CANNABIS TERPENES, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
WHAT ARE CANNABIS TERPENES?
The cannabis plant consists of a huge variety of chemicals and compounds. About 140 of these belong to a wide class of aromatic organic hydrocarbons known as terpenes. You may have also heard of people talk about terpenoids. The words terpene and terpenoid both are used. Although these terms do get different meanings.Terpenes are synthesized in cannabis in secretory cells inside the glandular trichomes. And the production is increased with light exposure. These terpenes are found in high concentrations in the unfertilized female cannabis flowers. The essential oil is extracted from the cannabis plant material by steam distillation. Many terpenes do vaporize around the same temperature as THC (which boils at about 157°C). But there are some terpenes more volatile than others. Terpenes play a vital role by providing natural protection from harmful insects.
CANNABIS EFFECTS
It is well established that cannabis is capable of affecting one’s mind and behavior. The main psychotropic cannabinoid, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been studied lately. The Carlini et al study has demonstrated that there may be potentiation. Potentiation is a form of synaptic plasticity. Important for learning and memory. And found the effects of THC. The study found that with equal or higher levels of CBD and CBN to THC induced effects is two to four times greater. The effects of smoking as twice as much of a strain were no different than that of the placebo. This suggestion was reinforced by a study being done by Wilkinson et al. To determine whether there is any advantage in using cannabis extracts. Compared with using the isolated THC. One standardized cannabis extract of THC, CBD, and CBN (SCE). Another with pure THC, and also one with a THC-free extract (CBD) were tested on a mouse model of many sclerosis (MS). And a rat brain being sliced model of epilepsy. It is found that SCE inhibited spasticity in the MS model to a comparable level of the THC alone.
And caused a more rapid onset of muscle relaxation and a reduction happened in the time. Dr. Ethan Russo demonstrating that non-cannabinoid plant components as terpenes serve us. As the inhibitors to THC’s.intoxicating effects on us. Thereby increasing the THC’s therapeutic index. It increases the potential of cannabis-based medicinal extracts to treat our pain. And also, bacterial infections, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, and even cancer. Several companies have developed their own terpene in the market. And they all are curated and tested by a connoisseur for the best flavors and profiles. It is important for mapping the terpene profiles. By which we can predict and even manipulate the medicinal value of varieties. Giving our breeders opportunities for developing new cannabis strains. By basing the breeding decisions on real analytical data. And providing high standard cannabis to the market. Promising a transparent and knowledgeable consumer experience to the customers. The more we got to communicate using the same language. The easier it is for every one us to understand what medicine they are getting.