Terpenes

The Importance of Terpenes

To the Entourage Effect

Terpenes are responsible for many aspects of the cannabis experience. They create the aroma and flavor behind each strain, contribute to the entourage effect, and even offer medical benefits. The Entourage Effect is a cannabis medicine concept proposing that the therapeutic impact of cannabis is greater when multiple compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically rather than in isolation. 

Terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance their effects and modulate their psychoactivity. Some terpenes even have their own pharmacological activity. Understanding terpenes and their pharmacological effects is essential for healthcare professionals and dispensary staff to provide accurate patient information and recommendations.

When examining a terpene profile, consider concentration and ratio to other terpenes. While an astonishing 30,000 identified terpenes exist in nature, about 30 exist in significant quantities in cannabis, and only 20 are consistently tested for. Some laboratories only test for a handful of the most common terpenes. While this helps identify the major constituents, it leaves gaps in the complete profile consumed. Only complete profile testing will show true terpene trends and allow for more predictable recommendations.  

Terpenes are all very similar in molecular structure, yet the differences that do exist help create unique effects. Many terpenes have or are isomers of each other. Each terpene may have its distinctive aroma, physiological effects, and medical benefits, but remember that these terpenes interact synergistically in the entourage effect. In a way, these terpenes fine-tune the cannabis experience. Some terpenes have been studied, while others have hardly been examined from a medical aspect.

To the Cannabis Plant

Many, if not all, terpenes exhibit some degree of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This serves as a protectant against infections in the plant's flowers. Terpenes can attract pollinators, repel harmful insects, and deter herbivores. Perhaps the most significant impact of terpenes can be found in their ability to act as chemical messengers, both within the plant and to other organisms. 

To Humans and Medicine

Terpenes are important to human health because they have antioxidant properties that lead to anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, gastroprotection, and cardioprotection. Some terpenes can have a second degree of anti-inflammation with enzymatic inhibition. Terpenes may also be epigenetic factors that lead to anti-proliferation and anti-tumor effects. Possible effects depending on the terpene include: 

Terpene profiles can help identify similar strains.

Resources:

Booth, J. K., Page, J. E., & Bohlmann, J. (2017). Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa. PloS one, 12(3), e0173911.


Cox-Georgian, Destinney, et al. “Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes.” Medicinal Plants, 12 Nov. 2019, pp. 333–359, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15.


Hudson, R. (2023). The Big Book of Terps: Understanding Terpenes and Synergy in Cannabis (J. Graddon, Ed.) (2nd ed.). Hudson Press.


Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S., Racz, I., Chen, J. Z., Xie, X. Q., ... & Zimmer, A. (2008). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26), 9099-9104.


Klauke, A. L., Racz, I., Pradier, B., Markert, A., Zimmer, A., Gertsch, J. (2014). The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 24(4), 608-620.


Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.