Terpenes in detail

Terpenes are the organic chemicals found in cannabis that enhance or inhibit the effectiveness of cannabinoids on the human brain and body, proving that the sum of the plant is greater than its individual parts. They are also responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis as well as other plants. Terpene profiles are unique to each strain of cannabis, acting as a fingerprint that can be used to identify individual strains.
α–pinene 
Essential pine oil 

• The most common terpene in plants

• A bronchodilator – could be useful for asthmatics

• Promotes alertness, concentration and memory retention

• Allows THC to enter the bloodstream quicker

• Inhibits acetyl Co-A, allowing more con version of short-term memory to long-term memory

• Topical antiseptic

β- Caryophyllene 
Black pepper, oregano, other herbs

• Protects the gastrointestinal tract

• Treats ulcers

• Anti-inflammatory

• Binds directly to CB2 receptors in the immune system to treat autoimmune disorders

Terpineol 
Lilac, citrus, apple blossoms

• Sedative effects, muscle relaxant

Myrcene
Musky odor; hops, mango, lemon grass, verbena

• Affects the permeability of cell walls and the Blood-Brain Barrier, allowing THC to enter the brain

• Sedative and muscle relaxant – attributes to

“couch-lock”

• Hypnotic

• Analgesic

• pain reliever

• Anti-inflammatory

Pulegone
Mint, camphor, rosemary

• Inhibits acetyl Co-A, allowing more conversion of short-term memory to long-term memory

Borneol 
Menthol, pine, cinnamon

• Sedative effects

Limonene
Citrus fruit

• Can make cells more permeable to other terpenes, raising the absorption rates

• Clinically dissolved gallstones anti-stress properties – Improves mood

• Relieve heartburn and GERD

• Destroy breast cancer cells

• Can build up in tumor cells and slow down cancer cell growth

• Antimicrobial properties

• Kills pathogenic strains of bacteria

• Fat soluble

• gets stored in adipose (fat) tissue

Cineole/Eucalyptol 
Rosemary and eucalyptus; minty and refreshing

• Increases circulation

• Analgesic effects

• pain relief

• Can easily cross the Blood-Brain Barrier

• “Thought-provoking” component in cannabi

Linalool
Lavender

• Anxiolytic

• Anti-anxiety and stress blocker

• Strong anticonvulsant

• Antidepressant

• If applied topically, can heal scars from acne and severe burns

Δ-3-Carene 
Sweet, pine, cedar, woodsy

• Used to dry excess fluids in aroma therapy

• Can attribute to the dry mouth and dry eyes experienced when using cannabis

• Can be a Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) depressant in very high doses

Nerolidol 
Ginger, lavender, jasmine, lemon grass

• Sedative properties

• Used topically for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic drugs