3 Terpenes That Alleviate Anxiety

Terpenes at a Glance

Often when we think of cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind is THC, the low red eyes, and the sedative, hunger-inducing effects. Complex chemical interactions are occurring aside from the physical high that cannabis ensues. Cannabis also contains terpenes that can reduce several of society's most common ailments. Anxiety affects forty million adults throughout the United States. These three terpenes found in cannabis may provide relief.

What is a Terpene?

Terpenes are the elements that give marijuana strains their unique characteristics. Terpenes found in cannabis are responsible for the fruity, spicy, and fuel like scents that can be found in several strains. They are in the essential oils that line the shelves in your neighborhood store, and homeopathic health specialists use them in aromatherapy. The terpenes found in marijuana elevate the healing effects of cannabinoids along with their own beneficial properties. A variety of terpenes produce different compounds that interact with our bodies in different ways.

How do Terpenes Work Within the Body?

"Terpenes activate the cannabinoid receptors, the receptors in our bodies with the primary purpose of activation through cannabinoids. They can also bind to other receptors in your body or impact your neurotransmitters. Like cannabinoids, terpenes help your body regulate its functions. "

Marijuana Doctors

Terpenes alter how much THC enters the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Some relax the body while others lift our moods and energize us. Terpenes work in unison with cannabinoids to provide relief for existing illnesses and preventative care. Each element, from CBD to THC and terpenes, play an essential role in the medicating process.

"Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene tend to be spicy and musky, and some are also known to have a funky profile. Many carry prominent notes of diesel and fuel that are known to cause the same nose-tingling bite associated with taking a whiff of pepper."

Patrick Bennett

Caryophyllene:

Caryophyllene can also be found in black pepper and is responsible for the spicy scent and taste found in strains like Harlequin. It is behind the bitter tingle that creeps into your nose when you inhale pepper or a season containing it. It may annoy you and make you sneeze, but your body welcomes its soothing effects. Caryophyllene works with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which functions within the nervous system. In a study that monitored anxiety levels in mice undergoing stress, caryophyllene was found to decrease symptoms.

Strains that Contain Caryophyllene:

Girl Scout Cookies

Bubba Kush

Sour Diesel

Chemdog

"Myrcene showed powerful anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects in a human chondrocyte model of osteoarthritis (Rufino et al., 2015). With inflammation underlying numerous diseases, myrcene is the subject of a broad array of current research."

Joshua Hartsel, Joshua Eades, Brian Hickory, and Alexandros Makriyannis

Myrcene:

Myrcene is known for its sedative, relaxing effects. It is most commonly found in indca strains and is notorious for inducing "couch lock." Myrcene possesses the ability to enhance the effects of THC. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an antibiotic.

Myrcene can be found in mangoes and cultivates a citrus smell with notes of clove and earth. Myrcene's euphoric effects help prevent or manage existing anxiety. It also makes it easier for other marijuana compounds to travel through the blood-brain barrier.

Strains that Contain Myrcene:

Banana Kush

Pure Kush

Sky Walker OG

Himalayan Gold

Alpha-Bisabolol:

"Found in chamomile, alpha-bisabolol has a sweet, floral scent. In addition to calming you down, it relieves pain, soothes inflammation and helps antibiotics fight bacteria. "

The opiate epidemic is wreaking havoc on communities all over the United States; alpha-bisabolol mimics the relaxing effects that medications such as Xanax would deliver. Without the intense physical dependency.

Alpha-Bisabolol is considered a relaxant and is utilized to treat a variety of illnesses and create clear, glowing skin. Research suggests that when introduced into the body, the alpha-bisabolol terpene reacts with GABAA receptors as opposed to serotonin receptors. This reaction results in sedative effects similar to Valium and Xanax.

Strains That Contain Alpha-Bisabolol:

Oracle

Harle-Tsu

Master Kush

ACDC

Parting Words:

The next time you twist open the mason jar full of enticing bud, take a whiff-any familiar smells? You can now make specific selections tailored to your goals. Often when I am looking to make a choice, I feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start. What strains do what I'm looking for? Which do not? Here is a basic overview of where you can begin if you're trying to use cannabis for anxiety relief. But you can expand to treat nausea, pain, and to boost brain function. Now, hopefully, you have a better insight into how cannabis reacts within the body and how terpenes enhance that process. You may also be interested in my strain review of Flo.