Here at Preserve, we’re changing the way we talk about cannabis and its effects. In this series we will discuss Terpenes and their benefits
Sativa and Indica was useful, until the discovery of the “entourage effect” and terpenes. Truly, Terpenes, cannabinoid profile and potency are what gives you the variety of different feelings, and is a more accurate way to predict those effects. Terpenes are found naturally in all species of plants around the world. Conifer trees, citrus fruits, flowers, spices, and others had evolved to produce terpenes for a multitude of reasons, primarily as defense mechanisms against predatory insects, bacteria, and the ravages of the Sun and harsh elements of the natural world. They also have beneficial effects for the animal kingdom. Humans have used the effects of terpenes for thousands of years for their healing properties and psychoactive effects. To start off we are going to discuss three of the more common terpenes Myrcene, Linalool & Bisabolol.
Myrcene
MYRCENE
Not only does it give cannabis it’s sweet, earthy, over ripened mangoes smell. Myrcene’s in plenty of other fruits & herbs as well. Herbs like lemongrass, hops & thyme, as well as fruits like mangoes!
Myrcene helps cannabinoids absorb into the blood-brain-barrier, enhancing the cannabinoid effect, leading to deeper feelings and easement of chronic pain & inflammation. It encourages a pain relieving, analgesic, responses. Bonus, if Myrcene is 50% of total terpenes, expect a sedative effect as well.
Another place you’ll find myrcene is in mangoes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a ripe mango prior to consuming cannabis may accentuate or extend the psychoactive effects of cannabis; some have suggested that this is due to the fruit’s concentrations of myrcene, which is naturally synergistic with THC and allows cannabinoids to more easily bridge the blood-brain barrier.
Myrcene Effects and Benefits
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Anti-inflammatory
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Analgesic (pain relief)
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Antibiotic
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Sedative
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Antimutagenic
Strains such as Super Silver Haze, White Widow, and Jack Herer have high levels of Myrcene.
Linalool
Linalool is a terpene found in many flowers and spices including lavender and coriander. It has many effects and benefits, it primarily used to reduce stress. We have inhaled the scent of certain plants, including many containing linalool, since ancient times to help lower stress levels, fight inflammation, and combat depression.
Linalool Effects and Benefits
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Anti-anxiety
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Antidepressant
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Sedative
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Anti-inflammatory
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Anti-epileptic
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Analgesic
Strains that frequently display high levels of linalool include Amnesia Haze, Lavender, and LA Confidential.
Bisabolol
The terpene Bisabolol (also known as α-Bisabolol or levomenol) is a fragrant terpene which is naturally present in German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita), as well as the bark of the Candeia (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa) tree of Brazil, which is the primary global source of this ingredient. Recently, manufacturers have also begun crafting in a lab as a nature-identical ingredient in order to prevent deforestation of the rainforests in Brazil.. It is also produced by many different cannabis strains.
The medicinal use of chamomile goes back thousands of years, bisabolol was only recently isolated from the plant in the twentieth century. Studies have proven it to be an incredibly beneficial compound with amazing healing qualities and a subtle floral scent.
Bisabolol Effects and Benefits
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Anti-inflammatory
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Anti-irritant
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Antioxidant
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Anti-microbial
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Analgesic
