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Terpenes in the cannabis plant, properties and effects

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Raz Smith
Terpenes in the cannabis plant, properties and effects

True Terpenes are present in the cannabis plant in different concentrations depending on the variety of plants it is. Currently, more importance is being given to terpenes given their effects that can produce in synergy with cannabinoids, since they are not only responsible for the organoleptic characteristics of the plant but also have an important biological and therapeutic aspect, for this reason, think about it. Eucalyptus is thinking about the respiratory tract, colds, and how it decongests us

Alchemists called essential oils the "soul of plants", they have many properties and have been used as home remedies for centuries and are still used today for certain ailments. The essential oils extracted from plants have therapeutic properties and are the basis of aromatherapy. Each terpene has therapeutic properties, does not present toxicity, and is even used in the food industry as flavorings.
For example, we have Vanilla, which is a type of orchid, Vanilla Planifolia, which produces the fruit from which a flavoring is obtained, which is vanilla, just taking the name of the original flower in question.There are more than 100 types of terpenes for sale  in the cannabis plant, but we are going to see the most common ones, which are:

Myrcene

Myrcene or beta-myrcene is the main component of wild thyme essential oil, accounting for 40% of its composition. We can also find it in high concentrations in other plants such as hops, mango, lemongrass. Among its properties, we can say that it acts as an anti-inflammatory, has sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties, helps to fall asleep, and has been shown to favor the entry of cannabinoids into the brain, thus increasing its effects.

In a study carried out, it was concluded that in the plants of varieties with a predominance of indica, there was a greater presence of the Myrcene terpene compared to the Sativa varieties, it is believed that it is responsible for the hypnotic effect of the indica. It is more common than the most relaxing and sedative effects are found in sativa varieties. In synergy with THC it increases its effect.

Pinene

Saying its name almost reminds us of the pines. Pinene is one of the main components of the resin of pine and other conifers and is one of the terpenes that is most found in nature.
Among its properties we find that it acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, it has a broad antibiotic activity. Another of its properties is that it acts as a brono-dilator, if it is inhaled, smoked, or vaporized, it could contribute to greater absorption of cannabinoids in the lungs. It can also have positive effects on memory, improves concentration, and stimulates energy.
Skunk varieties have a high pinene content.

Limonene

It takes its name from lemons, since it is one of the main components of the essential oil that is extracted from the skin of lemons, it is also present in other citrus fruits. It is the second most distributed terpene in nature, unlike pinene.

It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, according to some studies this terpene could work as an anticancer. In the food and pharmaceutical industry its use is very common as flavorings, in addition to being very common in cleaning products.
As a home remedy, lemon juice is used by many women to maintain clean skin and is used to lighten skin blemishes, as a natural depigmenting agent.
At a more scientific level (2), studies have been carried out in animals where it has been found that limonene has anxiolytic effects, since it increases the neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. In hospitalized patients with depression, their symptoms have been seen to decrease by setting the space with this terpene. Different clinical trials are being carried out to confirm that it produces "apoptosis" or cell death, which could be an incredible advance to prevent the growth of tumors. It is also being studied how it works in dermal patches if it improves the transdermal absorption of the active principles.
The varieties of cannabis that have a greater presence of Limoneo would be the Haze-type varieties.

Linalol

It is one of the main compounds in lavender essential oil. Its range of uses is very wide, from lavender-based fragrances, to cleaning and hygiene products.

Among its therapeutic properties we find that it works as a relief in the case of burns, and reduces the intake of morphine in patients who are in the postoperative period, since linalol also has calming and sedative properties. It is a good ally in the treatment of nervousness and anxiety and its anxiolytic effects have been demonstrated, on the level of local anesthetics comparable to lidocaine.

In varieties of cannabis that give you a feeling of relaxation, of calm the person responsible for these pleasant sensations is this terpene, linalool.

 

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