Cannabis Terpenes

What are cannabinoid terpenes?

Cannabinoid terpenes are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the plant’s unique aroma and flavor, and they may also play a role in its therapeutic effects.

Terpenes are made up of isoprene units, which are five-carbon molecules that are linked together in chains. There are over 200 different terpenes found in cannabis, but the most common ones include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene.

How do cannabinoid terpenes work?

Cannabinoid terpenes work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and molecules that regulates a variety of functions, including mood, pain, and inflammation.

When terpenes bind to endocannabinoid receptors, they can either activate or inhibit the receptor’s activity. This can lead to a variety of effects, depending on the terpene and the receptor it is interacting with.

For example, myrcene is a terpene that is known to have relaxing and sedative effects. It does this by activating the CB2 receptor, which is involved in pain relief and inflammation.

Limonene is a terpene that is known to have uplifting and energizing effects. It does this by activating the CB1 receptor, which is involved in mood and memory.

Caryophyllene is a terpene that is known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It does this by binding to the CB2 receptor.

Pinene is a terpene that is known to improve cognitive function and memory. It does this by activating the CB1 receptor.

The entourage effect

The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that the combined effects of cannabinoids and terpenes are greater than the sum of their individual effects. This means that terpenes can enhance or modulate the effects of cannabinoids, and vice versa.

For example, myrcene can enhance the relaxing effects of THC, while limonene can enhance the uplifting effects of THC. Caryophyllene can also enhance the pain-relieving effects of THC.

The entourage effect is a complex phenomenon that is still being studied, but it is an important concept to understand when considering the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

Conclusion

Cannabinoid terpenes are a group of naturally occurring compounds that are found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the plant’s unique aroma and flavor, and they may also play a role in its therapeutic effects.

Terpenes work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a complex network of receptors and molecules that regulates a variety of functions. When terpenes bind to endocannabinoid receptors, they can either activate or inhibit the receptor’s activity. This can lead to a variety of effects, depending on the terpene and the receptor it is interacting with.

The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that the combined effects of cannabinoids and terpenes are greater than the sum of their individual effects. This means that terpenes can enhance or modulate the effects of cannabinoids, and vice versa.

The entourage effect is a complex phenomenon that is still being studied, but it is an important concept to understand when considering the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

Natural Harvest cannabis seeds contain a wide variety of terpenes. Shop our store, read descriptions and discover your favorites today!