Myrcene and Other Terpenes Debunked: What Are Their Roles in Medical Cannabis?
Myrcene, Linalool, Caryophyllene. Wondering what these are and how they work?
If you are interested in using medical-grade cannabis as an alternative to traditional medications for conditions like chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease, you’ve probably heard of terpenes.
In a nutshell, terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that contribute to the plant’s special aromas and flavors – and effects!
For patients in Utah seeking high-quality medical cannabis to help manage conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, or multiple sclerosis, terpenes can play a vital role in their alternative treatment plan.
What is the role of terpenes in medical cannabis? What are terpenes anyway and which are the most abundant ones you need to know?
Find out!
What are Canna Terpenes?
Essentially, terpenes are different organic compounds in cannabis that give the plant its unique flavor and aromatic profile – some would say that they are the “essential oil” of weed.
For instance, the lemony aroma you can notice from some strains comes from the Limonene terpene, while the pine-like scent indicates that the strains contain Pinene.
These terpenes have many aromatic qualities that might enhance your user experience, but the truth is that these compounds offer more than just a pleasant aroma.
Namely, terpenes interact with cannabinoids such as the psychoactive THC and CBD to create the well-known theory of the “entourage effects” – this refers to the synergy that boosts the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Users interested in getting a medical marijuana card or an MMJ card in Utah must understand that cannabis strains can have various terpene profiles, so they also provide a variety of effects.
Whether you want pain, anxiety, or insomnia relief, knowing the facts about terpenes and which compounds are present in your cannabis product can help guide you to the best and most effective strain for your medical condition.
Don’t hesitate to book your appointment with a highly compassionate medical provider to receive personalized advice and care.
Why Do Terpenes in Medical Cannabis Matter?
Most users who want to use medical cannabis focus solely on cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but terpenes offer many therapeutic benefits that many overlook.
Terpenes can increase the wellness effects of CBD and THC, improving the overall efficacy of the medical cannabis treatment.
Terpenes such as Myrcene can make a strain more soothing, while Limonene stimulates the mind and increases energy levels. The role of terpenes in medical cannabis depends on their unique properties.
Here are the top 8 most popular and common terpenes and how you might benefit from their use.
1. Myrcene – The Terpene for Sedation and Pain Relief
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in marijuana and it has a musky and wet soil-like scent. Myrcene is known for its relaxing and sedative properties, so it is a fabulous option for users who want to achieve pain or insomnia relief.
On top of this, recent research suggests that Myrcene terpene might have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, so it can be useful for patients recovering from injuries.
Myrcene-dominant strains include Blue Dream, Tangie, White Widow, and Harlequin.
2. Pinene – The Terpene for Anti-Inflammation and Focus
Pinene smells like fresh pine trees. You can often find it in weed strains that offer energizing and uplifting effects, so they are useful for patients seeking pain relief and mental clarity.
This terpene was studied for its bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects, making it possibly beneficial for patients dealing with respiratory issues.
Strains high in Pinene include Super Lemon Haze, Cannatonic, Jack Herer, and Chemdawg.
3. Linalool – THe Terpene for Anxiety Relief and Relaxation
This floral-smelling terpene has sedative or soothing properties and it is ideal for users who want to use medically-approved cannabis for insomnia or anxiety.
Recent studies show that linalool might have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by affecting the serotonin receptors in your brain.
Strains rich in Linalool include Zkittlez, Amnesia Haze, Lavender Kush, and Grandaddy Purple.
If you are battling anxiety and you are wondering if you qualify for a medical marijuana card, here is the deal.
Anxiety alone does not make you eligible for an MMJ card. However, if you have an approved condition such as PTSD that often includes anxiety as a side effect, then you do qualify.
The same is true for insomnia. For instance, patients with chronic pain (a qualifying condition for obtaining a medical marijuana card) often also have sleep issues such as insomnia due to the discomfort.
4. Limonene – The Terpene for Stress Relief and Happier Moods
Limonene, as hinted before, is a citrus-scented terpene that you can find in the rinds of oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. In marijuana, Limonene is said to have potent anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects.
The role of this terpene in cannabis involves relaxation, stress relief, and even an immune system health boost (thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects!).
Do Si Dos, Sour Diesel, and Peanut Butter Breath are all abundant in the Limonene terpene.
5. Caryophyllene -The Terpene for Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation
This terpene is spicy and peppery, and you can find it in cloves and pepper. Caryophyllene is different from the other terpenes because it can interact with the endocannabinoid system (or the ECS for short) directly.
As a result of this complex interaction, the terpene provides powerful anti-inflammatory effects to reduce pain. This means that Caryophyllene-rich strains like Bubba Kush, Gelato, Death Star, and Gorilla Glue are an excellent option for users with chronic pain or arthritis.
6. Terpinolene – The Terpene for Antioxidant Effects
Terpinolene terpene is not as common in cannabis as Myrcene, but it still offers plenty of benefits for medical marijuana users.
This herbal terpene is widely used for its long-lasting energizing effects, which may be beneficial for patients with qualifying medical conditions that cause fatigue and energy loss.
Additionally, this terpene has potent antioxidant effects, which could be useful in protecting against cell damage.
If you want to try strains with Terpinolene, we suggest Durban Poison, Jack Herer, Orange Cookies, Trainwreck, Clementine, and Ghost Train Haze.
7. Ocimene – The Terpene with Antiviral Properties
Some studies report that Ocimene has potential antifungal and antiviral properties, so it can be beneficial for patients seeking a natural solution for viral infections. This terpene adds a citrusy and sweet aroma to cannabis.
Some popular strains that include Ocimene are Strawberry Cough, Purple Haze, Dutch Treat, and Chocolope.
8. Humulene – The Terpene to Suppress the Appetite
Patients with qualifying conditions for an MMJ card such as post-traumatic stress disorder might struggle with binge eating as a stress response. These patients might benefit from strains with Humulene to control appetite levels and avoid excess weight gain.
Humulene, the woody and earthy terpene, has appetite-suppressing qualities and is also anti-inflammatory, making these strains useful for patients with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, and Death Star contain high levels of Humulene.
How do you find the right cannabis strain for your specific medical condition and how can you access the highest-quality medical weed in Utah?
You need to have a valid medical marijuana card. To get started, contact a qualified medical provider and book an appointment today!
What is the Entourage Effect and Why Is It Important for Terpenes?
One of the most interesting aspects of using medical cannabis is the so-called entourage effect, where cannabinoids like CBD THC, and terpenes interact with each other synergistically to increase each other’s benefits.
In other words, strains with the right balance of terpenes and cannabinoids can provide medical cannabis users with more relief than products containing just CBD or THC alone.
For instance, a cannabis strain that’s rich in Myrcene and THC may provide longer-lasting and stronger sedative effects, so it will appeal to users suffering from serious cases of insomnia.
Likewise, a cannabis strain with high Limonene and CBD content may be a better choice for anxiety patients who want to avoid the potentially overwhelming effects of the psychoactive THC.
Who Can Reap the Benefits of Terpenes?
Again, only individuals with a valid medical marijuana card can access medical cannabis in Utah. If you are a patient with a qualifying medical condition and you would like to try cannabis as an alternative treatment, you’ll need to kickstart the process of requesting a new MMJ card.
Qualifying conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- HIV
- Cancer
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Nausea
- Cachexia
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Autism
- PTSD
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Terminal illness
- Any rare condition or disease that affects less than 200,000 people in the US
- Any condition resulting in the person receiving hospice care
Note: If you have a medical condition that is not listed in the law, you may petition the Compassionate Use Bard for an MMJ card.
With a valid MMJ card in your hand, you can access Utah’s best dispensaries and purchase premium quality medical marijuana.
Terpenes Allow Personalized Medical Cannabis Treatment
All in all, terpenes, such as Myrcene and Terpinolene represent an often-overlooked but important part of the medical marijuana experience. Whether you want pain relief or sleep support, the right terpene profile can make a major difference!
Explore the Benefits of Terpenes in Medical Cannabis
If you are all set to explore how medical marijuana – beyond THC and CBD – can benefit your health, book your first appointment with Green Team Doctors today.
Our highly compassionate physicians are here to help you find the balance of terpenes and cannabinoids to meet your needs. For more info, call (801) 382-9006.
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