Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive interwebs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.
In the last 60 years, the interest in cannabis has been growing worldwide even though the use of cannabis as medicine goes back thousands of years. The main reason behind such growing interest is the healing treatment of some serious illnesses. The healing power of cannabis most likely resides in terpenes/terpenoids and phytocannabinoids, of which particular compounds, their amount, and their ratio to each other play the most important role in the treatment of particular diseases.
It should be emphasized here that flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, polyphenols, and other biodynamic compounds also play a large role. For this particular article, we will focus on terpenes. By now many of you have heard of them and may or may not know what they are. They are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of vegetation.
In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain cultivars smell or taste different from others. Which may be the reason why you gravitate towards a certain flower to smoke. Not only do they smell good, but terpenes/terpenoids also have a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. For example, after much research, they have been found to be anti-fungal, antiviral, anticancer, antiinflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
The next time you choose a stash for yourself, make sure you smell it and enjoy the aroma. Always allow your nose to be your guide and as for the COAs if available. All information in this article is for educational purposes only.
The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated and trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.
Go forth, Go Cannabis…