Welcome to the 4th installment of talking terpenes with the Legion of Bloom.

This week, we are deepening our appreciation of specific cannabis terpenes by discussing how Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Pinene, Humulene, and Linalool provide a variety of effects on the human experience.

4. Beta-Caryophyllene

If you’re someone who cooks with a lot of spices and always aks for fresh black pepper at a restaurant, your nose and taste buds already appreciate the power of Beta-Caryophyllene. This terpene is affiliated with two distinct smells that you would easily recognize today: That of cloves and marijuana. Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that evokes the pleasant woodsy smell of a nice mountain hike, and in the plant world, it can function as a safe and grounding additive that soothes a worried mind. More importantly, according to Drs. Fine and Rosenfeld, it is possible that “cannabidiol and β-Caryophyllene, delivered by the oral route appear to be promising candidates for the treatment of chronic pain due to their high safety and low adverse effects profiles” ("The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain"). If plants that contain this terpene—including cannabis—are able to bind with CB2 Receptors and reduce pain and inflammation, they have the potential to one day compete with or even replace opioids, which are, quite obviously, both dangerously addictive and widely abused. It doesn’t hurt that this particular terpene is also recommended to those who are hoping to ignore the urge to consume alcohol. In a nod to this compound’s potential medicinal benefits, studies are currently examining whether Beta-Caryophyllene can perhaps even enhance cognitive (mental) function in mice. For now, it is receiving a lot of attention in the cannabis industry, and seem like this terpene could have a lot to offer for patients in the future.

5. Alpha-Pinene (a-Pinene)

Try to remember that last time you took a big breath of air out in the woods—can you recall the euphoria you felt while taking it all in? Alpha-Pinene (sometimes referred to as Pinene) is a prominent terpene located in cannabis that is known for lending its appealing flavors to the plant and its related products. As its name implies, Alpha-Pinene is a dominant terpene in pine trees, which are beloved for their distinctive and lingering smell. Everything from pine cones to pine needles is infused with the smell of Alpha-Pinene, rendering this terpene one of the easiest fragrances to imagine in its absence. In addition to cannabis, you can find this terpene in popular plants such as ginseng, ginger, and sage. It is commonly represented in holiday potpourri blends, and is highly effective at imbuing an environment with an earthy, woodsy aroma that overpowers almost any competing scent or odor. According to Steep Hill, Alpha-Pinene is “important physiologically in both plants and animals, and to our environment…it has been used for centuries as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma.” It helps your lungs find space to breathe and makes your heart more open, which is something most people would find desirable. There is even the potential for Alpha-Pinene to help your brain retain information, although more research is needed to prove that hypothesis. Regardless, this terpene is already admired for its diverse uses and applications outside of the plant world, and in particular, for how it plays into users’ cannabis experiences. Alpha-Pinene tends to have a direct impact on how high you feel, and it is, therefore, a terpene that people want to know about ahead of time. As you know…some people seek out that sort of high, while others try to avoid it at all costs.

6. Humulene

Humulene is a terpene that is found not only in cannabis, but also in basil, hops, and cloves. Humulene has a somewhat intriguing reputation for suppressing people’s appetites, which, as you can imagine, makes it a particularly attractive compound when it comes to limiting consumption and restricting caloric intake—be it during a cannabis experience or not. Many people integrate Humulene into their diets and use it to treat pain and inflammation in the body. This terpene is also famous for the role it plays at the brewery…in other words, if you’re into hoppy beers like IPAs, you’ll likely dig other Humulene products, too. As you many know, “hops have been used almost exclusively for brewing purposes for 1,200 years or more,” and like cannabis, it is a popular agricultural product that can temporarily alter the mood and behavior of those who happily choose to partake (Britannica.com). Like hops, cannabis has a long history of cultivation and medicinal/recreational use, and Humulene is one of its most common terpenes. Indeed, Humulene naturally occurs in the hemp plant, and in cannabis, it is often associated with Sativa.

7. Linalool

In the natural world, Linalool is responsible for the smell and taste of citrus trees and the signature aromatic profiles of plants like birch trees and rosewood. Think of Linalool as a terpene that just takes everything down a notch. This terpene, which is abundant in cannabis, is thought to elevate your mood and help recalibrate your mindset. If you’re feeling agitated, consuming Linalool might make you feel happier and even help you be better company for your friends and loved ones. If you’ve ever found yourself amid a field of lavender, gotten a lavender-infused pedicure, lit a lavender candle, or used a nighttime lavender lotion, you probably know how easily this scent can calm your mind and help you shed your day. The fragrance that Linalool emits is sought out by those seeking a restorative aromatic immersion that leaves recipients feeling less anxious, more relaxed, and perhaps even a little sleepy. This is why Linalool has long been used to help stave off insomnia and reduce frayed nerves. Linalool also has a reputation for canceling out some of the undesirable effects of THC that get some people a little sketched out, and it is recommended for those seeking relief from nausea or generalized discomfort.

Looking for LEGION products that contain these terpenes?

Beta-Caryophyllene: PAX Strain Specific - 10K Jack

Alpha Pinene: PAX Terrapen - RE:Vive

Humulene: PAX Strain Specific - Lemon Cookies

Linalool: Monarch- Blue Zskittlez

If you didn't know the side label on the Monarch packaging now contains the top terpenes found in the strain. Letting you further explore your relationship with specific terpenes.

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