Terpenes and their possible influence on diseases: Medicinal Cannabis – Studies

Terpenes are natural aromatic substances in the cannabis plant. In addition to their characteristic scent, they also contribute to the medicinal effect – especially in combination with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. Many terpenes have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving or calming properties. Research into their therapeutic potential is still in its infancy, but is already yielding promising results. From our section: Cannabis studies.

Analysis of 1,918 varieties: frequency of terpenes

Terpenes in cannabis are the primary scents and flavors that are not only responsible for the characteristic smell, but also act synergistically with cannabinoids. They influence the taste and aroma of cannabis flowers and contribute significantly to the so-called “entourage effect“. In our analysis of 1,918 varieties, we identified the dominant terpenes and sorted them according to frequency.

Did you know? Over 8,000 terpenes are known in nature, of which around 120 are regularly found in cannabis. These secondary plant substances fulfill important ecological functions in the plant – for example as protection against pests or as signal substances for pollinators. For consumers, however, they are particularly interesting because they influence sensory perception, subjective experience and even possible pharmacological effects.

Here are the top 30 terpenes with their characteristic aromas and their relative occurrence in the analyzed varieties. You can also find the list of terpenes & aroma here.

Terpenes & effect in the body

Myrcene, sleep disorders & pain

PS: All studies are linked for you at the end of the lists.

Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. It is associated with calming and muscle-relaxing effects and is particularly relevant for patients with sleep problems or chronic pain.

• Effect: Sedative, muscle-relaxing, pain-relieving
• Illnesses/symptoms: sleep disorders, pain, anxiety
• Studies:
  Russo (2011) – describes the influence of myrcene on the blood-brain barrier and its synergistic effect with THC.

Limonene, depression & inflammation

Limonene gives cannabis a citrus-like scent and has a mood-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effect, as each cannabis strain has its own scent profile. It is often used to treat depression and mental exhaustion and also has antimicrobial properties.

• Effect: Mood-enhancing, antidepressant, antimicrobial
• Diseases/symptoms: Depression, anxiety, inflammation
• Studies:
  Komiya et al. (2006) – shows mood-enhancing effects of limonene in humans.

Linalool, anxiety & sleep disorders

Linalool is a floral-scented terpene that is known for its calming properties. It has an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect – relevant for patients with panic disorders, epilepsy or problems falling asleep.

• Effect: Calming, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant
• Diseases/symptoms: Anxiety disorders, epilepsy, insomnia
• Studies:
  Linck et al. (2009) – investigates anxiolytic effects of linalool in animal models.

Beta-caryophyllene, inflammation & irritable bowel syndrome

Beta-caryophyllene is one of the few terpenes that binds directly to cannabinoid receptors – especially CB2. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects without psychoactive side effects.

• Effect: Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antioxidant
• Diseases/symptoms: Chronic pain, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome
• Studies:
  Gertsch et al. (2008) – shows effect as a selective CB2 agonist, without psychoactive effects.

Alpha-pinene, asthma & memory

Alpha-pinene is a terpene with a fresh, forest-like odor. It has a bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory effect and could partially compensate for cognitive impairments caused by THC.

• Effect: bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, wakefulness-promoting
• Diseases/symptoms: Asthma, inflammation, cognitive disorders
• Studies:
  Russo (2011) – describes possible protective effect of pinene against THC-induced memory impairment.

Research on terpenes in cannabis shows that these substances have a high medical potential – especially for chronic complaints such as pain, anxiety or inflammation. Further clinical studies are necessary in order to target their therapeutic use.

Terpenes?! Where are they actually?

Terpenes can be found on the flower of the cannabis plant. There are (illustrated here for you):

1. Pestles – small threads
2. Trichomes – small balls
3. Terpenes – are inside the small spheres

In fact, the myth of the difference between sativa, indica and hybrid is true. The real effect comes from the terpenes in combination with the cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.)

Cannabis terpenes: List

A total of over 150 relevant terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Of these, around 20-30 terpenes occur regularly in relevant quantities and have potential medicinal effects. By the way, there are over 8,000 in total in nature! What can which terpene do in cannabis?

• Cannabis terpenes