Benefits of 3 cannabis terpenes : Myrcene, linalool and bisabolol

Cannabis terpenes in cannabis

Cannabis terpenes are fragrant essential oils secreted in different concentrations in different cannabis varieties, alongside cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. It is these compounds that give cannabis varieties distinctive aromas and flavours, such as berry, pine, pineapple and diesel. In addition to their effect on aroma and flavour, there is some evidence to suggest that they may also modify the effects of cannabis. As cannabis becomes more widespread, terpenes are beginning to pique the interest of consumers more than ever. While the spotlight has largely been on cannabinoids, internet searches related to terpenes have continued to grow.

While more than 200 different terpenes may be present in varying concentrations in a given variety, there are about 10 primary cannabis terpenes that appear most often in the highest concentrations, and about 20 other secondary cannabis terpenes that appear in lower concentrations. Myrcene and linalool are among the primary terpenes in cannabis, while bisabolol is considered a primary terpene by some and a secondary terpene by others. All of these cannabis terpenes have unique effects.

1. Myrcene

Myrcene (or β-myrcene) is a terpene often found found in significant quantities in the essential oils of many plants, such as hops, bay leaves, mangoes and myrtle (from which it also takes its name). Myrcene is produced by many varieties of cannabis, and some studies in rodent models have suggested that it may have sedative effects. You can also find myrcene in mangoes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a ripe mango before consuming cannabis may enhance or prolong the psychoactive effects of cannabis; some have suggested that this is due to the concentrations of myrcene in the fruit, which is naturally synergistic with THC and allows cannabinoids to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily.

Effects and benefits of myrcene :

Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic (pain relief)
Antibiotic
Sedative
Antimutagen

2. Linalool

Linalool is a natural terpene found in many flowers and spices, including basil, lavender and coriander. It has a complex but delicate floral aroma, and while its effects are many, it is one of the most widely used substances for stress reduction. Since ancient times, humans have inhaled the scent of certain plants, many of which contain linalool, to help reduce stress levels, fight inflammation and depression.

Linalool has been the subject of numerous studies, including a recent one in which scientists allowed laboratory rats to inhale linalool while exposing them to stressful conditions. It was reported that linalool reduced high stress levels in the immune system to near-normal conditions. In addition to its use as a fragrance in products such as soaps, detergents, shampoos and creams, linalool is also used as a chemical reagent. One of the products of linalool is vitamin E. Linalool is also used as an insecticide against fleas and cockroaches.

Effects and benefits of linalool :

Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant
Sedative
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-epileptic
Analgesic

3. Bisabolol

annabis terpenes - Bisabolol - chamomile

Terpene bisabolol (also known as α-Bisabolol or levomenol) is an odorous chemical compound produced by chamomile flower and other plants such as the candeia tree in Brazil. It is also produced by various varieties of cannabis. Bisabolol has a faint sweet floral aroma and is used in a variety of perfumes. It has also been used for hundreds of years in cosmetics due to its skin healing properties, including wrinkle reduction, skin resilience and repair of sun damaged skin. Bisabolol is known for its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Effects and benefits of bisabolol :