Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes: Mother Natures Medicine

Medical Cannabis and Hemp has been used for centuries for physical pain and abdominal issues, emotional stress and depression, and a recreational stimulant or relaxant. New studies show terpenes play a game-changing role in the psychoactive effects and medicinal health benefits.

Terpenes, also known as terpenoids are the largest and most underated group of naturally occurring compounds. They are mostly found in plants, flowers, and fruits, including Cannabis. These Terpenes form the majority of essential oils, including the aromas and flavor profiles presented in the plants.

Terpenes play a variety of roles in the users mental experience and the physical effects expressed by each strain specific terpene profile and not completely based on the cannabinoid levels present in each strain itself. The common plant sources of terpenes are cannabis, that have a pungent, stinky, gassy odor, this signifies a heavy indica or “couchlock” type effect. Apposed to the fruity and citrus smelling strains like lemons,limes, and oranges, which tend to give energy and creativity.

Terpenes have a wide range of medicinal uses among which anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activity . Cannabis is one of the most common sources for the medicinal terpenes. This plant contains many medicinal properties like anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antihyperglycemic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic. Terpenes are also used to enhance skin penetration, prevent inflammatory diseases. Monoterpenes specifically are widely studied for their antiviral property. With growing incidents of cancer and diabetes in modern world, terpenes also have the potential to serve as anticancer and antidiabetic reagents. Along with these properties, terpenes also allow for flexibility in route of administration and suppression of side effects and the user has zero psychoactive effects.

Advancements in mechanism of action, and the recent studies that are underway for designing terpenes as a lead molecule in modern medicine shows potential for producing amazing results.

Most cannabis users have only ever heard of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, believing that these are the only chemicals playing a role in the overall experience. Cannabis plants have 100’s of cannabinoids still being discovered and studied by scientists today. Patients can benefit the most from using cannabis in its natural form, preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes giving the user benefits of the full “entourage effect”.