Terpenes – What are they?

Cannabis plants are pretty complex, and they each contain a wide variety of chemicals. All of these chemicals and compounds are responsible for different things, but what we’re going to discuss today are terpenes. Terpenes are a class of aromatic organic hydrocarbons, and they can sometimes be referred to as terpenoids.

It’s the aroma and the flavour of the cannabis that is affected by terpenes. This means that terpene profiles can be manipulated in a variety of ways, making it possible for different flavours to be created.

Terpenes can do much more than simply provide us with interesting and unusual flavours for hemp and cannabis, though. Although that’s a fantastic ability to have, the medicinal benefits of terpenes are worth mentioning too. There are terpene compounds that are non-psychoactive, and it’s these that make it useful for medical treatments.

A selection of Terpenes

Limonene

Aside from its citrus aroma, one of the very best things about the limonene compound is its ability to boost the human immune system. It can be used to treat people with immune system disorders. It can also have an impact on mental health as a result of its anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. It is believed to offer anti-inflammatory properties, which can be vital for good health. It’s found in many foods, and it’s often used as a flavouring in things like chewing gum.

Pinene

Pinene is actually the most common of all the UK terpenes out there, and it’s also one of the most important. It’s a bicyclic monoterpene. There are two isomers: α-pinene and β-pinene. They are both important parts of pine resin, and that’s where the terpene takes its name from. As well as adding that pine flavour and taste to cannabis, it has benefits that more and more people are now taking advantage of. Evidence has been found that it improves the airflow to your lungs.

Myrcene

The subtle fruity flavour offered up myrcene is very appealing, and it’s a terpene that’s found in a majority of cannabis strains. For many people, it’s used to help them get to sleep when no other solutions are helping them do that. That’s not the only use and benefit myrcene has to offer, though. It’s antibacterial and can also fight fungal infections, making it very useful indeed. It’s also antiseptic, so it’s clear that its range of uses that can help to clear up minor health problems that are commonly experienced by many.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is another common terpene that is an important part of many essential oils, and it also contributes to the familiar flavour of black pepper. It helps to counteract some of the psychoactivity some people suffering from anxiety experience. It’s also been known to help with the treatment depression for some too. It has a hoppy aroma that some people find appealing and not too overwhelming, adding to its list of positives.

These are just some examples of the terpenes UK that you should know about. Each of them offers something unique and interesting to the modern world.