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Cannabis Extracted Terpenes: The Origins
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and they play a vital role in the plant’s distinctive scent, flavor, and therapeutic properties. When extracted directly from the cannabis plant, these terpenes offer a range of benefits that enhance both medicinal and recreational experiences. The natural extraction of cannabis terpenes ensures their purity, efficacy, and overall contribution to the plant’s beneficial effects.
Cannabis Sativa sp., unlike other plant species, can express terpenes in different ways across different cultivars. While many cannabis cultivars will contain terpenes such as limonene, pinene, or ß-Caryophyllene, they will have different concentrations of those terpenes, and those ratios will affect their pharmacokinetics and overall therapeutic efficacy. These differing ratios of terpenes will also impact the plant’s sensory properties and therapeutic effects.
Terpenes extracted directly from the cannabis plant maintain their natural purity and potency. This extraction process ensures the terpenes are free from contaminants and retain their full therapeutic potential. Unlike synthetic terpenes, which may be produced in a lab and lack the complexity of natural compounds, cannabis-derived terpenes provide a more authentic and potent experience. This purity is crucial for medical cannabis users who rely on the plant’s consistent and reliable therapeutic effects.
The aroma and flavor of cannabis are largely determined by its terpene profile. Terpenes extracted directly from the cannabis plant preserve each strain’s unique and complex sensory characteristics. This authenticity is essential for the pleasant sensory qualities that can improve patient compliance, making the consumption of medicinal cannabis more enjoyable.
This experience can be achieved through various pharmaceutical formulations, including oral solutions and inhalation extracts. While all terpenes are derived from cannabis, different blends provide diverse experiences, both in flavor and in their composition of terpenes, potentially offering varied therapeutic benefits.
Oral Solutions
Laughing Buddha (Sativa)
Laughing Buddha provides an uplifting, energetic experience that promotes both mental and emotional well-being. Its flavor and aroma complement the experience with a tropical and spicy twist, making it a well-rounded cultivar for those seeking both therapeutic benefits and a delightful sensory experience.
Terpenes
- 39.26% Limonene — Limonene has the potential to improve mood by alleviating stress. Specifically, it has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammatory processes, which can enhance cognitive function and mitigate depression-like behaviors in rodent models.
- 23.05% ß-Caryophyllene — Beta-caryophyllene acts as a selective agonist for cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). The research indicates that beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid, interacts with CB2 receptors to modulate inflammatory and pain responses, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
- 10.56% Humulene — Humulene exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties, both as a preventive and therapeutic agent. The research highlights that α-humulene effectively reduces key markers of inflammation and mitigates symptoms associated with airway allergies, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for managing allergic inflammation and related respiratory conditions.
Wedding Cake (Hybrid)
Wedding Cake provides a well-rounded experience of relaxation with its combination of therapeutic effects and delightful flavor. Its ability to induce relaxation while also uplifting your mood makes it versatile for various uses, from unwinding after work to enhancing social activities. The sweet, cake-like taste and aroma add to the overall enjoyable experience.
Terpenes
- 32.11% Myrcene — Myrcene has been extensively studied. Research shows this terpene has various therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties. Myrcene’s biological activities could contribute to pain relief, improved sleep, and enhanced overall well-being, emphasizing its potential applications in both medicinal and wellness contexts.
- 26.53% Limonene — A systematic review of limonene performed by Araújo-Filho et al. in 2021 examined how limonene affects various signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression, including cell apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and inflammation. By analyzing multiple studies, the authors highlight limonene’s potential as an adjunctive treatment for cancer, emphasizing its ability to modulate key molecular targets to reduce tumor growth.
- 9.02% Ocimene — Ocimene modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, contributing to its potential therapeutic benefits. It impacts cellular signaling and immune responses, suggesting it could be a valuable compound for developing natural health products and therapeutic interventions.
Rainbow Zelato (Indica)
Rainbow Zelato is an Indica that offers a calming feeling associated with its combination of therapeutic benefits and flavorful profile. Its balanced effects make it versatile for different times of the day and winding down at night, while its sweet and fruity taste enhances overall enjoyment. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, have mild pain, or simply want to get some rest, Rainbow Zelato provides a flavorful and effective option.
Terpenes
- 52.50% Terpinolene — Terpinolene is believed to interact with the central nervous system in a way that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, terpinolene may influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, such as enhancing the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This inhibitory neurotransmitter calms neural activity, which can decrease anxiety and increase relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep.
- 14.90% Limonene — Limonene can inhibit tumor growth through multiple mechanisms, including its influence on cell apoptosis and angiogenesis. Clinical studies and preclinical models indicate that limonene shows promise in reducing the proliferation of various cancer cell types. Research suggests that limonene may have a role as a potential adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment.
- 12.90% Myrcene — Myrcene has potential sedative properties, which may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Research suggests that myrcene can enhance cell membrane permeability, potentially increasing the absorption of other therapeutic compounds. Additionally, myrcene shows promise in reducing inflammation and pain, contributing to its potential therapeutic applications.
Inhalation extracts
Tainwreck (Hybrid)
The terpenes extracted from Trainwreck are designed for daytime relaxation, offering a balanced profile that soothes stress while maintaining mental clarity. The strain’s sweet lemon and spicy pine aroma add to the calming experience.
Terpenes
- 30% β-Myrcene – Known for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, myrcene enhances cell membrane permeability, improving the absorption of other active compounds.
- 19% Terpinolene – Promotes relaxation by modulating GABA activity, which calms neural activity and reduces anxiety.
- 6% Trans-β-Ocimene – Offers anti-inflammatory benefits by modulating oxidative stress pathways, potentially aiding immune responses.
Sour Space Candy (Sativa)
Designed to boost energy and focus, this formulation incorporates terpenes from Sour Space Candy. Its candied apple and sweet cherry notes are balanced with earthy undertones, making it invigorating and pleasant.
Terpenes
- 35% β-Myrcene – Provides mild sedative effects that enhance relaxation without impairing focus.
- 28% Terpinolene – Adds uplifting properties, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
- 8% Trans-β-Ocimene – Its antioxidative properties complement the energizing effects, offering balanced support.
Grape Soda (Indica)
Extracted from Grape Soda, this formulation is ideal for nighttime use, offering profound relaxation and promoting restful sleep. Its citrus aroma with grape undertones enhances the calming experience.
Terpenes
- 36% β-Myrcene – Acts as a potent sedative and pain reliever, ideal for winding down after a long day
- 10% D-Limonene – Enhances mood and reduces stress by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, contributing to overall relaxation.
- 8.6% β-Caryophyllene – Binds selectively to CB2 receptors to mitigate inflammation and pain, offering additional therapeutic support
Conclusion
Terpenes derived directly from cannabis plants serve as the essence of each unique genetic profile, preserving the distinctive characteristics of the cultivar.
By capturing these natural compounds, we ensure unparalleled purity and potency, enhancing the synergistic interactions between major and minor cannabinoids. When incorporated into formulations like oral solution or inhalation oils, these terpenes could provide therapeutic benefits, Beyond therapeutic optimization, they elevate the sensory experience, reflecting the origins of each cannabis genetic line and fostering greater patient compliance and satisfaction. This approach underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, natural, and effective formulations.
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