Since terpenes are aromatic compounds, they are in charge of giving many plants their pleasing scent. There are about 200 distinct terpenes in the cannabis species. Research has demonstrated that marijuana has a number of therapeutic effects that could be used to treat a variety of illnesses. The use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes is legal in a number of US states. You should first speak with a marijuana doctor if you have a crippling medical condition that can be treated with marijuana. They can advise you on whether marijuana is right for you.
There are, nevertheless, at least 20,000 additional terpenes in other parts of nature.
Although delta-9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main reasons cannabis plants are used, some research suggests that terpenes may also affect the effects of cannabis.
Terpenes may be categorized as psychoactive because they influence the brain and may produce a euphoric feeling, even though they are not as intoxicating as THC. Through a process called the entourage effect, terpenes help produce the cannabis high.
Types of Terpenes
The cannabis plant has been found to contain over 200 distinct terpenes. The amounts and combinations of these terpenes vary from plant to plant. Among the most prevalent terpenes found in cannabis are:
- Myrcene
- Beta-Caryophyllene
- Humulene
- Pinene
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Alpha-Bisabolol
- Farnesene
Citrus fruits, carrots, pomegranates, and lemongrass all contain myrcene. Several spices, including black pepper, contain caryophyllene. Many herbs contain humulene. Citrus peels contain limonene, while coriander contains linalool.
Terpenes by themselves won’t get you high because they don’t have any psychoactive effects. However, many people are still unsure if these compounds have any effect on the body because they are found in the cannabis plant. It is unlikely that these terpenes will get anyone high because they are also found in common foods.
Terpenes, however, may intensify the effects of psychoactive cannabinoids like delta-9-THC, according to some theories. This process is known to scientists as the entourage effect. Therefore, terpenes by themselves cannot make you high, but when combined with other substances, they can influence, intensify, or lessen psychoactive effects. Terpenes are technically psychoactive but not intoxicating.
How Terpenes Function in Cannabis
While THC and CBD have their own effects, other terpenes intensify them. This synergy may also be facilitated by other substances found in the cannabis plant, such as flavonoids.
Cannabis sativa, for instance, is a strain with higher levels of THC. On the other hand, sativa plants with higher levels of caryophyllene are thought to intensify the THC high. Additionally, this terpene can bind to the same receptors as THC, specifically CB2 receptors (not CB1 receptors), according to scientific evidence. Caryophyllene may therefore be a significant factor in the way that THC affects the body.
Higher levels of limonene in Cannabis sativa plants, on the other hand, are thought to improve alertness.
It’s also possible that myrcene and CBD work in concert. There are significant amounts of myrcene in the Cannabis indica strain. It is said that this terpene has a relaxing and calming effect. These effects are also exhibited by CBD, and the reduction in anxiety may be more pronounced when combined with myrcene. Cannabis strains with higher myrcene content may be more sedative, while those with lower myrcene content and higher limonene content may be more uplifting.
Once more evidence has emerged, some researchers believe that terpenes may have therapeutic benefits. For example, pure forms of THC or CBD are the only ingredients in some pharmaceutical cannabis products and cannabinoid-based drugs. Terpenes could be added to the mixture to increase the medicinal benefits of these substances. They might lessen the impact of negative effects and improve health and well-being in addition to intensifying the high.
Terpenes seem to enhance the effects of other compounds overall. On their own, however, they have little to no impact. To find out how one specific terpene could change the effects of THC or CBD, future research will examine this connection in greater detail.
Summing Up!
The entourage effect of terpenes, which amplifies the effects of THC and CBD, makes them intriguing substances. Although terpenes by themselves cannot get you high, their interaction with cannabis can help you get high. To fully comprehend this process, more investigation is needed. It does appear promising, though, and researchers believe terpenes may have therapeutic uses.
If you’re considering including marijuana in your treatment plan, obtaining a Tulsa medical marijuana card online will allow you to legally consume the drug and keep you out of trouble with the law.
