Terpenes are responsible for the characteristic smell of hemp (but also of lemon , grapefruit , lavender and many others...) as well as its taste (1–2).
They are mainly found in the resin and in the essential oil that can be extracted. Among these compounds, we find 90% monoterpenes as well as sesquiterpenes such as α-pinene, β-myrcene, D-limonene and β-caryophyllene.
These molecules interact via the endocannabinoid system and will participate in anxiolytic , antibacterial , anti-inflammatory or even sedative effects. These molecules have an impact on the action spectrum of the plant as well as on the action of other cannabinoid molecules. Depending on the variety of the plant, the terpene content varies greatly.
This is one of the reasons that will make you prefer one hemp flower over another. Indeed, two flowers can have relatively identical levels of CBD and yet give you completely different sensations. This is due to these famous aromatic molecules which in addition to intoxicating us with their scent, all have very different properties. For example, certain flowers are rich in linalool and will therefore have powerful anxiolytic effects.
Without further ado, we offer you a brief (and non-exhaustive) overview of the different terpenes contained in the hemp flower, accompanied by the list of their physiological effects which have been the subject of studies.
has . Alpha-pinene
This monoterpene has many properties. It has a repellent action against insects . In addition, it will act as an anti-inflammatory , bronchodilator and will also have a broad spectrum antibacterial action. (3-4)
b. Beta-myrcene
This monoterpene has proven anti-inflammatory and sedative action. In addition, studies on mice have shown that this molecule has an analgesic and muscle relaxant action. These latter properties have not yet been proven in humans. (3-4)
Our OG Kush and our Gelato are particularly rich in beta-myrcene.
vs. Humulene
It is an isomer of caryophyllene also called α -caryophyllene. It has an anti-inflammatory action similar to that of dexamethasone (5), a powerful antibacterial action as well as a pro-apoptotic effect on certain cancer cells (6).
Our Gorilla Glue and our AK-47 are rich in Humulene.
d. Beta-caryophyllene
β - caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene which has an anti-inflammatory , analgesic and gastric protective action (1). A clinical trial showed its effectiveness on anxiety and depression (7). It is a special terpene since it acts directly on the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (RCB2).
e. D-limonene
D-limonene has a significant anxiolytic action and clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in depression (8). In addition, it will have an action on dermatophytosis and gastroesophageal reflux. A clinical trial showed that the use of limonene in high concentrations increases the apoptosis of breast cancer cells (9).
Our Orange Karma and our Gorilla Glue are particularly rich in D-limonene.
f. 1,8-cineole
Better known as eucalyptol , this terpene could, according to certain studies, contribute to improved cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (10-3-11). Additionally, cineole has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by beta-amyloid plaques (12). Research has also demonstrated its effects.
The list is far from exhaustive, it concerns the main terpenes contained in hemp flowers. We chose this list because these terpenes have all been the subject of studies attesting to their physiological effects in humans. This also explains why some flowers have more effects on you than others, and also why it is not important to have a flower with always higher CBD levels to feel the benefits of hemp.
But the best way to consume it is with CBD oil which will allow you to obtain the widest range of possible terpenes in just a few drops. Because unlike a flower with its own terpene profile, we use a wide selection of our CBD flowers to produce our oils . So what we get is a pure concentrate of terpenes rich in many benefits.
To conclude, consuming hemp flower is not ever a treatment, but a pleasure which associated with a balanced diet and lifestyle can help maintain your body's homeostasis.
Quotes:
1. Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, Racz I, Chen JZ, Xie XQ, et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid . Proc Natl Acad Sci. 1 Jul 2008;105(26):9099‐104. 2. Favre A. Hashish, hemp and cannabis: the eternal return. The Harmattan. (Medicine through the centuries).
3. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects . Br J Pharmacol. 1 Aug 2011;163(7):1344‐64.
4. Terpenes and modulation of the effects of cannabis [Internet]. Active subtances. 2013 [quoted Nov 7, 2019].
Available at: //www.principesactif.org/terpenes-et-modulation-des-effects-du-cannabis/
5. Fernandes ES, Passos GF, Medeiros R, da Cunha FM, Ferreira J, Campos MM, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds alpha-humulene and (-)-trans-caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea. Eur J Pharmacol. 27 Aug 2007;569(3):228‐36.
6. Nuutinen T. Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus. Eur J Med Chem. Sep 2018;157:198‐228.
7. Bahi A, Al Mansouri S, Al Memari E, Al Ameri M, Nurulain SM, Ojha S. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice . Physiol Behav. Aug 2014;135:119‐24.
8. Russo EB, Marcu J. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. In: Advances in Pharmacology [Internet]. Elsevier; 2017 [cited September 30, 2019]. p. 67‐134Available at: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1054358917300273
9. Limonene and Monoterpenes - Société Chimique de France [Internet]. [cited 7 Nov 2019]. Available at: http://www.societechemicaldefrance.fr/Limonene-et-Monoterpenes.html
10. Patella J. E ff ects of Rosemary Essential Oil on Mood and Memory. Brain Health Essent Oils [Internet]. July 29, 2013; Available at: http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/rosemary-essential-oil/
11. Moss M, Oliver L. Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. June 2012;2(3):103‐13.
12. Khan A, Vaibhav K, Javed H, Tabassum R, Ahmed ME, Khan MM, et al. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) mitigates inflammation in amyloid Beta toxicated PC12 cells: relevance to Alzheimer's disease . Neurochem Res. Feb 2014;39(2):344‐52.