Cannabis

New Study Proves Therapeutic Benefits Of Terpenes For The Human Body

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2023

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Most people still think that the levels of either the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or anxiety-relieving, relaxing CBD (cannabidiol) in cannabis products are the most important factors to check for.

However, there is a growing breed of educated cannabis consumers who know that THC and CBD don’t need to hog the spotlight. If you are after certain effects of cannabis, it’s worthwhile to check for the terpene contents in each product or strain before you spend money on it. These terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds not just in marijuana but in other plants as well, are responsible for the unique flavor profile and aroma in certain strains.

More importantly, terpenes also have medical value and can contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of other cannabinoids present in the plant. Many terpenes have been found to possess valuable anti-inflammatory properties, treat pain, reduce anxiety, and even treat fungus and bacteria.

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Certain cannabis products such as isolates, are processed enough that there are no longer any terpene content or any other compounds in it. But for medical cannabis patients most especially, there are significant benefits to enjoy when consuming cannabis products with a rich terpene profile.

There are more studies that prove these therapeutic benefits of terpenes.

The latest study was conducted by researchers from the University of New Mexico. They analyzed participants who consumed 633 various types of cannabis flower, and they were asked to rate the efficiency of each. The participants consumed cannabis at home then were tasked to report any changes in their symptoms through a mobile software application. Afterwards, the researchers analyzed these trends.

“Symptom relief was greatest after consumption of plant variants with slightly higher than average levels of the terpenes myrcene and terpinolene and non-detectable levels of CBD. In contrast, chemovars with any detectable levels of CBD provided the least relief, the fewest positive side effects, and the most negative and context-specific side effects. These findings are consistent with previous research showing that naturally abundant CBD in cannabis flower may act as an inhibitor of optimal treatment for certain health conditions,” the researchers wrote.

“The index system described herein enables healthcare providers, patients, scientists, and cannabis retailers to easily categorize cannabis products based on measurable plant characteristics beyond THC and CBD in ways that systemically relate to differing levels of symptoms relief and side effect reporting,” they concluded.

Other Studies

Another study from 2021 reveals that certain terpenes help modulate cannabinoid effects on mice subjects. The researchers, who were from the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona, analyzed the modulatory and functional activity of different terpenes both in vitro and in vivo, alone and with a cannabinoid agonist known as WIN 55,212.

According to the study’s authors, when the terpenes together with the agonist were given to mice, it resulted in an significant analgesic effect compared to when each compound was administered alone. They also added that endogenous cannabinoid receptors were receptive to the terpenes.

The authors reported: “Our findings suggest that these cannabis terpenes are multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands that provide conceptual support for the entourage effect hypothesis and could be used to enhance the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids,” they wrote.

marijuana dispensary — Photo by Zummolo/Getty Images

Which Terpenes Should You Be Looking For?

Scientists know of about 20,000 different kinds of terpenes in the plant world. However, only around 150 have been found in cannabis plants. That said, there are a few important terpenes that can definitely make you feel better:

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis plants. It’s responsible for a clove-like smell, which can also be musky and earthy. Myrcene gives off sedative effects, though this compound is extremely beneficial for treating chronic pain and inflammation.

Individuals struggling with insomnia will also benefit from strains that are high in myrcene. It can also aid with muscle relaxation, anxiety, and stress.

Linalool

Linalool is a terpene that gives off a floral aroma with spicy or woody notes. Like myrcene, it also possesses strong sedative properties and it has long been used for its sleep-inducing properties.

Linalool is beneficial for treating anxiety, depression, seizures, stress, and muscle aches. Studies also show that linalool was effective in strengthening the immune system especially from damage caused by stress.

Limonene

Limonene is another abundant terpene found in most cannabis strains. It gets its name from the lemony, citrusy aroma and flavor it imparts in cannabis. All citrus fruits also possess a great deal of limonene, hence their refreshing aroma.

Limonene is an excellent terpene for improving your overall mood and reducing stress. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. There are also some studies suggesting it may have antioxidant and stress relieving benefits.

rolling a marijuana joint — Photo by Nastasic/Getty Images

Pinene

Pinene is a famous terpene that is known for its refreshing pine smell. In nature, it’s abundant in pine trees, though it’s also found in numerous cannabis strains. When consuming cannabis strains high in pinene, it’s said to increase alertness and can also leave you feeling recharged and more motivated.

Its medical benefits include increasing bronchodilation and airflow, reduced inflammation, and it may also improve your memory. Pinene may also help you combat brain fog and help you work better.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is mostly found in black pepper and cloves, as well as in cannabis. It has a sharp aroma that is peppery and spicy.

Caryophyllene is known for its calming effects but it can also help fight anxiety. More importantly, it’s the only terpene that is known to activate the CB2 receptor, which is why it can provide superior therapeutic benefits. Studies show that caryophyllene can fight inflammation, depression, and bacteria while improving gut health.

Conclusion

THC and CBD aren’t the most important factors when shopping for weed. Why not experiment with cannabis strains that have varying levels of important terpenes to see how it can improve your health?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

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Cannabis

4 Ways Marijuana Can Help You Have A Better Thanksgiving

Published

15 hours ago

November 22, 2024

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If going the family Thanksgiving route, these gatherings can sometimes be stressful, especially when dealing with relatives you don’t see often or navigating potentially tense conversations. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Microdosing is a popular trend with the younger generations, and it could be helpful in during the holiday. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can effectively reduce anxiety. By helping to calm nerves and ease social tension, cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant and harmonious family gathering.

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Aquafina

Can Big Alcohol Help The Cannabis Industry

Published

17 hours ago

November 22, 2024

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It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?

The cannabis industry was worth $33 billion in 2023 and is filled with mom and pop businesses. With the majority of the population having access to legal marijuana, consumer use is up, states are filling their coffers, and more patients are using medical marijuana. It has become so mainstream, even the staid AARP has acknowledge a signifiant portion of boomers are using it for medical reasons. But federal restrictions are crippling the industry, despite the growth. The industry needs federal help, can Big Alcohol help the cannabis industry. Alcohol is in a majority of grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, resorts, planes and homes. They understand the consumers and sell $260 billion in booze a year, not counting the second level market up. The alcohol industry spends over $20 million annually on lobbying, a drop compared to the $220+ million pharmaceutical spends, but an impressive amount. But Congress, the DEA, and members of the administration are not fans…and help is needed.

Alcohol has a $14+ billion investment in the industry and has a voice in the Congress. Cannabis is a brand and revenue extension for alcohol rather than a competitor. A major change in the beverage industry came with the introduction of purified waters by PepsiCo (Aquafina) in 1994 and Coca-Cola (Dasani) in 1999. Seeing it as way to reach more consumers and revenue, the two soda giants are now the owners of the top two bottled water companies in the North America. WIth a stake in the outcome, the big liquor companies could guide Congress to open up more for cannabis. This would provide both industries access to more customers and more revenue for everyone, including government entities.

marijuana legalization — Photo by Alexander Sanchez/Getty Images

“While alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox, we more often see consumers using cannabis as a replacement for more harmful substances like alcohol. In cannabis, we find a paradigm shift—entertainment and relaxation without the costs of alcohol’s physical and social tolls.” shares Jesse Redmond, managing director at Water Tower Research, LLC.

Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers. They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.

The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.

Both would benefit from product development, producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach. In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.

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Cannabis

Can Microdosing Help Manage Holiday Family Anxiety

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2024

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The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.

Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress. Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year. While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.

Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.

Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.

Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.

To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:

Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.

While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.

By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.

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