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What Are Terpenes?
- Aromatic compounds produced in cannabis trichomes alongside cannabinoids
- Over 150 terpenes identified in cannabis
- Terpenes contribute to aroma, flavour, and may have direct pharmacological effects
- EU-GMP certified products document terpene profiles on every COA
Terpenes are more than just aroma — they may significantly influence the therapeutic character of a medical cannabis product.
Key Clinically Relevant Terpenes
- Myrcene: earthy, musky — sedative and muscle-relaxing properties, may enhance THC uptake
- Limonene: citrus aroma — anxiolytic and antidepressant effects studied
- Linalool: lavender-scented — calming, complements CBD’s anti-anxiety profile
- Beta-caryophyllene: directly binds CB2 receptors — anti-inflammatory and analgesic
- Pinene: pine aroma — may promote alertness, counteracting cognitive effects of high-THC strains
Terpene-aware prescribing — using COA terpene profiles to guide strain selection — is increasingly standard in UK specialist cannabis practice.
