When you think of medicinal cannabis, you might first consider cannabinoids like THC and CBD. But there's another important group of compounds that play a vital role in how cannabis affects your body - terpenes.
Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They're responsible for the unique scents and flavors of each strain - from citrusy to earthy to piney - and they can also contribute to the plant’s therapeutic effects. As a patient, understanding terpenes can help you make more informed decisions when choosing cannabis-based treatments.
Here’s a breakdown of the main terpenes commonly found in medicinal cannabis and their potential benefits:
1. Myrcene - The Calming One
Aroma: Earthy, musky, with hints of cloves
Effects: Sedative, relaxing
Potential Benefits: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. It’s known for its calming properties and is often found in strains used for insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain. Some research suggests that high levels of myrcene can enhance the effects of THC.
2. Limonene - The Uplifting One
Aroma: Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
Effects: Energizing, mood-enhancing
Potential Benefits: Stress relief, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, antifungal
Found in citrus fruits as well as cannabis, limonene is commonly present in strains aimed at improving mood and reducing stress. It may also aid in digestion and immune system support.
3. Pinene - The Focus Booster
Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
Effects: Alertness, memory support
Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator (opens airways), antibacterial
Pinene, as the name suggests, smells like a pine forest. It’s known for counteracting some of the short-term memory effects of THC and may help improve mental clarity while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. Linalool - The Soothing One
Aroma: Floral, lavender
Effects: Relaxing, sedative
Potential Benefits: Anxiety relief, sleep aid, anti-convulsant, pain relief
Linalool is commonly found in lavender and is prized for its calming, sedative properties. It may be particularly helpful for patients dealing with anxiety, sleep disorders, or seizure conditions.
5. Caryophyllene - The Pain Fighter
Aroma: Peppery, spicy, woody
Effects: Balancing, pain-relieving
Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential for GI support
What makes caryophyllene unique is that it can interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system - just like cannabinoids. It’s often recommended for inflammatory conditions and pain management.
Terpenes don’t work in isolation. They interact with cannabinoids and other plant compounds in what’s known as the “Entourage Effect.” This means that the combined action of these compounds can enhance the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
At Dispense Direct, we believe in empowering patients through education. Terpenes offer a natural and nuanced way to tailor your cannabis therapy. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, seeking better sleep, or looking to boost your mood, understanding terpene profiles can help you find the best strain or product for your needs.
If you have questions about terpene-rich products or how they may fit into your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to contact our team at 1300 420 965 or send us an email at hello@dispensedirect.com.au, or speak with your healthcare provider.
References
- Surendran, S, Qassadi, F, Surendran, G, Lilley, D & Heinrich, M 2021, ‘Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?’, Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 8.
- Russo, E.B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp.1344–1364. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
- Limonene has anti-anxiety activity via adenosine A2A receptor-mediated regulation of dopaminergic and GABAergic neuronal function in the striatum. 2021, Medscape.com, viewed 20 May 2025, <https://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/33548867>.
- Vieira, AJ, Beserra, FP, Souza, MC, Totti, BM & Rozza, AL 2018, ‘Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease’, Chemico-Biological Interactions, vol. 283, pp. 97–106, viewed 20 May 2025, <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009279717310487?via%3Dihub>.
- Al-Khazaleh, AK, Zhou, X, Bhuyan, DJ, Münch, GW, Al-Dalabeeh, EA, Jaye, K & Chang, D 2024, ‘The Neurotherapeutic Arsenal in Cannabis sativa: Insights into Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Neuroprotective Activity and Potential Entourage Effects’, Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), vol. 29, no. 2, p. 410, viewed 20 May 2025, <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257323/>.
- Shabani, M, Erfani, S, Arash Abdolmaleki, Fatemeh Ephtekhar Afzali & Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar 2023, ‘Alpha-pinene modulates inflammatory response and protects against brain ischemia via inducible nitric oxide synthase-nuclear factor–kappa B-cyclooxygenase-2 pathway’, Molecular Biology Reports, vol. 50, Springer Nature, no. 8, pp. 6505–6516.
- Souto-Maior, FN, Carvalho, FL de, Morais, LCSL de, Netto, SM, de Sousa, DP & Almeida, RN de 2011, ‘Anxiolytic-like effects of inhaled linalool oxide in experimental mouse anxiety models’, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, vol. 100, no. 2, pp. 259–263.
- Ricardi, C, Barachini, S, Consoli, G, Marazziti, D, Polini, B & Chiellini, G 2024, ‘Beta-Caryophyllene, a Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Selective Agonist, in Emotional and Cognitive Disorders’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 25, no. 6, p. 3203, viewed 20 May 2025, <https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/6/3203>.
- Preedy, VR, Patel, VB & Martin, CR 2023, Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Academic Press.