Terpenes
Terpenes are a large group of strongly heterogeneous chemical compounds. They occur naturally as secondary constituents in organisms and are formally derived from isoprene, the unsaturated hydrocarbon 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene. Terpenes are characterised by a small number of functional groups and a variety of carbon skeletons. More than 8000 terpenes are known, which are found as natural substances mostly of plant origin and rarely also of animal origin. Besides the cannabinoids THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), the more than 100 terpenes of the cannabis plant are highly valued from a scientific point of view.
-11%
€8,77 €9,90 incl. VAT
-14%
€4,20 €4,90 incl. VAT
-17%
€4,90 €5,90 incl. VAT
€14,90 incl. VAT
€19,90 incl. VAT
The terpenes and cannabis
In the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are also found as fragrant oils. They endow the various varieties of cannabis with different aromas. The formation of terpenes in cannabis can be explained by the original purpose of driving away predators and attracting pollinators. Various factors influence the development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertiliser, soil type and time of day. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant and each strain tends to have a unique terpene type and composition. Terpenes interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant, such as cannabinoids. For example, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors that are concentrated at sites in the brain responsible for psychoactive effects. Some terpenes also bind to these receptor sites and influence their chemical production. Others can modify how much THC is allowed through the blood-brain barrier. They also affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin by altering their rate of production, destruction, movement and receptor availability.
The medicinal effect of terpenes
The effects produced by the mechanisms described vary from terpene to terpene. Some show success in relieving stress, while others promote focus and sharpness of visual perception. Myrcene, for example, induces sleep, while limonene elevates mood. Terpenes can additionally offer medicinal value by mediating the human body's interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids. For example, pinenes not only act as anti-inflammatories, attention enhancers and bronchodilators (an aid to improve airflow in the lungs), but also for any short-term memory loss that may be caused by THC. Source: https://www.leafly.de/glossar/terpene/