Education

The therapeutic effects of cannabis range vastly depending on cannabinoid and terpene profiles. From stain to strain, batch to batch, each one is different. This allows patients to fine-tune the medicine that works the best for them.

But what does that mean? What are cannabinoids? What are terpenes?

Terpenes

Fresh citrus. Woody pine. Sweet nectar. Diesel fuel. Have you ever wondered what gives marijuana its pungent smells? These odors come from organic hydrocarbons called terpenes. Many different plants produce terpenes in hopes to discourage other lifeforms from being destroyed. Think of it like a defense mechanism.

Terpenes are produced in the same glands as cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The various smells of marijuana are a testament to their native region, where the plant evolved to protect itself from its biggest threats. Each smell is history in the making.

Years ago, we thought terpenes were just strong odors but recently scientist have discovered that terpenes play a vital role in the medicinal benefits of cannabis. The terpene profiles not only determine the flavor and aroma of cannabis, but they also determine the therapeutic effects they have on our bodies.

Terpenes synergize with cannabinoids to release the medicinal benefits patients use cannabis for.

Cannabinoids

Our bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is largely responsible for helping our bodies achieve homeostasis. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids that help cells balance themselves. There are three main types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Most people know that marijuana contains THC, and more recently popular CBD. THC and CBD chemical compounds called phytocannabinoids, plant derived cannabinoids. When consumed, cannabinoids interact with receptors on cells within the endocannabinoid system. When cannabinoids bond to receptors they change neurotransmitter release in the brain.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids, and each presents our bodies with various effects. The most common phytocannabinoid in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. This is the key psychoactive compound found in Marijauan. Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is another common cannabinoid that is gaining a lot of popularity due to its non-psychoactive effects.

Scientist believe that the cannabinoid compounds secreted from cannabis flowers are what provides relief from a host of symptoms like pain, inflammation, anxiety, and more. These compounds imitate endocannabinoids, like the ones naturally found in our bodies, which help to activate self-healing and balance. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes found in marijuana are what give us the medicinal benefits of marijuana. And terpenes are believed to dictate why some strains of cannabis make you sleep while others make you feel more energetic and all of the other common effects of using marijuana.