Terpenes refer to a group of naturally occurring compounds that are widely found in the plant world.
Of course, that means that they are also found in marijuana plants! You know that unique dank smell that allows you to identify your favorite strains? That’s what terpenes do: they are responsible for the distinct smell and taste of plants, as well as fruits.
In the cannabis plant, terpenes are produced in the trichomes, where cannabinoids including CBD and THC are synthesized. Biologically speaking, terpenes help protect it from pests and other environmental stressors. They also contribute to the plant’s immune response. And for marijuana consumers, terpenes provide a wealth of medicinal and therapeutic benefits aside from just aroma and flavor. As part of the entourage effect, terpenes act together with other cannabinoids to provide enhanced effects.
More importantly, the medicinal benefits of terpenes help patients better. Various terpenes have different therapeutic benefits. For example, terpenes such as linalool and myrcene are known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, beta-caryophyllene is known for its excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties among others.
But did you know that you can also rely on terpenes for its anxiety-fighting properties?
Anxiety Is A Tough One To Treat – But Terpenes In Weed Can Help!
Anxiety is one of the most difficult mental health conditions to treat. Yet, it’s also so widespread and common!
Finding sustainable and natural treatment for anxiety is important for those struggling with this condition. It can be extremely debilitating and crippling, but here’s some good news: it’s one of the conditions that has been so widely studied for use with cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound most especially, has been shown to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. But there’s also growing evidence that terpenes in weed can be just as helpful.
Check out these terpenes the next time you’re shopping for cannabis strains:
Linalool
Linalool is one of the most soothing and calming terpenes. Even just one sniff has been known to induce relaxation and decrease the symptoms of anxiety as well as stress. This terpene is widely found in lavender, so it’s not surprising, given how relaxing lavender is! Linalool has a mild yet floral scent that has hints of lavender. In some strains, it may have a sweeter, tropical, or spicy aroma.
Some strains that are high in linalool include Lavender Kush, Bubba Kush, and Amnesia Haze. These strains are abundant in linalool; they are excellent choices for calming down anxious moments, providing some stress relief, and helping induce sleep.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, which is also referred to as caryophyllene, is another terpene well-known for its ability to sooth depressive symptoms and anxiety. One of the aspects that make beta-caryophyllene unique is that it isn’t strictly just a terpene – it’s also classified as a cannabinoid too, and one that’s rich in therapeutic benefits.
Caryophyllene effectively binds with the endocannabinoid receptors in the human body, particularly the CB2 receptors. Because of this, caryophyllene has valuable anxiolytic properties that make it extremely significant for individuals who suffer from anxiety. It can also help calm down inflammation and improve mood. Strains rich in beta-caryophyllene include Lemon G, Super Silver Haze, Blue Cheese, and Apple.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a wonderfully tranquilizing terpene widely found in indica strains that are high in THC. While there are many features to love about myrcene, it’s deliciously relaxing both mentally and physically. Myrcene is an effective sedative, which is excellent for when those anxious moments make it difficult to focus. Studies also show that myrcene promotes excellent sleep quality while relaxing muscles, both of which are great for helping reduce anxiety.
Myrcene also possesses other fantastic benefits: it’s an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and has pain-killing properties. It has a musky, mostly earthy smell and may have fruity notes. In some varieties of weed, myrcene may have tones of clove and spice. Blue Dream OG Kush, Purple Urkle, and Harlequin are strains that are high in myrcene.
Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-pinene has a refreshing aroma of earthy wood, pine, herbs, and turpentine. It has an uplifting, refreshing quality about it that helps improve the mood while increasing focus and alertness. Strains high in alpha-pinene are recommended for anxiety sufferers especially if your low, nervous mood gets in the way of being productive. In addition, pinene is fantastic for creativity so don’t let your anxiety lead to a creative block.
The medicinal qualities of alpha-pinene are well-known in the medical community. Aside from being an anxiolytic, alpha-pinene also has neuroprotective benefits and may even help fight off cancer. There are many strains that are rich in alpha-pinene, such as Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Cherry Bomb, Gelato, and Double Grape.
Nerolidol
Nerolidol has a unique woody aroma that makes you feel like you’re smelling fresh wood in a forest. It can also have floral notes with hints of rose, citrus, and apple. Because of its incredible aroma, nerolidol is widely used in perfumery but this terpene has much more than just amazing notes. The sweet, clean, and fresh aroma brought to you by the nerolidol terpene also helps calm down anxiety and can aid in regulating your overall mood.
Studies have shown that nerolidol possesses valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, too. It can help you enjoy some shut-eye, improving your chances of waking up feeling good. Strains that are high in nerolidol include Skywalker OG, Sour Kush, Sweet Skunk, and Chemdawg.
Conclusion
Terpenes are much more than just aromatic compounds found in plants. They have proven that the medicinal benefits in terpenes can work well with cannabinoids to provide a host of health benefits, especially in reducing and treating anxiety. They make medicating so much more wonderful, with their impact on the senses and just how good they can make you feel!
CANNABIS FOR ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS, READ ON...
