The Best Terpenes for Common Medical Symptoms

When walking into the dispensary to buy cannabis strains, we most often think of selecting strains that are either sativa, indica or hybrid. However, another important factor to consider is the terpene profile found in those products.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the fragrant oils secreted in marijuana trichomes that produce the aromas and flavors in each strain. More importantly, terpenes offer numerous medical benefits which help provide relief.

Each terpene provides different effects and benefits based on a patient's experience. Some terpenes can help uplift your mood and provide energy, while others will leave you feeling relaxed and help reduce stress. So how do you know which terpenes to pick for your specific condition? Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms and which terpenes are recommended for each.

Anxiety and Depression

When dealing with depression, anxiety or PTSD, it is best to look for terpenes that can provide relaxing and calming properties. Terpenes including limonene, caryophyllene and linalool are most often utilized to help with the treatment of anxiety of and can help relieve stress. Limonene and linalool also contain mood enhancing properties.

Pain and Inflammation

One of the most common conditions that patients are using medical marijuana treatment for is chronic pain. Seek products that contain limonene, pinene or caryophyllene as all three terpenes can help alleviate pain. Pinene and limonene also have anti-inflammatory properties which make them ideal for helping to treat joint stiffness, swelling or arthritis. Insomnia

If you have trouble falling or staying asleep at night, terpenes such as linalool and myrcene can help improve your quality of sleep. Both terpenes contain calming and sedating effects that can help you unwind in the evening and prepare you for a good night's rest.

Fatigue

Need to fight off fatigue? Pinene is a terpene that promotes alertness while still having calming and creative effects on the mind so you can have the energy to help get you through the day. Limonene also provides the benefit of uplifting our mood and relieving stress which can provide mental focus and motivation.

Appetite Suppression

One of the most common side effects of consuming cannabis is that sometimes it can stimulate appetite and cause a case of the munchies. However, if you want to avoid making multiple trips to the kitchen to satisfy your cravings, try to look for products that contain humulene as it is known to help suppress hunger.

Next time you take a trip to your local dispensary, chat with your budtender to discuss your symptoms and what you hope to achieve from terpenes so they can help make the best product recommendation for you.