WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Are terpenes destined to be the next big thing in Cannabis?
Cannabis, a pharmacological treasure trove, delivers its therapeutic wonders through the complex interaction of its many different components. Among these, its terpenes are emerging as key players, subtly molding our interactions and unlocking the many benefits of this botanical treasure.
The Multifaceted Cannabis Plant
Within the unassuming Cannabis plant reside a remarkable 700 compounds spanning diverse phyto-chemical classes. Beyond the famed cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, terpenes and terpenoids constitute the largest group of compounds within found the plant.
These terpenes, a product of evolution, offer the plant a plethora of defence mechanisms. While their medicinal potential, even in minuscule concentrations, is being unveiled.
Terpenes: A Universal Presence
From the flavours of our fruits and vegetables to the fragrances emanating from blossoming trees and flowers, terpenes orchestrate the sensory symphony of daily life. These highly aromatic, organic hydrocarbons, numbering over 20,000, are ubiquitous in the natural world. They serve as the building blocks of essential plant oils.
Terpenes often shield plants from pests or attract beneficial insects with their distinct scents. They thwart microbial threats and deter degradation. Their widespread occurrence in the plant kingdom underscores their pivotal role in survival.
Terpenes in Action: How Do Terpenes Work?
While the precise mechanisms of terpene inhalation on our mood and well-being continue to intrigue scientists, there's little doubt about their psychological and physiological impact.
When you inhale terpenes, your nose’s olfactory bulb directly lets your brain know you are smelling something safe and good to eat (or not). But this evolutionary hard-wiring can also trigger a series of chemical reactions.
Dr Ethan Russo, neurologist and renowned Cannabis expert, elucidates that this can happen across multiple pathways within our bodies. Terpenes can inhibit serotonin uptake, enhance antidepressant effects, optimize dopamine activity, or bolster the neurotransmitter GABA[1].
However, terpenes' influence extends far beyond emotional modulation.
Terpenes and Health
Human history is intertwined with the use of terpenes for therapeutic purposes. Ancient pharmacopoeias, from Ayurveda to Chinese Traditional Medicine, teem with terpene applications. Even modern pharmaceuticals harness their potential. Aromatherapy employs essential oils, heated to release their healing compounds for inhalation.
How did our sensitivity to plants develop? Without a doubt, our deep connection to the natural world is undeniable. Over time, humans and plants have gone through several evolutionary stages together, both kingdoms finding a common advantage in harnessing terpenes for their well-being.
Research shows that terpenes individually offer therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, as well as effects characterised as anti-anxiety, stress relief, and mood enhancement[2]. However, the real magic happens when they all get together.
The Power of the Entourage Effect: Cannabis Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Beyond their individual merits, 24 years of research underscores the synergistic interplay between Cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids. The "entourage effect" as it is known, harnesses this synergy, amplifying the therapeutic potential of compounds like CBD and THC[3].
Studies indicate that inhaled terpenes were shown to improve the uptake of cannabinoids, by increasing absorption from the lungs to the bloodstream, in addition to increasing permeability of the blood-brain barrier[4]
While more research is needed, it's generally well-recognised that single-molecule cannabinoids (like CBD isolate) are less effective compared to a cannabinoid-rich extract accompanied by its terpene entourage.
Moreover, terpene compositions can modulate or accentuate specific effects. For instance, a blend of myrcene and linalool terpenes may induce calmness and alleviate anxiety, while a combination of limonene and pinene terpenes can uplift and stimulate.
Cannabis' Terpene Richness
Cannabis is the most terpene-dense plant known to humanity and may boast a staggering repertoire of different terpenes, potentially numbering over 200. They primarily reside in resin glands covering female flowers, but they're also present in leaves and even the roots.
Mono-terpenes are simple terpenes with one isoprene unit, forming a single carbon ring, and they are chiefly responsible for the prismatic aroma of the plant.
Sesquiterpenes are more complex terpenes with three isoprene units, lacking carbon rings, and they often exhibit a stronger and spicier aroma.
While terms like indica, sativa, or hybrid have traditionally classified Cannabis varieties, this is based on appearance alone. A more reliable indicator of your CBD oil or CBD vape experience will almost certainly, lie in their unique terpene profiles.
Key Terpenes: Discover Four Common Cannabis Terpenes
Here's a closer look at four common Cannabis mono-terpenes:
Limonene: Found in rosemary, peppermint, citrus rinds, and eucalyptus, it supports mood, alleviates depression, and boosts the immune system. Its therapeutic properties may include anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects.
Pinene: Also present in pine needles, wild mint, basil and rosemary, it aids in pain relief, alertness, memory function, and asthma. It's known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Myrcene: Present in hops, mango, lemongrass, and thyme, it promotes sleep, may help support mood, and enhances cannabinoid uptake in the brain. Research indicates its therapeutic effects encompass potential anti-insomnia, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic attributes.
Linalool: Found in lavender and cinnamon, it offers relief from anxiety and induces relaxation. Its therapeutic properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, and anti-psychotic effects.
The Origin of Cannabis Terpenes
Although terpenes are not exclusive to the Cannabis plant like CBD, the profiles of terpenes produced by Cannabis are not found elsewhere in the plant kingdom[5].
Various factors, like climate, soil, and pests, influence a plant's terpene development. This adaptability allowed the first Cannabis plants in Southeast Asia around 30 million years ago to thrive in different regions, adapting their terpene profiles to suit their new ecosystems.
These ancient and early settlers are known as landrace Cannabis; each landrace variety is indigenous to a specific location and although identical in almost every respect from a botanical classification, their terpene make-up can be very different. They are the grandparents to the thousands of varieties that exist today and are highly sought after for their genetics.
Terpenes Aren't All Equal
Besides coming from the Cannabis plant, terpenes are also produced on an industrial scale from various plants, synthesised in a laboratory or are by-products from the chemical industry. While there may be no measurable difference between pure l-limonene from Cannabis and d-limonene from orange peels at a molecular level, there is a massive difference in price (and aroma), which implies similarities may end there!
And it's vital to ascertain the source of terpenes in your CBD oil, as the description "natural," "botanical," or even "organic" does not necessarily mean they originate from a Cannabis plant.
A Note on CBD Vape
Inhalation of CBD vape oil offers an effective method to consume CBD and terpenes. However, most CBD vape products on the market use cheap CBD isolate powder, predominantly consisting of PG, VG, or MCT thinning agents. Additionally, terpene profiles are often synthetic blends and while they may mimic the taste, they fall short of capturing the depth, authenticity, and full attributes of Cannabis-derived terpenes.
Striving for the Perfect Terpene Profile
As research into the workings of this plant continues, you can expect to hear a lot more about the importance of terpenes over the coming years. It is clear however that there is no perfect profile, but most likely there is one that is perfect for you and your individual needs.
An effective profile is more than just the presence of terpenes, the balance between these compounds is critical. Even minor deviations from an optimal profile can drastically impact efficacy. Creating a truly effective terpene profile is both an art and a science, it requires capturing the essence of the source plant as closely as possible. And this is what distinguishes a great product from an average one.
Experience our effective terpene formulas for yourself.
Now, you're aware that terpenes go far beyond their aromatic qualities; they play a pivotal role in unlocking the complete potential of cannabinoids such as CBD or CBG and shaping your overall experience. But with literally, thousands of different varieties to choose from today, where do you start?
Rest assured, we've taken on the painstaking task of sifting through the vast selection (somebody had to do it!) and have meticulously chosen four delectable Cannabis-derived terpene profiles. Each profile has been selected for its specific mood-enhancing properties and then artfully enriched with complementary, active botanical elements, to deliver unique and distinct effects that will naturally elevate your everyday.
References
[1], [2] Ethan B. Russo - Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects, British Journal of Pharmacology (2011)
[3] McPartland J & Russo E - Cannabis & cannabis extracts: Greater than the sum of their parts?, Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics (2001)
[4] Buchbauer G et al - Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation, Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (1993)
[5] Hillig K W - A chemotaxonomic analysis of terpenoid variation in Cannabis, Biochemical Systematics and Ecology (2004)