What are terpenes remarkable for?

Thanks to the limitless combinations of potential synergistic effects, the study of terpenes and their medicinal properties will certainly open up new scientific and medical fields of knowledge, leading to the use of these aromatic compounds on an industrial scale in the coming years.

The pages of the specialized electronic edition of national cannabis growers constantly focus on the fact that cannabis has a range of therapeutically active elements, which “working in an ensemble” allow to treat a huge range of severe, including chronic diseases, excluding extraction methods, during which a significant part of medical properties of the plant. The editorial board not only focused the attention of our dear readers and listeners on " Smells that heal ", and also described " Therapeutic properties of terpenes ", but also provided a brief description of the above natural compounds... How important is the role of these aromatic compounds in the hemp plant, why the medical benefits of terpenes are being actively studied and what their therapeutic properties are currently known, we will briefly consider below. 

Role of terpenes in hemp

Terpenes are aromatic organic carbohydrates, natural compounds found in plants. Like essential oils, they have many health benefits. The plant produces terpenes in order to ward off herbivores that might eat them and to attract beneficial pollinating insects. Their development in a plant is influenced by many factors, including climate, weather conditions, age and ripening period, fertilization, soil type, and even the time of day.

In cannabis, terpenes are secreted by the same glands that produce cannabinoids. These give the different plant varieties only their characteristic aromatic notes - citrus, berries, mint or pine. In addition to imparting specific aromas and flavors to plants, terpenes may play a key role in the therapeutic effects of various cannabis strains - some terpenes promote relaxation and stress relief, while others potentially help improve concentration or increase activity.

Medical benefits of terpenes

Because terpenes interact with cannabinoids, they enhance their effects on the human body. An in-depth study of the therapeutic effects of essential oils has brought with it scientific evidence and understanding of medical characteristics, as well as the potential for their use in aromatherapy. It should be borne in mind that virtually all of the major terpenes in cannabis have analgesic or anti-inflammatory effects.

Major terpenes present in the hemp plant

Hemp has a naturally high level of terpenes, and more than 200 of these aromatic compounds have already been identified in the plant, with each plant cultivar being unique in type and composition. Let's describe the properties of the most common aromatic compounds in hemp:

• Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in hemp. Causes drowsiness and has anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and analgesic effects on the human body (varieties of plants that smell of musk or cloves are rich in myrcene);

• Pinene - energetic healing aroma helps to increase mental activity and memory (except for hemp, it is found in pine needles);

• Limonene - helps to raise the general mood, therefore it is considered an active antidepressant in aromatherapy;

• Terpinolene - a smoky or woody scent with mild soothing, antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial effects;

• Humulene - has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and suppresses appetite (it is the main component of hops, cloves and basil).

Commentary of the specialists of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"

Thanks to the limitless combinations of potential synergistic effects, the study of terpenes and their medicinal properties will certainly open up new scientific and medical fields of knowledge, leading to the use of these aromatic compounds on an industrial scale in the coming years.