New research regarding the benefits of cannabis and its main properties of CBD and THC continues to emerge as more countries and states legalize the medical and recreational use of marijuana. Also, because of legalization, the business potential of the cannabis industry continues to grow. Cannabis companies can now distribute to a broader range of people. However, there is more to cannabis than different strains (Indica or Sativa) or the ratio of CBD to THC. Another essential cannabinoid is terpenes, and they play a critical role in the effectiveness of cannabis.

A Perfect High

As the cannabis industry continues to enter the mainstream sphere, it must determine how to market to the mass consumer who expects their cannabis product to be consistent in quality and give off the desired effect. Consumers search for a product that provides a more tailored experience and a more controlled high. Like how the consumer can pick their alcohol to achieve desired effects, cannabis companies and scientists research ways to deliver a custom product. Before a consumer buys a product, they need to know if the product’s cost matches the quality of the experience.

THC causes impairment, slower reaction time, and difficulty performing simple tasks. Consumers want to control their level of buzz. Just like there is a wide variety of alcohol, each with its flavors, and proof, that allows a consumer to have their own unique experience. Cannabis companies strive to achieve a range of products that can mimic the desired effect, from calming to energetic or happy. Consumers also want to test how their body responds to these products to make the most informed decision about what is right for their needs and works best for them.

Ultimately, scientists continue to learn about the importance of terpenes and CBD to modify THC’s effects. The largest cannabis companies and their teams of scientists keep their research under wraps for competitive reasons. Every company wants to be the first to produce a controlled, tailored product. Whoever discovers this first will have an advantage within the cannabis industry.

The Entourage Effect

Cannabis companies and scientists ultimately want to achieve a way to tame THC, a term first introduced by scientist Ethan Russo in 2011. They estimate the cannabis industry will grow as large as the alcohol industry and generate billions of dollars in revenue a year, but only if they can manufacture a product that consistently delivers. In 1998, scientists Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat discovered the entourage effect, or the combination of THC, the psychoactive component, CBD (cannabidiol), an active non-psychoactive ingredient, and terpenes, the flavor and taste profile of each strain. All three elements have a unique effect on the body, depending on each ingredient’s ratio and combination.

However, with just the cannabis plant, it is hard to replicate the same feeling and its effects on the body since each plant, grown from different marijuana seeds, has its unique properties. Scientists continue to try and isolate these components to learn better ways to use them as a controlled substance. Also known as whole plant synergy, the main ingredients THC, CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids are also essential to unlock the health benefits of cannabis and how to use each ingredient to treat chronic pain and diseases better.

Evidence shows that cannabinoids boost other cannabinoids; for example, THC enhances CBD’s medicinal properties, while CBD modifies and controls the effects of Eagle Moon High THC Seeds, producing a more controlled high. Each cannabinoid is more effective together, which is why THC alone or CBD only products derived from hemp are less potent and effective. There are also other minor cannabinoids at play, such as CBG or CBN, that scientists continue to research. Emerging research also suggests the possibility of two different types of entourage effects: Intra-entourage refers to the interactions of cannabinoids and terpenes and inter-entourage, which relates to the interactions between terpenes to terpenes and cannabinoids to cannabinoids. However, research slowly begins to unearth the role terpenes play in the entourage effect and its full potential.

Terpenes and Future Potential

Cannabis consumers are more sophisticated than society’s perpetuated stereotype of the stoner or hippie. Consumers want to know about the benefits and properties of cannabis, such as Indica versus Sativa, and THC versus CBD. While they may be more familiar with these terms, terpenes are a newly discussed topic amongst cannabis circles, and consumers and scientists alike want to unlock terpene’s full potential. Scientists describe terpenes as the flavor profile in all plants but specifically provide each cannabis strain with its taste and smell.

Researchers today understand that the properties of terpenes go beyond just flavor, smell, and stimulating moods, but modulating brain activity that can have potential health benefits. CBD and THC have higher potency together, and the same is true that terpenes, along with other cannabinoids, work better together and have a more substantial impact. Terpenes and cannabinoids can increase blood flow, enhance motor and sensory functions, and eliminate respiratory bacteria that cause MRSA. The terpenes and cannabinoid attribute to the effectiveness of marijuana or cannabis products in the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and even fungal and bacterial infections.

Companies define the use of cannabis for medicinal or holistic reasons, by the strain or CBD to THC ratio. However, new research suggests that the terpene profile may be one of the most critical elements in the effectiveness of the strain and its intended use. As the cannabis industry and scientists compete to unlock the potential of terpenes and its connection to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, consumers will gain access to a marijuana experience unlike anything before.

AUTHOR BIO:
Crystal Wilson. Crystal has been closely studying the cannabis industry trends for quite some time. Intrigued by the booming growth of this sector, she takes interest in penning down her views providing quality insight on current marijuana trends, particularly medical cannabis.