Terpenes

Terpenes are hydrocarbons that are produced by a wide range of plants. They are aromatic compounds responsible for the pungent odors associated with the hemp plant. Terpenes are what give a rose, lavender, cloves, etc. their distinct smells. Terpenes are used in a wide range of personal care products and scented sprays.

More than 20,000 terpenes exist in nature and the Cannabis Sativa (hemp) plant can produce more than 100 itself.

Terpenes are more than just aromatic compounds though. They are the main building blocks within a plant's physiology that play an important part in the production of plant resins, hormones, vitamins, plant pigments, as well as cannabinoids.

Terpenes comprise 10%-20% of the resin within the trichomes. Trichomes are mushroom shaped heads of resin glands produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant.

Terpenes play an important role in cannabis/hemp medicines. Certain terpenes can regulate how cannabinoids pass through the blood-brain barrier and can alter the rate of production and destruction of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters, therefore limiting the movement/availability to cannabinoid receptors.

Terpenes play an incredibly important role by providing us with natural protection from bacteria, fungus, insects, and other environmental stresses.

CBD does not have a direct binding affinity to the receptors in our body. That is why our bodies do not build a resistance to repeated use of Cannabidiol as they do with THC and opiate based medicines which bind directly to specific receptors throughout our bodies. Terpenes allow CBD to bind directly to the CB receptors in our body and skin. They allow CBD to cross the blood brain barrier. They mediate how much or how little crosses that barrier depending on what is needed to create balance and they make CBD more effective at lower doses, hence the entourage effect. This is why it is important to look for a CBD rich Hemp oil product that has a variety of natural, and/or added terpenes. Scientifically, terpenes derived from cannabis are the same chemical structure as terpenes derived from other natural sources. Adding certian terpenes may increase the ability and efficacy of cannabis supplementation, and target specific conditions.

Read Even More About Terpenes on MedicalJane.com

Terpene Facts

• • Pinene
  • • Most common terpene found in the world
    • Enhances attention, memory, alertness, and energy
    • Reduces size of cancerous tumors
    • Bronchodilator, reduces inflammation in airways and all over the body
    • Able to cross the blood/brain barrier
    • Used in treating bacterial and viral infections
• • Limonene
  • • Can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression
    • Gastric reflux and digestive aid
    • Inflammation reducer, modulator within the immune system
    • Anti-cancer, reduces tumor size and prevents spreading of malignant cells
• • Myrcene
  • • Can have sedative, relaxing effects
    • Antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
    • Acts as a regulator for other terpenes and cannabinoids, enhancing or buffering their effects
• • Caryophyllene
  • • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
    • Can help with insomnia and muscle spasms
    • Increases bone mass
    • Blocks pain receptors
    • Targets CB2 receptors, ignoring CB1 receptors
    • Helps relieve anxiety and depression
• • Humulene
  • • Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
    • Can help relieve pain
    • Acts as an appetite suppressant
• • Linalool
  • • Has calming, sedative effects
    • Can help with stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
    • Anti-convulsant - may help with seizures, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis
    • Helpful for chronic pain
    • Studies suggest it can restore cognitive and emotional functioning (helpful for Alzheimer's Disease)
    • Immune booster
    • Significantly reduces lung inflammation