Terpenes & the Entourage Effect
By: Sean Moriarty
Before we had the luxury of dispensaries, we casual smokers bought our product from one or two suppliers. If you were lucky, your connection knew what they were talking about. For the most part, though, very little knowledge was required. You either had the connection or you didn’t. Back then, asking for either an indica or sativa would’ve been met with either laughter or confusion. Most suppliers didn’t know what it was, if they did, they’d tell you they had one strain—take it or leave it. We usually just took it and were happy, regardless.
The industry has come a long way. Now indica and sativa are pretty much everyday terms. The problem is that just as soon as they become prevalent in the lexicon, they are also becoming increasingly less significant. Whether a strain is indica, sativa, or a hybrid is important to know, especially as a jumping off point. But the distinction is important mostly for growers—sativa and indica look and grow differently. As a consumer, that distinction plays only a small role in determining the best strain for whatever ailment you’re trying to treat, or the high you are trying to achieve.
There are 80+ different cannabinoids in cannabis, but the two most prominent are THC and CBD. Each cannabinoid contributes to different effects on the body and mind.[1]
Nowadays, knowing the difference between THC and CBD is crucial, particularly if you have a specific condition that you are looking to remedy. Even more importantly, knowing the various terpenes—as well as their symbiotic effects with both THC and CBD (as well as the litany of other cannabinoids)—is the most surefire way to determine which product will be most effective for you.
Terpenes, in simple terms, are oils that form in cannabis trichomes. They account for the taste and smell of cannabis flower. They are formed by the same resin glands that produce cannabinoids.
Each strain has a unique compound profile formed by the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. The way these terpenes and cannabinoids interact with each other is called the “entourage effect.” Different terpenes, in combination, will react differently with each other and with the various percentages of THC and CBD present within that strain. Knowing these effects will allow you to more easily discern the best strain for whatever effect you’re trying to achieve. [1]
All isolated cannabinoids and terpenoids have medicinal properties, and each of them are effective on their own merit. But particularly in regards to cannabis flower, the entourage effect creates, in essence, a vast network of terpenoids and cannabinoids. How this network functions determines your high. Terpenoid and cannabinoid molecules communicate and react to each other. There is an interplay between them—a give and a take. A cause and effect.
Think of it like musicians in a band. Take your average 4-piece: guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums. The guitar, if isolated, will sound pretty good on its own. When you add the bass, a fuller, more complex sound emerges. From there, adding the drums and the keys will create the composed song. Individually, the instruments can sound pleasant enough. Each serves its own purpose, but when they fuse together, you get the full musical experience. This analogy works best when discussing terpenes and their interaction THC and CBD. In truth, when taking into account the multitude of different cannabinoids (CBG, CBDVA, THCVA, etc.), the end result equates more to an orchestra performing a complex arrangement.
Various studies support the theory that cannabis flower, more so than extracts, is more effective at creating and delivering the entourage effect.[1] Basically, that the whole plant is more medicinally functional than the isolated products alone (CBD/THC isolates, terpenes).
CBD, for instance, on its own will impact you differently when combined with terpenoids above a specific percentage. Each individual terpenoid performs a different function, and creates varying effects as they bind with different cannabinoids.
No two brains are alike. Taking into account that the effects of THC and CBD will vary by individual and by circumstance, we can predict the effects of each in a general sense. Your experience may differ from the average person, but for the most part the available information has shown to be generally accurate in its application.
Let’s say that you take CBD isolate everyday for inflammation. You find that it helps with the pain but makes you feel weighed down and sleepy. Certain evidence suggests that adding, for instance, a certain percentage of pinene will counteract that sleepiness and create a more uplifting effect. Perfect if you want to forego the sedating feeling to get through a work day but also manage any pain or inflammation.
If you have a strain that is particularly high in CBD and relatively low in THC (Harlequin, Sour Tsunami, Cannatonic, ACDC, to name a few). Terpenoids will bind to those THC receptors, which will in turn activate and magnify the medicinal properties of the CBD. It works the same on the opposite end of the spectrum: Strains particularly high in THC and low in CBD will react differently to different terpenoids within the network.
The best way to preview this would be to look at the five most common terpenes in cannabis, and how each reacts differently when introduced to various levels of CBD and THC.
MYRCENE
Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene in cannabis. Various studies support the theory that Myrcene, in particular, is the most active terpenoid responsible for penetrating the blood-brain-barrier, effectively increasing the transport of cannabinoids into the brain.[3]
Myrcene is also found in other plants like hops and lemongrass, and most notably, mangos. It accounts for most of the herbal, earthy, musky aromas and flavors.
Myrcene, as some evidence suggests, is most associated with having both pain-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties and is reported to promote a calming, sedative effect. Typically, any strain that tests above having a level of 0.5% Myrcene is technically considered an indica. The “couch lock” sensation is attributed to the effects of high levels of Myrcene.
PINENE
Strains that have high levels of Pinene tend to have aromas of—you guessed it, pine. It is the most commonly found terpene in the natural world, and highly prevalent in herbs like rosemary, parsley, and dill.
Studies have shown that Pinene, when combined with CBD, works to counter the sedating properties of the cannabinoid. When fused with THC, pinene is believed to aid in memory retention and focus. Just another example of how the entourage effect works to maintain homeostasis within the endocannabinoid system.
Some studies suggest that Pinene has also been shown to be an effective bronchodilator, and like myrcene, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and has been reported to aid in anxiety and stress relief. [2]
CARYOPHYLLENE
Simply put, Caryophyllene is the only terpenoid that also acts like a cannabinoid, in that it has been shown to activate the CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. Caryophyllene can be identified by its spicy, peppery aroma. It is also found in things like nutmeg, coriander, and cinnamon.
Caryophyllene, in combination with CBD, has shown great promise in providing relief for chronic pain and in counteracting nausea. On the other end of the spectrum, certain studies show that when caryophyllene binds with THC, it helps aid as an antidepressant and is attributed to feelings of euphoria and stress relief.[1]
LIMONENE
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene found in cannabis flower. In living plants, Limonene works to repel insects and other various parasites, since they find the smell toxic. It is commonly found in lemon, orange, and other citrus rinds, and abundant in plants like spearmint, juniper, and (surprisingly) even celery. That citrusy smell that sometimes greets you when you open a jar—that’s Limonene. Aromatically, sometimes it takes the form of tangerine or orange.
Studies have shown Limonene to aid in boosting immunity, as well as improving mood and relieving anxiety. Evidence suggests that when combined with THC, Limonene has been shown to have energizing effects, boosting focus and contributing to feelings of euphoria or giddiness.
TERPINOLENE
Not many strains are Terpinoline dominant (some estimates put it between 1 and 10). Aromatically, Terpinolene is hard to pin down—it smells simultaneously fruity, herbaceous, floral, and citrusy. Besides cannabis, it appears naturally in apples, tea tree, and particularly lilacs. That fresh, crisp smell that lilacs give off—that’s Terpinolene. It’s one of the reasons it is very common in many lotions and soaps.
As stated above, Terpinolene dominant strains are few and far between. Of those Terpinolene heavy strains, all of them are THC dominant. Expect for that to change as breeders explore more CBD dominant strains that also incorporate high amounts of Terpinolene. But for now, what we know about this particular terpenoid in these THC heavy strains has been shown to provide uplifting, energizing effects. Patients have reported that it works to curb stress and provide relief from anxiety while allowing a more euphoric high. Various research suggests that Terpinolene has both antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, however, unlike many other terpenes, it has shown to be ineffective at fighting pain or inflammation.[2]
As the cannabis industry evolves, so does the pharmacological curiosity (and funding) to study it. As much as we already know, and as far as we’ve come, this is still a burgeoning science. And we’re watching it unfold before us. Things are changing. Stay tuned.
SOURCES
1] “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects” by Ethan M. Russo. 2011.
2] Leafly: “The Entourage Effect: How Cannabis Compounds May Be Working Together” by Bailey Rahn. 2015.(https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g)
3] Science Direct: “Myrcene” (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/myrcene)