Cannabis plants produce a wide range of cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. It is also used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation.
CBD is non-psychoactive and is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety. It is also being studied for its potential to treat a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and addiction.
There are many other cannabinoids found in cannabis, including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC), to name a few. Each of these cannabinoids has its own unique effects and potential medicinal properties which are expanded on below.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is thought to have a variety of potential therapeutic effects. It is being studied for its potential to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety, among other things.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed when THC is exposed to heat or light over time. It is thought to have sedating effects and is being studied for its potential to treat insomnia and pain.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is thought to have a variety of potential therapeutic effects. It is being studied for its potential to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety, among other things.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in a variety of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aromas of different cannabis strains and are thought to have a variety of therapeutic effects.
There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis, and the specific mix of terpenes can vary widely from strain to strain. Here are 10 common terpenes found in cannabis, along with their potential effects:
1. Limonene: found in citrus fruits, has a citrusy aroma and is thought to have anti-anxiety and mood-lifting effects
2. Myrcene: found in mangoes and hops, has a musky, earthy aroma and is thought to have sedating effects
3. Pinene: found in pine trees and rosemary, has a piney aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects
4. Linalool: found in lavender, has a floral aroma and is thought to have sedating and anxiolytic effects
5. Caryophyllene: found in black pepper and cloves, has a spicy aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects
6. Humulene: found in hops and basil, has a woody, earthy aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressant effects
7. Terpinolene: found in nutmeg and tea tree, has a piney, floral aroma and is thought to have sedating and antioxidant effects
8. Ocimene: found in basil, mint, and marjoram, has a sweet, floral aroma and is thought to have antiviral effects
9. Eucalyptol: found in eucalyptus and bay leaves, has a refreshing, minty aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects
10. Camphor: found in camphor trees and rosemary, has a pungent, woody aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
The “entourage effect” refers to the idea that the various cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis work together to produce a range of therapeutic effects. This is why some people believe that it is important to consider the whole plant when evaluating the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, rather than just isolated cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
It’s worth noting that the scientific research on the entourage effect is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand how the various cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis interact with each other and the human body.