Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects. They play a key role in the plant kingdom, contributing to the scent, flavor, and colors of plants. In the context of cannabis, terpenes are often overshadowed by the more famous compounds, THC and CBD. However, they play a crucial role in the effects of cannabis, contributing to the unique aroma, flavor, and therapeutic effects of different strains.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in certain areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and time perception.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants and some insects. They often have a strong odor and may protect the plants that produce them by deterring herbivores and by attracting predators and parasites of herbivores. Terpenes are the major components of resin, and of turpentine produced from resin.
The name “terpene” is derived from the word “turpentine”, which is a solvent containing terpene monomers. The structures of terpenes are often drawn in this hydrocarbon form, but atoms of oxygen are also commonly present, incorporated in a variety of functional groups.
Types of Terpenes
There are more than 20,000 terpenes in existence and at least 100 produced by the cannabis plant. Terpenoid production evolved over time in some plants, including cannabis, to attract pollinators and to act as defense compounds. Some of the most prominent types of terpenes found in cannabis include Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Pinene, Humulene, Ocimene, and Terpinolene.
Each of these terpenes has its own set of effects on the body and mind, contributing to the overall experience of cannabis. For example, Myrcene is known for its antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, while Limonene is known for its mood-enhancing effects and stress relief.
Role of Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity. The effect profile of any given terpene may change in the presence of other compounds in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
More research is needed to understand each terpene’s effect when used in harmony with others. Their potential is vast and could lead to major breakthroughs in how we use cannabis in our daily lives.
Understanding THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body. Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in certain areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and time perception.
THC attaches to these receptors and activates them, affecting a person’s memory, pleasure, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception, according to NIDA. THC is one of many compounds found in the resin secreted by glands of the marijuana plant. More of these glands are found around the reproductive organs of the plant than on any other area of the plant.
Effects of THC
THC stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, creating euphoria. It also interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus, which is part of the brain responsible for forming new memories. THC can induce hallucinations, change thinking and cause delusions. On average, the effects last about two hours, and kick in 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion.
Physical effects of THC include relaxation, altered senses of sight, smell, and hearing, fatigue, hunger, and reduced aggression. While these effects are often enjoyable for the user, THC can also cause a number of negative side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and increased heart rate.
Medical Uses of THC
THC can be used medically for a number of purposes. It can be used to help reduce nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy. It can also help improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS, and reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms.
However, because of the psychoactive effects of THC, many prefer to use a combination of THC and CBD for medical purposes. CBD can help to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, making it more comfortable for medical use.
The Synergy of Terpenes and THC
Terpenes and THC work together in what is commonly referred to as the ‘entourage effect’. This theory suggests that all of the compounds in cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds — work together synergistically to produce their effects. This is why different strains of cannabis can produce dramatically different effects, even if their THC content is the same.
For example, a strain high in the terpene myrcene may produce a strong sedative effect, while a strain high in the terpene limonene may produce uplifting and stress-relieving effects. The presence of THC, meanwhile, can enhance the therapeutic effects of the terpenes, while the terpenes can help to mitigate some of the negative effects of THC.
Impact on Aroma and Flavor
Terpenes are primarily responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Each terpene has its own unique scent, and these scents can be combined in endless ways to create the unique aroma profiles of different cannabis strains. For example, limonene gives off a citrusy smell, while myrcene has a more earthy aroma.
These aromas and flavors can significantly impact the overall cannabis experience. Many people enjoy the complex flavors and aromas of cannabis, and these can even play a role in the therapeutic effects of the plant. For example, the aroma of limonene is thought to have mood-enhancing effects.
Impact on Therapeutic Effects
Terpenes can also impact the therapeutic effects of cannabis. For example, the terpene myrcene is known to have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects, while the terpene limonene has mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. These effects can be enhanced by the presence of THC, which has its own set of therapeutic effects.
Furthermore, some terpenes can modulate the effects of THC. For example, the terpene myrcene is thought to enhance the psychoactive effects of THC, while the terpene caryophyllene may help to mitigate the anxiety-inducing effects of THC. This is another example of the ‘entourage effect’ at work.
Conclusion
Terpenes and THC are both crucial components of the cannabis plant, and they work together in complex ways to produce the plant’s unique effects. Understanding these compounds and how they interact can help users to choose the right cannabis strains for their needs and to use these strains in the most effective way.
While much is still unknown about the exact ways in which terpenes and THC interact, ongoing research continues to shed light on this fascinating topic. As our understanding continues to grow, it is likely that we will continue to discover new ways to use these compounds for therapeutic purposes.
