Terpenes have become increasingly popular for their potential medical properties. We have recently seen a boom in the consumption of terpenes in a wide variety of products. Terpenes are also a trend in the vaping industry, especially in the cannabis vaping industry where full-spectrum cannabis oils offer products rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
Terpenes have started to gain notoriety for their potential therapeutic effects. As a matter of fact, terpenes have been used in aromatherapy for a long time and we know that terpenes can induce calmness, euphoria and even improve concentration.
There are more than 20000 identified terpenes and at least 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis.
What is a Terpene?
Terpenes are not flavorings, they are a class of hydrocarbons mostly found in plants, particularly in conifers. They are major components of rosin and turpentine.
Terpenes occur naturally in plants including cannabis. Some of these well-known terpenes are pinene, myrcene, linalool or limonene. These terpenes are found in many plants, including cannabis. For instance, myrcene, which is a common terpene found in mangoes, bays, and hops, is also found in many cannabis strains.
The entourage effect theory claims that terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids are more efficient together. In short, the act synergistically.
Some terpenes have been researched for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Is it Possible to Vape Terpenes?
Yes, it is. There are many cannabis producers offering full-spectrum cannabis oils. Most of terpenes for vaporization are ingredients in cannabis oils.
There are some botanical terps oils, but you will mainly find them in cannabis oils (both CBD and THC oils).
Most of terpene oils are sold as terpenes concentrates to be added into cannabis oils to enhance its flavor and medicinal properties. These terpenes are isolated from natural sources and are food-grade terpenes. In addition, these food-grade terpenes are free of cannabinoids, so they can be easily shipped anywhere in the country.
Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect theory is very popular in cannabis circles. This theory claims that cannabis works synergistically. In other words, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes provide better therapeutic effects when they are used together.
For example, many patients report that herbal cannabinoid-based non-pharmaceutical drugs have better antiemetic properties than THC pharmaceutical medicines such as Marinol.
There are so many terpenes that each of them has its own profile and potential therapeutic properties.
Most Common Terpenes
There are more than 20000 terpenes which means that we would need to write an entire encyclopedia to classify and write the therapeutic effects of each of them. The most popular terpenes for their therapeutic properties are:
1. Limonene
This terpene is found in citruses and it’s also a common cannabinoid found in cannabis. According to webmd, limonene may prevent cancer by blocking cancer-forming chemicals and killer cells.
2. Linalool
This terpene is mainly found in lavender. Other plants produce this terpene as well. For example, citruses, mint, or laurel also produce linalool.
It has anti-anxiety and relaxation properties.
3. Pinene
There are two types of pinene terpenes: α-pinene and β-pinene. The first one, is commonly found in conifers while the latter one is found in cannabis.
α-pinene has potential anti-inflammatory properties and β-pinene could be used as a preservative.
4. Humulene
This terpene is found in hops. As many terpenes, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
5. Caryophyllene
This terpene is found in black pepper and cloves. It may have potential digestive protective properties.
Vaping and Terpenes: Conclusion
Terpenes have been extensively used in aromatherapy. In addition, recent studies have found that terpenes have positive health effects (mainly anti-inflammatory properties).
If you like terpenes and vaping them, then a good choice may be delta 8 THC products. Delta 8 vapes specifically contain cannabis derived terpenes for an unbeatable uplifting feel. Look into the best delta 8 carts out there if this is something that interests you.
Terpene extracts are available online and they can be mixed with cannabis oils and also other type of vape juices. Nonetheless, as terpenes are highly reactive molecules, we still don’t know if heating or vaping have a negative impact on their properties.
