Last week we put to bed the old sativa, indica, and hybrid myth. Now, it’s time to learn about the Entourage Effect and take one step closer to becoming a true Utah cannaseur.
Terpenes are compounds found in fruit, herbs, and cannabis. They are responsible for that unique cannabis aroma you smell while at a local concert. Skunk, citrus, pine, and even gasoline can permeate from these potent flowers in the same way wine grapes produce flavor from where they were grown.
Fragrant oils are secreted in the resin glands of cannabis flowers which are called Trichomes. This is where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are produced. This suggests that terpenes might work in harmony with other cannabis compounds in a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect.
The Entourage Effect happens when different cannabinoid compounds, like terpenes, THC, and CBD dance together to create a more powerful effect than they would on their own.
In order to provide effects to consumers, terpenes and cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain called the Endocannabinoid System. Potential terpene effects may change depending on what other compounds are present. So far, over 100 individual terpenes have been identified from cannabis plants—all developed as protection from predators and to attract pollinators. Researchers believe each individual terpene may produce its own unique set of physiological effects, such as enhanced relaxation, mood elevation, sedation, or sharpened focus.
Here are some of the most common terpenes found in Utah’s medical cannabis:
Myrcene: a musky, couch lock-inducing, citrus-scented terpene that may produce relaxation, and body highs. Found in most Indicas, it’s also present in mango, thyme, lemongrass, and hops. Myrcene is an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen. Other medical benefits include pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and restful sleep.
Alpha-Pinene: a pine-scented terpene that could raise alertness, euphoria, or charge creativity, It’s also possible that it may offset the effect on memory-loss caused by THC. It’s mostly found in pine, dill, parsley, basil, and rosemary. Other medical benefits include antiseptic, and mild asthma relief.
Limonene: a citrus-scented terpene that may elevate mood, and relieve stress. Found in juniper, rosemary, fruit rinds, and peppermint. Medical benefits include gallstone and heartburn relief. Anti-fungal; gastroprotection, and an antidepressant.
Linalool: smelling like a mixed bag of candy and floral-fragranced, this terpene can act as a sedative and provide anxiety relief. It’s found in lavender, rose, basil, and neroli oil. Medical benefits include protection against anxiety, convulsions, depression, and even acne.
Humulene: an earthy or hops-scented terpene that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Beta-Caryophyllene: a spicy, peppery smelling terpene that may relieve stress.
Ocimene: a sweet-scented terpene with antiseptic properties.
Terpinolene: a floral, or pine-scented terpene that provides relaxation.
There seems to be a family resemblance when it comes to terpene profiles, as a cannabis parent can pass down its scent to its descendant strains called phytonutrients. Like fingerprints, we now know every cannabis strain has its own terpene profile. We can use these profiles by considering individual effects, and by combining different compounds for a variety of benefits. When we are purposeful, we can create the perfect terpene cocktail and get the most out of cannabis.
