Diving In: Cannabinoids & Terpenes Explored
Much of the broad cannabis discourse in the US leaves out an important component of the plant: its terpene and cannabinoid breakdown. Both have a profound effect on the experience a cannabis user will have. There are over 150 known cannabinoids and they all have different effects. There are also 8 primary terpenes identified in the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoids are the active components of a cannabis plant. These molecules are responsible for the therapeutic and medicinal effects of cannabis (think CBD, THC, CBG, THCV). Terpenes are considered the essential oils of the cannabis plant. The 8 main terpenes are myrcene, limonene, humulene, linalool, beta-carophyllene, ocimene, pinene, and terpinolene.
These cannabinoids and terpenes not only interact with the user but also with each other. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids to help with their absorption and to increase the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes like limonene or pinene can have bronchodilating effects increasing cannabinoid delivery and efficiency. Cannabinoids can also reduce the adverse effects of one another. For example, CBD can help decrease anxiety and paranoia and buffer some of the problematic effects of the very psychoactive THC.
While the research into terpenes and cannabinoids is still in its infancy, the interactions between these components are becoming clear. While much of the cannabis industry pushes high potency and THC over anything else, the medical and therapeutic effects are often lost in this potency quest.
The knowledge necessary to find strains and cannabis products that work right for you requires a basic knowledge about the effects of each cannabinoid. For example, THC is an excellent pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have mood regulating effects and help stimulate appetite. CBD is also a pain reliever but with anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties. CBN can have sedative effects and aid with sleep. CBG is a muscle relaxant and pain reliever. These are just a few of the cannabinoids available in many cannabis products. Knowing these effects can help users feel more comfortable picking out products in their local dispensaries.
Quality overtime has become commensurate with THC potency. Many users believe a high quality product has the most amount of THC. However, other cannabinoids presence can have a significant effect on user experience. THC potency does not correlate with a better user experience or a higher quality product. Plants grown with pesticides and in fully indoor facilities deprived of natural sunlight can look high quality and have high THC potency without actually being a high quality product you’d want to ingest.
Not only does a more diverse cannabinoid array offer a more well rounded experience but certain cannabinoids may have life changing properties. Research has looked into cannabinoids that may decrease cancerous cell growth, decrease appetite, and even offer neuro-protective qualities which could help slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. This research is still being done but it shows promise for many health concerns.
Other cannabinoids have a range of beneficial properties which have yet to be thoroughly researched such as mood stabilization, anti-psychotic and anti anxiety effects. The focus on THC potency has taken the spotlight for many when it comes to recreational use but other cannabinoids are also essential for creating the ideal user experience. We hope to explore further the effects of both terpenes and cannabinoids in future articles. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject and learn which cannabinoids have the best effect on you!
