On the surface level, it would seem that the most crucial factor about cannabis, is the fact that it provides a variety of beneficial cannabinoids. However, when you take a closer look at the chemical composition of these amazing plants, there’s a lot more going on.
Terpenes and flavonoids are a few important components that may actually support the actions of cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC.
What are flavonoids and terpenes? Do they provide benefits? Let’s find out
First of all, What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are found to be naturally occurring in cannabis but also in many other plants. These compounds are responsible for contributing to the making of cannabis so aromatic and tasteful, but they may also have an impact on the colors and appearance of various strains. Even further, the concentrations and combinations of numerous cannabinoids and terpenes may potentially influence the overall effects when smoking a specific strain.
You’ve probably come across terpenes in your everyday life much more than you realize. There are a multitude of these chemicals in plants, a bit in animals, and even within some insects that give off fragrances.
From the fragrance of a rose and a zesty lemon to how the forest comes aromatically alive after the rain or the sensation you enjoy from the aroma of your favorite beer, terpenes make all of this obtainable.
What are the Benefits of Terpenes?
Terpenes have been used for hundreds of years for numerous purposes. Some that are readily extractable from specific plants are used to add fragrance to everything from cleaning products to body spray. Many are used for therapeutic purposes as various aromas have been shown to be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
In terms of hemp and cannabis, the allowances of terpenes are clear. These fragrant chemicals provide individual strains with some of their most desirable attributes. For example, Jack Herer is known for its rich piney scent and usability to alleviate stress. Similarly, a strain like Special Sauce has an enjoyable peppery fragrance and is adamantly desired by people experiencing pain.
Terpenes don’t usually pitch such unique effects as cannabinoids like Delta 8; however, they seem to work collaboratively with cannabinoids to highlight certain effects. For example, a strain high in myrcene, which provides its own relaxing effects, may boost the sleep-inducing actions of Cannabidiol. Therefore, a strain that is high in myrcene and CBD like Sour Space Candy would be a great option for those looking for better sleep.
What are the Effects of Terpenes?
Hemp is known to host hundreds of unique terpenes, even though many have never been completely isolated in a way that they can be closely examined.
Here are a few of the most common terpenes located in cannabis below, along with some of their possible benefits:
- Myrcene – The most concentrated terpene in cannabis, smells earthy and musky with a hint of fruit. Myrcene has sedating effects, so it works well for people looking for better sleep or natural stress relief
- Linalool – Linalool allows a nice spicy floral aroma reminiscent of lavender, which is also a plant that contains this terpene. Linalool supports an overall sense of calmness.
- Limonene – The second most common terpene found in plants from the cannabis family, and smells a lot like citrus and lemon. Limonene is perhaps one of the largest used terpenes in commercial products, but smokers love it for its energetic, mood-uplifting effects.
- Humulene – Also located in hops and ginseng, humulene is herbaceous where aromatics are worried but also delivers up this trademark muskiness that’s hard to miss. Humulene may work against certain types of bacteria and soothe bodily discomfort.
- Pinene – Pinene is not so common in all cannabis strains, but it is one of the most common in the world. This terpene has a scent like pine needles, but it yields a sense of calm to soothe anxious thoughts and may be good for everything from allergies to the neural system.
Flavonoids: What are they?
Flavonoids fulfill a wide variety of different roles in nature. These plant-derived compounds are also moderately responsible for the aroma of certain plants, including cannabis. In cannabis, however, flavonoids are traditionally introduced as “cannaflavins.”
Flavonoids do a lot of things for the plant, such as supporting the advancement of seeds and regulating cellular cycles. These compounds may also be somewhat responsible for adding nutritive importance to some types of plants.
The Benefits of Flavonoids
Flavonoids are not as studied as terpenes, even though there is some belief that these compounds do play a role in the different effects of different strains. In comparison with the known additional benefits of terpenes, there are still a lot of unknown things about flavonoids. Likewise, some flavonoids are thought to influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, even though how and to what extent these offer beneficial effects are not topics that are fully understood.
Flavonoids are also responsible for giving strains their unique flavors and pigmentation. Therefore, these compounds are at least somewhat accountable for providing different strains their unique properties when it comes to flavors and appearances.
Cannabis Flavonoids
There are around twenty currently known flavonoids that can be found in cannabis. Check out some of them below, as well as their potential benefits:
- Luteolin – Has been utilized in ancient medicine for many years, is also located in celery, broccoli, and peppers, and may give a wealth of antioxidant properties.
- Chrysoeriol – Also discovered in daisies and may relax the blood vessels to aim for high blood pressure, even though those effects are not well-documented.
- Caflanone – Found in a few herbs, but primarily known for its existence in cannabis, and may offer properties to target certain viruses.
