Medicinal cannabis has gained significant attention for its potential to assist in treating a variety of health conditions, ranging from chronic pain to anxiety and insomnia. While most people associate the therapeutic effects of cannabis with cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), terpenes play a crucial yet often overlooked role in the plant’s medicinal properties. In this blog, we’ll explore what terpenes are, how they work in medicinal cannabis, and how they can be used to tailor treatments for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinctive smells and flavors of cannabis strains, but they also have therapeutic properties. In fact, terpenes are produced by many plants as a defense mechanism, protecting them from pests or environmental stressors. In cannabis, terpenes work in synergy with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance or modify the effects of medicinal cannabis. This interaction is known as the entourage effect, where the combination of compounds produces a more potent and balanced therapeutic response than any single compound alone.
The Significance of Terpenes in Medicinal Cannabis
The significance of terpenes in medicinal cannabis lies in their ability to influence the plant’s therapeutic effects. Each terpene has its own unique properties that can impact everything from mood to pain relief, inflammation reduction, and sleep regulation. By understanding the role of different terpenes, healthcare providers can recommend cannabis strains or products that are best suited to address specific health needs.
While THC and CBD are often the focus of cannabis discussions, terpenes should not be overlooked. It’s important for patients to consider the terpene profile of their medicinal cannabis treatment, rather than focusing solely on the percentage of THC or CBD. In fact, the overall therapeutic effect of cannabis often depends more on the combination of terpenes than on the levels of cannabinoids alone.
Terpenes for Anxiety, Insomnia, and Pain
Medicinal cannabis is commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Different terpenes can help alleviate these conditions by interacting with the body’s receptors in ways that support relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance pain relief. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key terpenes that can help manage these conditions.
Terpenes for Anxiety:
- Linalool: This lavender-scented terpene is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. It has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it ideal for patients dealing with anxiety or nervous tension.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: Found in black pepper, cloves, and cannabis, beta-caryophyllene can interact with the body’s CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This interaction has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects and may contribute to mood regulation, helping with anxiety.
- Myrcene: While myrcene is often associated with pain relief, it also has sedative properties that can help reduce anxiety levels. It’s commonly found in strains of cannabis that promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Terpenes for Insomnia:
- Myrcene: As mentioned, myrcene is a powerful sedative and is often found in indica strains of cannabis. It can help patients with insomnia by promoting deep, restful sleep and relaxing the body and mind.
- Linalool: In addition to its anti-anxiety properties, linalool is also effective in helping with sleep disturbances. It’s often used in strains designed for evening use, as it can induce a relaxed, sleep-ready state.
- Terpinolene: This terpene, found in various herbs and flowers, has both calming and sedative properties. It can contribute to better sleep quality, making it ideal for patients suffering from insomnia.
Terpenes for Pain:
- Beta-Caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene is not only helpful for anxiety but also for pain relief. It has been found to bind to CB2 receptors, which are involved in pain and inflammation regulation, making it effective for patients with chronic pain.
- Humulene: Humulene, present in hops and cannabis, is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for patients with conditions such as arthritis or muscle pain.
- Pinene: This terpene is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain while also improving airflow to the lungs. It can be helpful for those dealing with chronic pain conditions, especially those with respiratory issues.
The Importance of Terpene Ratios and Combinations
When using medicinal cannabis, it’s not just about the percentage of THC or CBD in the strain—terpene profiles and combinations are just as important. The right balance of terpenes can enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, creating a more effective treatment plan for patients. For instance, a combination of linalool for anxiety and myrcene for insomnia may be particularly beneficial for someone who suffers from both conditions. Similarly, a mix of beta-caryophyllene and humulene could work well for a patient experiencing both pain and inflammation.
The ideal combination of terpenes depends on the patient’s specific needs, and these combinations can vary greatly between individuals. This is why working with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in medicinal cannabis is essential to finding the right treatment for each patient’s health needs.
Why Focus on Terpenes, Not Just THC Percentages?
Many patients and healthcare providers focus primarily on the percentage of THC in a medicinal cannabis product, often overlooking the importance of terpenes. While THC can produce powerful effects, it is the terpenes that fine-tune and enhance these effects. For example, a strain with a high THC percentage might not be as effective for anxiety or pain if it lacks the right terpenes to support those conditions.
Focusing solely on THC content can lead to a less personalised approach to medicinal cannabis treatment. It’s important to remember that the entourage effect means the therapeutic outcome is the result of the whole plant, including its cannabinoids and terpenes. Therefore, patients should seek strains with terpene profiles tailored to their specific health needs rather than focusing solely on cannabinoid percentages.
Terpenes in CBD and THC
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they interact differently with the body. Terpenes, however, can influence the effects of both cannabinoids, whether in THC-dominant or CBD-dominant strains. For instance, in CBD-dominant strains, terpenes like linalool or limonene may enhance the relaxing effects of CBD, while in THC-dominant strains, terpenes like myrcene or beta-caryophyllene can help reduce the intensity of THC’s psychoactive effects and provide additional therapeutic benefits.
How Are Terpenes Added or Grown in Medicinal Cannabis?
Terpenes are naturally produced by the cannabis plant, but they can also be enhanced through cultivation techniques. In some cases, cannabis growers may select specific strains or breeding techniques to increase the terpene content of their plants. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light can also influence terpene production.
In addition, some medicinal cannabis products may have added terpenes. These terpenes are typically derived from natural sources and are added to cannabis products to increase their therapeutic properties or to provide specific effects. Whether naturally occurring or added, terpenes are an essential component of medicinal cannabis products that enhance their efficacy.
Conclusion
Terpenes are a crucial, yet often underappreciated, aspect of medicinal cannabis. These aromatic compounds not only contribute to the plant’s scent and flavor but also play a significant role in its therapeutic effects. Understanding which terpenes can help manage conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain can empower patients to make more informed decisions about their treatment options.
When using medicinal cannabis, it’s essential to consider the full profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, rather than focusing solely on THC percentages. By working with healthcare providers knowledgeable in the complexities of cannabis, patients can find the optimal combination of terpenes to meet their unique health needs. As the field of medicinal cannabis continues to evolve, understanding the role of terpenes will be key to unlocking its full potential as a therapeutic tool.
