Terpene: Nerolidol

The cannabis plant has been used medicinally for a multitude of health issues, specifically chronic pain. The use of cannabis has been well-documented throughout historical and ancient times and well supported through the medical literature.

In 2017, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a statement that the use of cannabis for the treatment of pain is supported by “well-controlled clinical trials and that there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.”

As the use of medicinal cannabis increases throughout Florida and the United States, patients are discovering the relief that the plant offers. Modern medical marijuana genetics are more prolific and stronger than ever before. Each strain of medical marijuana has distinct characteristics and traits. This means that each strain has a unique genetic lineage, individual effects, odor, taste and THC content.

Terpenes appear in abundance within nature, and it’s estimated that over 20,000 terpenes exist within our ecosystems. Every single plant, herb, flower, vegetable and fruit possess terpenes; and each terpene serves a very specific purpose. Terpenes contribute to the characteristic odor and flavor of any plant.

Terpenes within the Cannabis plant are generally classified as primary and secondary terpenes, based on how frequent they occur in cannabis. The odor and the flavor represent a distinction between cannabis varieties which indicates that different plants can offer different benefits.

Science now understands that the whole cannabis plant offers medicinal properties. As science determines the exact chemical compounds behind the plant’s effectiveness, humans have continued to use the plant for overall health purposes.

The terpenes, or terpenoids, form the largest group of phytochemicals, and account for some medicinal properties of cannabis, as well as many medicinal herbs, plants and essential oils. They are the source of flavors, aromas, and other characteristics that help differentiate cannabis strains. Furthermore, it is thought that the terpenes within plants aid in pest-control and as an anti-fungal agent.

Cannabis and its terpenes synchronize their chemical effects by working concurrently. There are over 140 confirmed terpenes within the plant world, and each plant variety produces a unique effect. Because of terpenes, each cannabis strain possesses a distinct taste and scent.

Terpenes are aromatic molecules which are produced within the glands of cannabis flowers and buds. Some scents are considered sweet and fruity while other terpenes are woodsy, pungent, earthy or skunky. While terpenes give each cannabis strain a unique scent and flavor, these chemical compounds also contribute to the therapeutic effects that patient’s feel.

Nerolidol (trans-nerolidol) is found in many herbs and spices including lemongrass, ginger, jasmine, tea tree, oranges, lavender and other citrus peels. The aroma is woodsy and herbal. It has anti-insomnia and sedative properties.

As with all medicinal interventions, strains may affect each person and medical condition differently. These descriptions are meant as a guide.

Be sure to speak with your medical marijuana physician about their recommendations based on your individual needs and medical conditions. The trained staff at the Medical Marijuana Treatment Center will assist each patient in selecting the appropriate cannabis products.