Cannabidiol

Known as an antibacterial, Inhibits Cancer cell growth, is Neuroprotective, promotes bone growth, reduces seizures and convulsions, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces function in the immune system, reduces the risk of artery blockage, reduces small intestine contractions, reduces vomiting and nausea, relieves pain, relieves anxiety, slows bacterial growth, suppresses muscle spasms, tranquilizing, treats Psoriasis.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBD oils, tinctures, aerosols, topicals and other products are continuing to grow in popularity as ways to manage anxiety, stress, pain, and other symptoms.

It's somewhat typical to associate cannabis with getting stoned, but CBD can be extracted from the plant to make products that come without the high or the smoke. The molecule in cannabis that gets us high is called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and nowadays, you can turn to cannabis-derived CBD products with little to no THC for clear-headed symptom relief.

It’s not just THC and CBD, either—cannabis produces dozens of potentially therapeutic compounds called cannabinoids. We’re slowly getting to know them as legalization spreads, and so far, they seem pretty friendly to us humans and our many ailments.

Source: Monarch Life Sciences

Cannabichromene

Known for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, promoting bone growth, and inhibiting cancer cell growth

CBC is non-intoxicating, so it doesn’t produce a euphoric high like THC. The reason it is non-intoxicating is because it binds poorly to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. But CBC does bind with other receptors in the body, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, increased levels of the body’s natural endocannabinoids like anandamide are released.

While CBC definitely has singular benefits, researchers also think that it seems to synergistically work with other cannabinoids, a term known as the entourage effect. This effect of THC and CBD working together is well-known, but whether other cannabinoids have entourage effects is not well understood.

Source: Monarch Life Sciences

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol

Known for Reducing Vomiting and Nausea, Suppresses Muscle Spasms, Stimulates Appetite, Relieves Pain

Most people know that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical compound in cannabis responsible for a euphoric high. What more is there to know about cannabis’ primary psychoactive component? Whether the question comes as a newbie to the cannabis world or an experienced consumer who would like to know a bit more about the most famous of cannabinoids, THC has likely been synonymous with cannabis in your mind for as long as you’ve known about the plant.

The first step to understanding THC is to understand cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors in the brain and body to create various effects. There exist dozens, and potentially more than 100, cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, but THC is most widely known among these due to its abundance and euphoric attributes.

Source: Monarch Life Sciences

Best known for its spicy and peppery note, caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and spices like oregano, basil and rosemary. Beta-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors, which makes it an ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. Caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds to cannabinoid receptors.

Besides its analgesic and anti-anxiety properties, some studies have found that caryophyllene has some very promising properties when it comes to alcoholism rehabilitation.

A group of scientists performed research on mice and found that this terpene reduces voluntary intake of alcohol. They even recommended caryophyllene for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

You can benefit from caryophyllene by using strains like Super Silver Haze, Skywalker and Rock Star.

Source: Canna Con

Humulene was the first terpene found in hops. Its aroma contains earthy, woody and spicy notes.

Besides cannabis, it can be also found in clove, sage, and black pepper. It has a variety of medical properties. Early research has shown humulene to be anti-proliferative, meaning it prevents cancer cells from growing. Also, it proved to be effective in suppressing appetite, making it a potential weight loss tool. Furthermore, like many other cannabis terpenes mentioned above, it also reduces inflammation, relieves pain and fights bacterial infections.

You can find humulene in strains like White Widow, Headband, Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, Pink Kush and Skywalker OG.

Source: Canna Con

Caryophyllene-Oxide is the only terpene that can bind with the CB2 receptors in the human body, which makes it highly beneficial for medicinal use. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic, and natural insect repellent. Though more testing must be done, the terpene shows promise treating alcohol addiction by promoting voluntary avoidance and treating withdrawal symptoms.

Check out our complete collection of Terpenes here!

Fun Fact!
Caryophyllene contributes heavily to the aroma of black pepper – it is also often the key terpene that gives cannabis its very distinctive odor that can quickly be detected by drug-sniffing dogs.

Source: Vigon
 

Alpha-bisabolol (also known as levomenol and bisabolol) has a pleasant floral aroma and can also be found in chamomile flower and candeia tree. This terpene found its use primarily in the cosmetics industry, but lately it has caught the attention of researchers since it showed medical benefits, especially in cannabis.

Alpha-bisabolol proved to be effective in treating bacterial infections and wounds and is a great antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties. It can be found in strains like Harle-Tsu, Pink Kush, Headband, OG Shark, and ACDC.

Source: Canna Con

Guaiol (pronounced “gweye-all” and sometimes called champacol) is a terpene that conveys an aroma of pine that is described as featuring fragrant undertones of wood and rose. Like other terpenes, this medicinal molecule is produced by many plants other than cannabis, including cypress pine and guaiacum (an evergreen tree of the Caribbean and tropical America).

This special terpene is rich in health benefits and has been employed throughout history to treat conditions such as arthritis, gout, and sore throat. One of its most promising efficacies is its ability to decrease systemic inflammation, making it a potentially effective part of the treatment regimen of literally hundreds of diseases and conditions, including cancer and fibromyalgia.

Nerolidol, or trans-nerolidol, is a terpene found in many strong aromatic plants such as jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass, and it can also be found in some cannabis strains. It’s known for a nuanced floral aroma with notes of citrus, apples, and rose, and is often used as a fragrance or food additive. Researchers have also found evidence that nerolidol has sedative, anti-anxiety, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, and pain-relieving properties, and may be an insect repellent.

Nerolidol is often used as a fragrance in perfumes, shampoos, cleansers, and detergents. Nerolidol is also permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a food flavoring agent and it is widely used for that purpose. 

Therapeutically, nerolidol is known for its sedative effects. There is also evidence it can enhance drug delivery through the skin, with some studies showing specific enhancements to the body’s absorption of two other terpenes, citronellol and eugenol.

Some evidence also points to nerolidol’s ability to calm anxiety. One study found it is the terpene most associated with cannabis strains rated high for reducing anxiety, suggesting it may play a role in cannabis’ calming abilities. 

Researchers have also found evidence that nerolidol has antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, and pain-relieving properties. 

Additionally, many plants naturally produce nerolidol as a main component of their essential oil in order to help deter pests from consuming them.