THE SCIENCE OF CANNABIS

On a very basic level, there are two categories of molecules in the cannabis plant that will have an effect on the way you feel when you use cannabis: Cannabinoids and Terpenes.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of substances found in the cannabis plant that, when consumed by humans, bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the body, producing a series of varied effects. When it comes to cannabinoids, people are most familiar with THC and CBD ~ “THC gets you high and CBD doesn’t.” While accurate in a basic sense, there are certainly benefits of other less familiar cannabinoids, and it’s worth investigating those as well.

Common Cannabinoids:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - THC is the most known psychoactive cannabinoid that is responsible for getting you high. THC produces a sense of euphoria, relaxation and spatial awareness and it is also effective at:

  • Reducing pain

  • Supporting better sleep

  • Stimulating appetite

  • Improving mood

Cannabidiol Acid (CBDA) - Similar to THCA, CBDA is the raw precursor form of CBD found in uncured flower. However, unlike THC, this cannabinoid starts as a non-psychoactive compound and stays that way even after heating or curing. 

CBDA delivers a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Reducing inflammation

  • Reducing nausea

Cannabichromene (CBC) - The non-psychoactive cannabinoid you probably haven’t heard of is CBC. This cannabinoid plays a potentially important role in the entourage effect, working together with CBD and THC to trigger responses in the body’s nervous and immune systems for:

  • Relieving Pain

  • Reducing Inflammation 

  • Improving Mood 

Cannabidiol (CBD) - CBD is the primary non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It can provide many therapeutic benefits without any psychoactive effects, such as:

  • Reducing aches and pains

  • Managing stress and anxiety

  • Reducing nausea

  • Managing inflammation

Cannabinol (CBN) - When THC oxidizes, it breaks down into CBN. Since it is a product of THC, cannabinol (CBN) is mildly psychoactive, although it is most used for its potential sedative properties.

Heating and drying cannabis allows the plant’s volatile chemical compounds above to oxidize into CBN, at which point their full benefits and effects become apparent. CBN alone is potentially beneficial for:

  • Supporting restful sleep

  • Relieving Pain 

Cannabigerol (CBG) - CBG is considered a less common cannabinoid, but small amounts of the compound are present in most cannabis strains. Today cannabis breeders are experimenting with new strains to maximize the quantity of this valuable compound. Research has suggested that CBG can be used to treat a variety of ailments including, potentially:

  • Glaucoma

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THCA) - Raw cannabis plants contain high levels of THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor to the psychoactive THC. When you consume raw cannabis, you are consuming THCA. As the cannabis is cured, THCA changes its state and loses its acid to become THC.

THCA alone can function as a neuroprotectant and be effective at:

  • Reducing aches and pains 

  • Reducing inflammation

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) - A psychoactive and energetic version of THC, this lesser-known cannabinoid delivers a powerful but shorter-duration high compared to THC that’s often described as stimulating and uplifting.

Most cannabis strains contain very little THCV, and it is more prevalent in African varieties. Cannabis containing THCV is known for:

  • Suppressing appetite 

  • Boosting energy

Delta-8 - Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 for short, is another form of THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Delta-8 offers effects similar to those of THC, though the effects of delta-8 are generally less potent. Its potential effects include:

  • Euphoria

  • Improving mood

  • Stimulating appetite

  • Reducing nausea

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are hydrocarbons in the cannabis plant that contribute to each strains distinct scent and taste. While terpenes themselves don’t cause a psychoactive effect, they do influence the effects of other plant compounds such as THC. If THC is the “gasoline”, terpenes are the steering wheel. While it’s important to fuel your vehicle to make it go, the direction you are going is important too.

Its not just about looking for one specific terpene. Its about looking at the terpene percentages depending on what method of consumption you chose to use. Experimentation and finding the right cannabinoid and terpene content to give you the desired effect is key. Each individual’s experience will vary.

Common Terpenes:

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis and can make up as much as 65% of the total terpene profile in some strains. Myrcene terps contain an earthy and musky aroma. Depending on the strain, they can also have hints of fruit or citrus flavors.

Strains with high levels of myrcene are usually indicas with sedative effects, making it a popular choice for those who use cannabis for pain relief or sleep. Myrcene is also helpful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain. This is why it’s frequently used as a supplement during cancer treatments.

Pinene

Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene-These two cannabis terpenes get their name from their pine-like aroma and flavor. They exist in strains with high THC levels. Pinene is also heavily concentrated in pine trees, rosemary, orange peels, basil and parsley.

Like many others, pinene has an anti-inflammatory effect on humans and is often used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. They also carry bronchodilator properties, making them helpful in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

Alpha-Bisabol

Alpha-bisabol, also known as levomenol and bisabol, has a pleasant floral smell and can be found in several plants, including cannabis, chamomile flowers and Candeia trees. It is prevalent in the cosmetics industry, but recent studies on cannabis terpenes suggest alpha-bisabol is packed with medical benefits.

Alpha-bisabol has been found to enhance the absorption of other compounds when applied topically, and is also effective in treating bacterial infections and wounds and is an excellent antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties.

Eucalyptol

Also known as cineole, eucalyptol is the primary terpene of the eucalyptus tree. This terpene has a refreshing minty smell and has a cooling effect on the body. Eucalyptol is found in marijuana strains with high THC, but most do not contain large amounts, only making up about 0.06% of a strain’s complete terpene profile.

Medically, eucalyptol relieves pain and slows the growth of bacteria and fungus. Additionally, its cooling effects can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. Although it is still in the early stages of research, this terpene has demonstrated the ability to enhance memory and cognitive energy, making it promising for Alzheimer’s patients.

Trans-nerolidol

Trans-nerolidol is a secondary terpene found primarily in flowers. It is a natural component of essential oils derived from plants like jasmine, lemongrass and tea tree oil. The smell of trans-nerolidol is a mixture of rose, citrus and apples with a hint of wood.

Trans-nerolidol is best known for its antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Because of its widespread occurrence in nature, trans-nerolidol is a vital terpene with many potential uses in various industries, including fragrance, cosmetics and medicine.

Humulene

Humulene was the first terpene found in hops. It’s also commonly found in ginseng, sage, cloves, black pepper and cannabis. Humulene contains earthy and woody notes with a hint of spice and carries potential medical and therapeutic properties.

Early research has shown humulene to be anti-proliferative, meaning it prevents cancer cells from growing. It has also been demonstrated as an effective tool in suppressing appetite, making it a potential weight loss aid. Furthermore, humulene reduces inflammation, relieves pain and fights bacterial infections.

Delta 3 Carene

This terpene is present in plants like rosemary, basil, bell peppers, cedar and pine. Delta-3-carene has a sweet, earthy aroma and a flavor reminiscent of pine and cedarwood with subtle hints of citrus and spice. When consumed, it can leave a refreshing and cooling sensation in the mouth, making it an enjoyable experience for many.

In a medical sense, research suggests it may aid in healing broken bones, promote bone growth and improve cognitive function. Delta-3-carene brings hope to patients who have osteoporosis, arthritis and even fibromyalgia.

Camphene

Camphene has a sweet and earthy aroma, with subtle hints of pine and musk. Its flavor is similar, with a slightly herbal and floral note. Camphene is often mistaken for myrcene which carries the trademark marijuana smell as most of us know it. Interestingly, camphene is often synthesized from pinene, which may explain their similar flavor profile and health benefits.

When mixed with vitamin C, it becomes a powerful antioxidant. It’s widely used in conventional medicine as a topical for skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, but its greatest potential lies in its ability to lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, further reducing a consumer’s risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Limonene

Limonene is a secondary terpene, meaning it presents in smaller amounts than primary terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene. That said, it’s one of the most common cannabis terpenes.

As its name suggests, limonene is a citrusy terpene found in cannabis, lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits. It is responsible for the characteristic citrusy smell and flavor profile found in many cannabis strains.Limonene has many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Borneol

Borneol has a refreshing, minty, herbal scent. This terp is common in herbs like rosemary, mint and camphor. Thanks to its citrusy nature, borneol is an excellent natural insect repellant, which can help prevent diseases often passed by ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Borneol is also widely used in Chinese traditional medicine and acupuncture. Its most impressive potential is killing breast cancer cells.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a spicy and peppery terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and spices like oregano, basil and rosemary. It is abundant in strains high in THC and acts as a cannabinoid, binding directly to the body’s CB2 receptors. These receptors are primarily located in the immune system and regulate inflammation and pain, making caryophyllene a key ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. Additionally, studies have shown it is helpful for arthritis and Crohn’s disease and may also help treat alcoholism and the depression-like symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

Terpineol

Terpineol has a sweet, floral scent with hints of lilac, apple blossom and pine. Like anise and mint, terpineol flavors are sweet, piney and leave a smooth sensation in the mouth.

This terpene provides a relaxing, calming experience when combined with other cannabis terps and is notorious for the couch lock effect. Terpineol includes anti-depressant and neuroprotective properties, providing its users with terpene effects that may help reduce anxiety and depression. 

Linalool

Linalool’s spicy and floral notes are responsible for the recognizable marijuana smell. Linalool is also present in lavender, mint, cinnamon and coriander. Interestingly, just like these aromatic herbs, Linalool has powerful relaxing properties and offers a variety of health benefits.

Due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic properties, patients suffering from arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia and cancer have all found aid in this unique terpene.

Valencene

Valencene has a sweet, citrusy aroma with notes of oranges and grapefruits. These types of profiles tend to elevate mood. The flavor of valencene is zesty with slightly tangy notes.

Similarly to borneol, valencene is rich in citrus, making it a highly effective bug repellant. Valencene also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties as well as the potential benefit of treating cancer. These terpene effects are ideal for those struggling with skin-related conditions such as dermatitis and melanoma.

Geraniol

Geraniol is a rare terpene in cannabis and is primarily found in strains with high levels of CBD. The terpene exists in geraniums, roses, peaches, oranges, lemons and tobacco. Geraniol has a sweet and floral scent with notes of rose grass, peaches and lavender. It is primarily used in aromatic bath products but has recently demonstrated significant medical properties.

Geraniol has shown a lot of potential as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant. It may also improve cognitive function and memory by promoting the growth of new brain cells, making it a potential therapeutic agent for Parkinson’s Disease.