CANNABINOIDS & TERPENES

The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are derived from the interactions of cannabinoids, terpenes, and the ECS. Of the 113+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, scientists have identified a handful of those that are most active. Researchers have also found that the therapeutic effects are the result of cannabinoids and terpenes working synergistically to enhance their impact: the “entourage effect.”

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound that counteracts the psychoactivity of THC. Research points to CBD’s potential in the treatment of inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, and spasms. Like all cannabinoids, CBD is a potent antioxidant and neuroprotectant.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is found in certain varieties of the cannabis plant. THC has psychoactive effects. Scientific and clinical research has pointed to its potential in the treatment of many conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, nausea and vomiting, asthma, glaucoma, and insomnia.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. As cannabis dries, THCA slowly converts to THC. Heat converts THCA to THC via decarboxylation, which describes what happens when one smokes or vaporizes cannabis. THCA interacts with many targets and has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties.

Cannabigerol (CBG) can affect serotonin reuptake, relieve pain in skin conditions, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. CBG has a lot of therapeutic potential as an antidepressant and in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Cannabichromene (CBC) relieves pain, has anti-inflammatory effects, and is reported to have strong antimicrobial properties while lacking toxicity.

Cannabinol (CBN) is the non-intoxicating degradation product of THC and other cannabinoids. It has sedating, anti-microbial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties and may stimulate bone growth.

Terpenes are constituents of the essential oil of cannabis and are created in trichomes. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis but are found on other plants such as lavender, hops, mangoes, citrus fruit, pine trees, pepper, and green tea. Terpenes, not cannabinoids, are responsible for the smell of cannabis. All terpenes found on cannabis are FDA-approved and generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Terpenes produce therapeutic effects when inhaled, even at ambient air levels, that can enhance the effects of cannabinoids. Terpenes can modulate the effects of cannabinoids through pain relieving, muscle relaxing, sedative, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and antidepressant effects.