The power of cannabis terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis (and other plants) distinctive smells.
But beyond just making your favorite strain smell like citrus, pine, or skunk, these compounds might hold real medicinal value.
In a recent study, researchers tested four cannabis-derived terpenes—geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene—on mouse models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain.
Geraniol emerged as the MVP, showing a significant reduction in pain levels.
“Our research shows that terpenes aren’t great for acute pain from injuries like stubbing your toe or touching a hot stove,” said lead researcher John Streicher, PhD. “But we are seeing significant pain relief for chronic or pathological pain.”