With the cannabis market currently centered around classifying plants as Sativas, Indicas or Hybrids, terpene profiles allow us to make better-informed decisions when seeking out strain alternatives.
Cannabis Plant Taxonomy
Traditional Classifications: Indica and Sativa
Biologists refer to the science of naming, defining and classifying organisms on the basis of their shared characteristics as Taxonomy. The need to taxonomize cannabis arose with the discovery of different strains from different parts of the world. Some cannabis plants look short and stubby while others look rather tall and lanky; several are a combination of the two predominant visual queues. For example, Cannabis Sativa typically grows tall and lanky while Cannabis Indica typically grows short and stubby. However, thanks to modern day cannabis research that has been performed in the last decade, the need for us to evolve from this traditional nomenclature is apparent.
Cannabis leaves contain naturally occurring essential oils known as terpenes. These oils are not exclusive only to cannabis, they occur in every living plant. The terpene profile of a given cannabis strain will inform the experience one has after inhaling or consuming it. See full breakdown of terpene attributes below.
Terpene breakdown on cannabis packaging
Research leads to a better understanding of cannabis Types
While several cannabis plants may look the same, they often vary in scents and aromas aside from their visual aesthetics. The smell of the cannabis plant largely depends on the essential oils of cannabis known as Terpenoids. Thanks to the research lead by great minds like Dr. Ethan Russo, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Arno Hazekamp, Mark Lewis, and Matthew Geise, we now understand that Terpenoids share a vital role in the medical value and psychoactive effects when consuming cannabis. When taken in a non-isolated format, cannabis and its chemical constituents operate in concert to provide a sought-out consumption experience when the consumer is aware of the cannabinoid and terpenoid content.
When traditional classification provides a misleading consumption experience
Have you ever tried an Indica strain that hit like a Sativa and/or a Sativa strain that hit like an Indica?
This is a prime example as to why making a purchase based on the terpene content is the best way to make an informed decision, (rather than whether it’s labelled Indica or Sativa).
The following provides a brief highlight of some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, as well as some of the benefits they may provide. Please note that the FDA has not approved the use of Cannabis derived essential oils or terpenes to treat or cure any ailment.
What are different terpenes known for?
Myrcene:
Analgesic (pain reliever)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimutagenic
Sedative
Linalool:
Analgesic (pain reliever)
Antidepressant
Anti-epileptic
Anti-inflammatory
Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety)
Sedative
Bisabolol
Analgesic (pain reliever)
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-irritant
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Pinene
Analgesic (pain reliever)
Anti-inflammatory
Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety)
Bronchodilator
May help with short-term memory impairment experienced during consumption of cannabis
Caryophyllene
Antidepressant
Antioxidant
Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety)
Anti-inflammatory
This is a unique terpene in that it is the only one known to mimic a cannabinoid and activate our endocannabinoid system to provide this reaction.
Limonene
Antifungal
Antibacterial
Mood enhancer
Stress reliever
Terpinolene
Antifungal
Antibacterial
Antioxidant
Mood enhancer
Ocimene
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Decongestant
* While this provides a high level overview of the potential attributes these terpenes may have, it is important to note that additional research is still needed to provide conclusive facts. The research being performed is still in its infancy and we have room for improvement. Thanks to industry leaders and medically oriented producers/processors featured at The Novel Tree Medical through our Recognized Excellence Program, we have products that may provide a desired cannabis experience. Whether you are looking for relaxation or some temporary relief, seek no further than a visit with your friendly and knowledgeable Medically Certified Cannabis Consultant at The Novel Tree Medical.