All You Should Know About Terpenes In London

Do you know why the smell of cannabis is highly recognizable? Do you know why people who recently smoked cannabis are seen trying to get rid of the smell? have you ever thought about it? The answer to all these questions is terpenes. Terpenes are a class of highly organic compounds that are produced by a variety of plants. They are responsible for the characteristic smell of many flowers and spices. In cannabis, they are found in the resin produced by the glandular trichomes on the plant’s surface.

Terpenes are not just founded in the cannabis but in a variety of other plants as well. Some of the other plants that contain terpenes are:

• Lemon
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Cannabis

History of Terpenes

These compounds were first isolated and characterized in the early 19th century by a German chemist Friedrich Wilhelm Serturner. He isolated a compound from opium that he named “terpine” now known as (+)-alpha-pinene.

The name terpene comes from the word turpentine, derived from the Latin word “terra pina” meaning “resinous earth”. The word “terpine” was later shortened to “terpene”.

The Structure of Terpenes

The structure of terpenes is based on a repeating unit of 5 carbon atoms known as isoprene. Terpenes can be linear or cyclical in structure and can be categorized into 3 main groups: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes.

Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes, the simplest type of terpene and are made up of 2 isoprene units. The most common monoterpenes are:

• limonene
• myrcene
• terpinolene

Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes are made up of 3 isoprene units and are slightly more complex than monoterpenes. The most common sesquiterpenes are:

• beta-caryophyllene
• nerolidol
• isopulegol

Diterpenes

Diterpenes are the most complex type of terpene and are made up of 4 isoprene units. The most common diterpenes are:

• germacrene D
• cubebene
• pasqualexin

The Effects of Terpenes

To understand the effects of terpenes, you have to pay a little more attention to the details. It will not only educate you, but the next time you will smoke, you can be able to identify the terpenes you are smoking in your desired weed strain.

Terpenes not only give plants their characteristic smell, but they also play a role in the plant’s defence system. They can deter herbivores and protect the plant from fungal infections.

When terpenes are inhaled, they interact with the brain in various ways. They can bind to receptors in the brain and alter neurotransmitter release. This interaction can produce a variety of effects, including:

• analgesia (pain relief)
• anti-inflammation
• anticonvulsant
• antidepressant
• antioxidant
• anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)

The Most Common Types of Terpenes

There are a variety of different terpenes that can be found in cannabis, each with its own unique smell and set of effects. The most common types of terpenes are:

Myrcene

Myrcene, is one of the most common type of terpene in cannabis and is responsible for the earthy, musky smell of many strains. It has been shown to have sedative effects and can act as an analgesic (pain reliever).

Limonene

Limonene is a citrus-scented terpene found in lemon, orange, and other citrus fruits. It is known for its ability to boost mood and energy levels.

Pinene

Pinene is a pine-scented terpene found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a spicy terpene found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. It is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and anxiety.

Linalool

Linalool is a floral-scented terpene that is found in lavender and other flowers. It is known for its sedative and anti-anxiety effects.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a woody-scented terpene found in rosemary, sage, and other herbs. It is known for its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects.

How Terpenes Are Beneficial

Anticancer

Terpenes have long been known to possess anticancer activity. Various terpenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Most notably, limonene has been shown to induce apoptosis ( cell death) in breast cancer cells. In contrast, myrcene has been shown to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells.

Antiviral

The antiviral properties of terpenes have been known for centuries. In the early 20th century, it was discovered that terpenes could be used to treat various viral infections, including influenza, herpes, and poliomyelitis. Various terpenes have since been shown to possess antiviral activity against various viruses, including influenza, HIV, and hepatitis C.

Antimicrobial

The antimicrobial properties of terpenes have also been known for centuries. It was discovered that terpenes could be used to treat various bacterial infections, including tuberculosis and cholera. Various terpenes have since been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus.

Antidepressant

The antidepressant properties are very much documented. Various terpenes have been shown to possess antidepressant activity in animal models of depression. Most notably, linalool has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. In contrast, myrcene has been shown to increase levels of norepinephrine.

Analgesic

Due to its analgesic properties, you can experience pain relief. Various terpenes have been shown to possess analgesic activity, making you feel ease in pain. It is why most people, after having a smoke session feel more relaxed, calm and happy.

Bottom Line

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and learned something new about terpenes. Terpenes are a fascinating class of compounds responsible for many plants’ unique smells and flavours, including cannabis. They also have various beneficial effects on the human body, including anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and analgesic effects. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health and well-being, consider using a product with more terpenes. We emphasize telling our readers to always buy their weed from a trusted online weed dispensary like How High 420. It is one way to ensure that you are using a top-notch product and don’t need to worry about the quality. If you ever want to buy your weed and don’t know which one to buy, you can contact us, and we will be happy to help. Also read about: Get Well or Get High, or Maybe Do Both in London.