A new study reveals the powerful effects of using the entire cannabis sativa plant, including its aromatic terpenes, to develop innovative treatments for a variety of ailments.
The human sense of smell is one of the body's most essential yet mysterious functions. Scientists have long believed that the nasal cavity contained scent receptors corresponding to a matching molecule that the brain would identify upon connection.
However, in recent years, the prevailing understanding, primarily grounded in the principles of quantum physics, has been that scent receptors actually perceive the vibrations emitted from the atoms of a given odor, which is how mammals identify a molecule's smell. This new theory elucidates why items as diverse and seemingly unrelated as cyanide and almonds emit the same distinctive scent.
When it comes to selecting a favorite strain to smoke or ingest through an edible, cannabis lovers are particularly interested in the flower's unique aroma. The part of the plant that produces that identifying odor is known as a terpene.
A terpene is an aromatic compound that determines the scent of many different types of flowers in herbs. In marijuana, terpenes emit a skunky, pungent, or musky aroma that bestows the cannabis plant with its distinguishing smell and contributes to its flavor.
The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 150 types of terpenes, most of which are only present in trace amounts. However, some of the more prominent ones combine to provide notable marijuana strains with their signature scents. For example, the terpenes in Sour Diesel generate that recognizable grassy, pungent smell, while the pleasing aroma of sweet and sour cherry pie characterizes the aromatic profile of Cherry Pie.
However, the potential of terpenes extends far beyond the aesthetic level of scents. Recent studies reveal that these compounds hold a wealth of potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits for consumers.
While much of the early focus by scientists concerning the medical benefits of the cannabis plant centered around the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids like CBD and THC, many are now beginning to uncover a veritable treasure trove of uses for terpenes in treating a wide array of disorders, like combatting unwelcome pathogens and microbes.
One of those studies, published earlier this month in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by pharmacy researchers at the Ovidus University of Constanta and the University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science, and Technology of Târgu Mures, both of which are in Romania, details a comprehensive overview of cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V), and how those compounds interact with the human body.
What makes the Romanian study so unique is that while most cannabinoid research focuses on the well-known THC and CBD compounds, this new review expands the research to include an "exploration of novel phytocannabinoids," which "is (a) rapidly evolving (avenue), offering exciting prospects for future therapeutic applications."
"Beyond well-established compounds like THC and CBD, the quest for novel cannabinoids widens the scope of potential treatments. Each cannabinoid, with its unique chemical structure, interacts differently with the [endocannabinoid system], suggesting tailored therapeutic effects for specific conditions. This exploration seeks to harness similar benefits while circumventing associated drawbacks," the study says.
"Beyond well-established compounds like THC and CBD, the quest for novel cannabinoids widens the scope of potential treatments. Each cannabinoid, with its unique chemical structure, interacts differently with the [endocannabinoid system], suggesting tailored therapeutic effects for specific conditions. This exploration seeks to harness similar benefits while circumventing associated drawbacks."
- Research Study on the Effects of Cannabinoid Interactions
Researchers discovered that each chemical component exhibits specific effects. However, they also quickly point out that some of those effects are backed by substantial scientific evidence, while others require further investigation.
As a result, some of the more unique discoveries include:
- THC demonstrates analgesic and antiemetic effects, which make it helpful in combating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, along with indigestion, heartburn, headaches, and dizziness.
- CBD has shown anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for pain management. Likewise, the versatile cannabinoid has also been used to effectively treat epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD, and withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and opioid use disorders.
- THC and CBD, as a combination, may help address a wide range of maladies, including multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, neurological disorders, and psychiatric conditions.
- CBG and CBN have antibacterial effects, and CBN appears to work well as a mild sedative, which could help treat some sleep disorders.
- THC-V can act as a very effective appetite suppressant, which could lead to a "potential treatment for diabetes."
However, one of the most promising elements revealed by the study concerns the "entourage effect" in cannabis.
"The plant Cannabis exhibits an effect called the 'entourage effect,' in which the combined actions of terpenes and phytocannabinoids result in effects that exceed the sum of their separate contributions. This synergy emphasizes how important it is to consider the entire plant when utilizing cannabinoids medicinally as opposed to just concentrating on individual cannabinoids," the study says.
"The plant Cannabis exhibits an effect called the 'entourage effect,' in which the combined actions of terpenes and phytocannabinoids result in effects that exceed the sum of their separate contributions. This synergy emphasizes how important it is to consider the entire plant when utilizing cannabinoids medicinally as opposed to just concentrating on individual cannabinoids."
- Research Study on the Effects of Cannabinoid Interactions
The review underscores the potential power of harnessing the collective healing properties of the plant's total complement of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemical components.
Other similar research studies have found, for example, that the citrusy-smelling terpene, D-limonene, can potentially help ease the anxiety and paranoia often associated with THC. That one discovery could lead to a more thorough understanding of the therapeutic benefits provided by THC and other cannabinoid compounds.
Scientists have also discovered that some cannabis terpenes might have the ability to create a pain-relieving effect by mimicking certain cannabinoids. One study in 2021 that combined terpenes with cannabinoids found a substantial amplification in pain relief with no discernable increase in adverse side effects.
It is important to note that much of this research is in its infancy stage, with most preclinical studies being performed exclusively on animals or through in vitro (test tubes). Much more analysis by the scientific community must occur before scientists can achieve a sound understanding of these compounds.
However, the potential uses and benefits are another encouraging indicator concerning the overall health and wellness benefits of the cannabis sativa plant.
