We’re all familiar with the effects of cannabis either through popular culture, plant based medicine or first-hand experience. But how does cannabis work and how is it different to terpenes?
The two most widely recognised compounds in the cannabis plant are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While both cannabinoids and terpenes are naturally occurring in cannabis, cannabinoids like CBD and THC are chemically distinct from terpenes.
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to create the ‘high’ cannabis is famous for. The other is CBD which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid – meaning it does not produce a ‘high’ but has many potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. Both THC and CBD work on some of the same receptors in the body but in different ways.
Do terpenes have the same effect as CBD and THC?
THC and CBD might be the stars of the cannabis world, but they’re just two out of more than 100 cannabinoids in the plant. And right alongside them? Terpenes. These compounds are among the most abundant in nature, and they are responsible for giving cannabis that distinctly recognisable scent.
The aroma is not the only way terpenes show up in cannabis. What is most interesting about how terpenes work is their ability to enhance or change the effects of cannabis. This has been called the ‘entourage effect’ and suggests naturally occurring terpenes in cannabis can enhance the effect of THC and CBD to boost or modify their impact.
In other words, terpenes help people experience a ‘full spectrum’ of cannabis rather than the effects of the CBD and THC extracts alone.
Which terpenes are found in Cannabis?
So, what are the terpenes in cannabis and what do they do? Scientists have discovered more than 150 different terpenes in cannabis, with differing strains of cannabis producing different aromas and effects depending on the amount of each terpene present in the plant.
The most common terpenes that can provide full spectrum benefits include:
Myrcene – known for antipsychotic, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticancerogenic properties
β-caryophyllene (beta caryophyllene) – the ‘spicy’ terpene and the only terpene known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. β-caryophyllene has gastroprotective,
analgesic, anticancerogenic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects
α-Pinene (alpha pinene) – recognised for its respiratory health benefits as well as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, antiseptic, gastroprotective, mood enhancing, anxiety reducing effects as well as increasing cognitive function and memory.
β-pinene (beta pinene) – offers a range of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bronchodilatory, and antimicrobial effects. Like alpha pinene, it may also support mood, cognitive function, and respiratory health, making it a valuable terpene for both physical and mental well-being.
Limonene – known for its antibacterial, gastroprotective, antiproliferative, antifungal, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, or immunostimulant effects
Linalool – which comes with a range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects. It’s also known for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.
As you can see, different terpenes can enhance the benefits of THC and CBD in different ways, working together to amplify each other’s effects. For instance, a strain high in myrcene may enhance THC’s sedative effects, while limonene could help boost mood, creating a more nuanced and personalised experience.
To experience how the above terpenes can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing, try the Purus range of sugar free, refreshing, carbonated health drinks, the first caffeine FREE terpene drink in Australia.
