Welcome to the first edition of Emerald Terpenes. First and foremost what the heck are terpenes? Terpenes are found in all plants including cannabis and they are fragrance molecules in the plants. Every strain of cannabis has different and very unique set of terpenes, which help with different issues – medicinal and therapeutic. Terpenes are still being studied and researched in the cannabis plant, but we know what the terpenes do in other plants.
Around 200 terpenes can be found in cannabis, however not all are found in every plant. Here is a list of a few terpenes found in cannabis:
Linalool
Linalool is best known for floral odor in lavender plants, however it is also found in citrus, laurels, birch, coriander, and rosewood plants. It is used has a sleep aid, treatment for anxiety, and anti-epileptic agent. Linalool also gives relief to pain, calms nerves, and eases you mind. Steep Hill Labs states, “Linalool is a critical precursor in the formation of Vitamin E.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a terepne that is not just found in the cannabis plant it is also in oregano, lilac, apples, tea tree, and nutmeg. Potential medical benefits include anti-tumor, antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is also been known to treat insomnia.
β-Myrcene
β-Myrcene is an important terpene for cannabis. It is known to treat spasms, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. Myrcene is also found in highly fragrant plants such as several different strains of cannabis, mangoes, hops, thyme, basil and lemongrass. Myrcene mixed with high amounts of THC increases the psychoactive effect. According to Steep Hill, “For most people, the consumption of a fresh mango, 45 minutes before inhaling cannabis, will result in a faster onset of psycho activity and greater intensity.” Most cannabis Sativa strains contain less than 5% Myrcene.
Pinene
Pinene is a pine and green aroma scent found in most cannabis plants. There is an alpha and a beta Pinene, both have different affects. It helps with asthma and is an anti-inflammatory. Improved focus, and memory has been reported from the pinene terpene. It can also be used as an insect repellant. You can find Pinene in pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, parsley, spruce and sage.
Geraniol
Geraniol is a fruity or sweet floral scent. It has a variety of medicinal and therapeutic uses like; anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant and it is a mosquito repellent. Bees produce geraniol naturally to mark their territories. Geraniol can be found in cannabis, passion fruit, lemongrass, roses, carrots and much more.
There are a lot of different terpenes out there some having higher levels and some have lower levels. When looking for a CBD oil or strain you should look into the terpenes as well as the cannabidiols. Look for more blogs about terpenes in the future.
Chelsea Sagez, Emerald Cannabliss
Resources :
https://www.steephill.com/science/terpenes
https://cannabisnow.com/understanding-terpenes-linalool/
https://cannabisnow.com/10-things-know-terpenes
https://www.green-flower.com/articles/58/the-world-of-cannabis-terpenes-will-blow-your-mind