Cannabinoids and Terpenes Explained

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Cannabinoids

There are approximately 65 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These break down into two main groups, THC (containing THCA, THC, THCV, etc), CBD (containing CBDA, CBD) and CBG, CBN and more. THC is usually thought of as the cannabinoid that gets you high and CBD as the healing one. This is not exactly true. THC also has significant healing benefits with regard to pain relief, digestion and mood. CBD may help in reducing stress and inflammation, helping with sleep, improving appetite as well as acting as a counterbalance to the psychoactive effects of THC. Each of these cannabinoids may have their own individual benefits, but may also work well in combination.

This guide shows the main groups of cannabinoids and some of their properties.

Discovered only about 30 years ago, each of us, along with most animals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a system of receptors which are distributed throughout our bodies that works to modulate a number of important functions. Some of these functions impacted by our ECS are:

  • Nervous System
  • Stress and Mood
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Appetite and Digestion
  • Immunity and Inflammation
  • Fertility and Reproduction

So, pretty important, yeah?

While our bodies are able to create "endo" (internal) cannabinoids on demand, these may only be short lived. Supplementing with additional "phyto" (plant-based) cannabinoids can provide longer lasting effects to our ECS as well.

Let's take a moment to examine a strain to see what sort of cannabinoids were found. This strain is called Ultra Kush and contains a relatively high amount of CBD (CBDA 16.993% + CBD 0.898% =  17.89%) and very low amounts of THC (D9-THC 0.099%). That said, our Ultra Kush also contains small amounts of CBGA, CBC, CBDV and THCA. These trace cannabinoids may also impart a small effect as well. 


Leafly, one of the best sites for cannabis information, felt that cannabinoids and terpenes are so important to the effects and experience of cannabis and hemp, that they created an entirely new way of looking at each strain's information. But cannabinoids aren't the only important chemicals in cannabis, we can't forget about the terpenes! Let's see how terpenes add to the cannabinoids to complete the entourage effect. 

Terpenes

If you've ever smelled the slightly spicy aroma of a freshly grown tomato or the sweet/sour scent of citrus or the heady scent of lavender, you have experienced terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic oils that give cannabis and other plants their unique aroma and flavor profile. Plants produce them in the wild to ward off predators and attract pollinating insects. Humans have been using terpenes (as a component of essential oils) for thousands of years for their healing properties.

It is believed that terpenes are produced within the trichomes of the plant (the "frost" that is visible on high quality herb) which are very fragile. Mishandling your herb through poor storage methods will degrade the quality of your product, so respect your terps!

In cannabis, there are about 140 terpenes, with some of the most common being Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene and Caryophyllene. Each strain of cannabis will have some combination and proportion of terpenes that will lend to its flavor, aroma and its effects. 

While some growers are focused only on high-THC producing plants (at the expense of terpenes), others are focusing on increasing the terpene profile to create the richest combinations. If you are interested in using cannabis for treating particular conditions, you should pay attention to the terpenes in your product. It is these terpenes in cooperation with the cannabinoids that create the "entourage effect" that you experience when you partake.

Here are some common cannabis terpenes and their effects.....

Myrcene

The most common terpene (dominant in 40% of strains) and one usually present in significant amounts in many strains is myrcene. Myrcene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is found in hops, mango and lemongrass. Myrcene has a very relaxing effect and provides a strong "body high" feeling, the "couch lock" that people often attribute to Indica strains of cannabis. Myrcene also helps to lower resistance across the blood-brain barrier, so the effect of the cannabinoids and terpenes may be felt faster with higher levels of myrcene. It is also anti-inflammatory, excellent for pain relief, has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties as well as being anti-mutagenic (preventing DNA damage from some toxins).

Caryophyllene

The next most common terpene (dominant in 30% of strains) is caryophyllene. Caryophyllene has a spicy, warm aroma found in cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. Caryophyllene is a unique terpene in that it behaves like a cannabinoid and directly activates the endocannabinoid system receptors. Its main effects are pain relief, anti-inflammation, relaxation and the reduction of anxiety and stress.

Limonene

As you might imagine, strains high in limonene have a smell of citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, etc). Limonene (dominant in 14% of strains) is often associated with an uplifting effect or mood elevation, great for a day time attitude adjustment. Additional potential effects are treatment for gastric reflux, stress relief, and an anti-depressant. There are also some promising tests showing that limonene has anti-tumor properties.

Pinine

Though not often a dominant terpene, pinine is a fairly common one. Found in sharp, pine-smelling herbs (basil and rosemary) and their namesake pine trees, pinine's cerebral effects are alertness, focus and creativity. It can also help to reduce the paranoia that comes with some strains. Pinine also has been shown to improve airflow in the lungs and may help with asthma. Pinine also has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties as well.

Linalool

The floral smell of lavender is what makes this terpene stand out and along with this aroma comes relaxation, sedation and pain relief. These soothing properties make linalool great for reducing anxiety, insomnia and reducing inflammation as well. These effects are being studied for their effectiveness in pain relief and potentially reversing the damage caused by Alzheimer's.

Humulene

While you may think that the "munchies" are a given when it comes to things cannabis, humulene is actually known for the opposite effect, appetite suppression. With its earthy, woody aroma that gives hops its distinctive smell, humulene has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-tumor properties.

Some Final Thoughts

Before we wrap up, here are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your buds....
Terpenes (as well as cannabinoids) "boil off" at different temperatures. This means that using standard combustion-based methods of smoking your hemp flower, may not be the best way to receive all of your flower's benefits. A dry herb vaporizer with temperature control will provide a more precise way to partake. We've been using the Arizer Solo II (review coming soon) with very good results. Generally we will start at a lower temperature earlier in the day and work our way up to higher temperatures towards the evening. 
As mentioned previously, mishandling or poor storage of your herb will degrade the quality and strength of the terpenes. Maintaining a relative humidity of 55-65% RH in your container will provide the best environment to prevent them from evaporating or oxidizing. We use Boveda 62% Humidity Packs in all of our storage jars to keep it fresh. To learn more about this, please visit the SaveTheTerps.org and do your part to #SaveTheTerps!
There are many more terpenes to cover, but I hope you have gotten a taste (or a smell) of the variety and effects of terpenes. The hemp plant is an extremely variable collection of plant strains, which contain a wide array of chemical compounds with many beneficial effects. It pays to do your homework on the products you buy as they are not all the same. We will do our best to help educate and direct you to the best products we can find and the companies that provide the most transparency and testing of their hemp.