conducted on animals so far.
Information from: https://www.leafly.ca/learn/cannabis-glossary/phytol
Outside of medical cannabis, terpineol is a common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavors. Terpineol is usually the terpene responsible for the couch-lock effect patients can sometimes experience. Like many other terpenes, plants containing terpineol have been used as natural remedies for centuries.
Aroma: floral and citrus like, similar to lilacs and apple blossoms.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Terpineol has shown anti-inflammatory qualities in several studies. It has also shown incredibly strong antioxidant effects, with results comparable to commercial antioxidants.
A study completed in 2010 also showed that terpineol inhibits the growth of in-vitro cancerous tumor cells, particularly those of small cell lung carcinoma. Another study, from 2012 found that terpineol exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria.
Information from: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-terpenes-terpineol-valencene-geraniol
Trans-nerolidol, often referred to as "nerolidol", is found in a number of aromatic plants such as jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass. Asides from use in medicinal cannabis it is often used as a fragrance in perfumes, shampoos, cleansers, and detergents.
Aroma: woody, fruity citrus aroma. Similar to citrus, apples, and roses.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits:
Nerolidol is known for being an effective sedative. There is also evidence that shows it can enhance drug delivery through the skin. Some studies show specific enhancements to the body's ability to absorb the terpenes citronellol and eugenol.
There is also evidence that nerolidol is able to help alleviate anxiety. Studies have found that nerolidol is the terpene most associated with cannabis strains that are rated high for reducing anxiety which suggests that it may play a role in the calming abilities of cannabis.
Research also shows nerolidol has antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, and pain-relieving properties.
Information from: https://ceresmedvt.com/terpene-of-the-month-trans-nerolidol/
Valence gets it's name from Valencia oranges. Asides from it's therapeutic benefits in medicinal cannabis, valencene is also a known repellent of ticks and mosquitos.
Aroma: citrusy and sweet, similar to oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Occasionally can smell like fresh herbs or freshly cut wood.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: There is an increasing amount of research that suggests that Valencene has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and skin protectant properties.
Research shows that the topical application of Valencene improves the condition of atopic dermatitis and helps with itching behavior. Valencene was also shown to function as a skin-protectant and had a therapeutic impact on melanoma cells.
Another property to note is that Valencene is an adjuvant. This means it has the capability to improve the immune response. Adjuvants are chemicals that added to vaccines that help produce a larger amount of antibodies and create longer-lasting immunity.
Information from:
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-terpenes-terpineol-valencene-geraniol
https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-valencene-and-its-benefits
https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-valencene-and-its-benefits