Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds. They are not only found in female cannabis plants; rather, they are essential constituents of 300 other plants. If you’re searching to know about cannabis terpenes, this blog is for you. In this article, you’ll get to know plenty of information about cannabis terpenes and their influences and benefits on the human body. So, continue your reading.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
The terpenes found in cannabis plants are Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Myrcene, Linalool, Pinene, Limonene, etc. Basically, terpenes are the hormones of plants that control the plant’s growth and survival; therefore, they play a central role in manipulating our moods and feelings.
How Do Terpenes Work?
Terpenes in the human body are responsible for relaxation and inflammation control. Several variables such as indoor or outdoor growth, light exposure, temperature, nutrients level, and growing medium affect the amount of terpenes a cannabis plant produces.
Top 3 Terpenes Found in Cannabis
More than 150 types of terpenes are found in cannabis plants. Few of them occur in such low concentration that it is not possible to detect them, but the following three terpenes are prominent terpenes of cannabis plants:
1. Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene with a fruity and clove-like aroma. The cannabis plants with Myrcene terpenes are found with a mildly sweet flavor. It gives cannabis a specific scent. Except for cannabis plants, Myrcene is also found in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes. Moreover, Myrcene has anti-inflammatory effects of reducing the inflammation of joints. In addition, it slows down the process of aging by preventing the breakdown of cartilage cells. Myrcene is not a drug; rather, it is used to relieve pain and increase the sleep duration by around 2.6 times.
2. Caryophyllene
Cannabis plants with Caryophyllene terpene give a woody and spicy aroma. Except for cannabis plants, Caryophyllene terpene is found in cloves, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper. Caryophyllene is responsible for binding with CB2 receptors of our body found in the immune system. In the human body, it is used to ease the symptoms of colitis, diabetes, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, fibrosis, and Alzheimer’s diseases. In addition, it is used to treat inflammatory conditions and gastrointestinal issues.
3. Limonene
Cannabis plants with limonene terpene give a clean, fresh, and uplifting citrus scent. Except for cannabis plants, limonene terpene is extisted in other citrus fruits such as ginger and oranges. Limonene is responsible for improving immunity and preventing many disorders in the human body. Limonene in the human body increases the production of antibody-producing cells in the bone and spleen, which identify and neutralize the pathogens, resulting in the prevention of disorders. Recently, researchers have also floated the idea that the unique medical property of limonene could be helpful in treating Covid-19. Psychologically, it is used to treat anxiety and relieve stress. It is conducive for the human body due to having antibacterial, antifungal, and anticarcinogenic properties.
Terpenes and What They Do
A range of medicinal benefits is associated with cannabis terpenes. Some of them are given below:
Antiviral
Cannabis terpenes are highly useful to treat antiviral diseases because these terpenes help improve immunity and increase the production of antibodies to fight against viruses. Widely used terpenes in antiviral medicines are alpha and beta-pinene, caryophyllene, camphor, and carvone.
Anticancer
Rising rates of various cancers require finding the compounds that can help fight against cancer. The terpenes found in cannabis plants can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The terpenes which can suppress cancer are limonene, pinene, camphor, terpinene, and beta myrcene. The major benefit of these terpenes is that they only work for destroying the cancer cells without disturbing the healthy cells.
Antidepressant
According to a study it was found that 25% of antidepressants are made from cannabis terpenes. These cannabis terpenes have tetrahydrocannabinol chemicals that improve mood and emotions. The commonly used cannabis terpenes in antidepressants are linalool, beta-pinene, Myrcene, etc.
Antimicrobial
A vast range of cannabis terpenes is useful for treating harmful microorganisms, so we can call those terpenes to display antimicrobial activity. These cannabis terpenes perhaps benefit from killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The terpenes which have antimicrobial nature are geraniol, eucalyptol, menthol, alpha-bisabolol, and terpinolene.
Pain Relief
Several cannabis terpenes have pain-relief effects due to containing cannabinoids. The terpenes which are beneficial to relieve pain are linalool, geraniol, β-pinene, and humulene.
How to Extract Terpenes?
Selecting the right method to extract the cannabis terpenes is important to get the desired quantity of terpenes. Terpenes have a long history in the flavor and perfume industry, so it is essential to extract them carefully. Following things should be considered while extracting the terpenes from cannabis plants:
- The right flower should be selected which is fresh and mature know
- Harvest the mature flower with the best technique to prevent loss of natural appearance
- The right solvent should be selected to avoid any reaction and tint
- For the desired results, the water-immiscible non-polar solvent should be used
- Extraction with PURE5 equipment should be performed at room temperature
- Terpenes should be extracted along the full spectrum cannabinoids to preserve the natural oils
How to Use Terpenes in Vape?
Terpenes are a natural source of a variety of natural oils which are used for vaping purposes. Many vaping devices can be applied to deliver terpenes from vape oils. There is no need to use cutting agents while dabbing because they usually require high temperatures that can burn the terpenes. For vaping the oil with consistency, highly recommended devices are vaped pens that don’t require preheating, and you can enjoy all the benefits and flavors of your terpenes with them.
Many vaping devices are offered in the market to enjoy the terpenes effectively. But if you’re looking to buy dab rigs or glass pipes to vape the terpenes containing oils, then an online store with a high reputation is suggested. You can check vape4ever.com for more cannabis vape products at a reasonable price and enjoy the oils’ vaping experience.
Final Thoughts
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemicals that are found in cannabis plants extensively. Frequently occurring cannabis terpenes are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Linalool, etc. These cannabis terpenes have a wide variety of medicinal benefits for humans to relieve pain, fight cancer, kill microorganisms, and inhibit the growth of viruses. But, there are certain conditions to consider while extracting the terpenes from plants.
