• In recent years, medicinal cannabis has attracted significant interest within the medical and scientific communities. The most studied and recognized compounds of this plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both of which possess important therapeutic properties. However, terpenes—also present in cannabis—have begun to gain relevance in research due to their potential effects on the modulation and synergy with cannabinoids. This article explores the role of terpenes within the context of medicinal cannabis, highlighting their importance in the development of new treatments.

What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, including fruits, flowers, and herbs. In cannabis, terpenes are responsible for its characteristic aroma and play a key role in distinguishing between different strains of the plant. To date, more than 100 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, each with its own unique properties and effects.

In addition to their natural role in protecting plants against predators and pathogens, terpenes have been shown to possess therapeutic properties. Scientific studies have observed that these compounds can act independently or in combination with cannabinoids, enhancing or modifying the effects of cannabis on the body.

The “Entourage Effect”
One of the most relevant concepts in the study of medicinal cannabis is the “entourage effect,” proposed by researchers to explain how the various compounds in the plant — including terpenes and cannabinoids — interact with each other to produce more potent therapeutic effects than isolated compounds alone. In this context, terpenes play a crucial role.

Terpenes can influence how cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are metabolized and act in the body. For example, some terpenes have been shown to enhance the anxiolytic effects of CBD or help reduce the psychoactive effects of THC — a potentially valuable benefit for specific treatments. This synergistic interaction opens up new opportunities for the development of personalized therapies and for improving the safety profiles of cannabis-based medications. Additionally, due to their own particular properties, terpenes offer anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects, among others, which are useful in treating a variety of medical conditions. They also contribute to the differences in effects among various strains of medicinal cannabis, based on their terpene profile.

Main Terpenes in Medicinal Cannabis and Their Properties
Below are some of the most common terpenes found in medicinal cannabis and their known therapeutic properties:

• Myrcene: One of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, myrcene is associated with relaxing and sedative effects. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a key component in the treatment of chronic pain.

• Limonene: As its name suggests, this terpene is found in citrus fruits and has a fresh, fruity aroma. It has been studied for its potential anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticancer effects. Furthermore, its ability to enhance the absorption of other compounds makes it a powerful modulator in medicinal cannabis applications.

• Linalool: Found in lavender, this terpene is known for its calming and anxiolytic properties. It has also been studied for its anticonvulsant effects, which could be highly relevant in the treatment of epilepsy.

• Pinene: As the name implies, pinene is found in pine trees and has a fresh, distinctive aroma. It has been studied for its bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful in treating respiratory disorders such as asthma. It is also believed to enhance memory and counteract the negative cognitive effects of THC.

• Caryophyllene: This terpene is found in cloves and certain types of pepper. Unlike other terpenes, caryophyllene directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system, specifically with CB2 receptors, which gives it anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of particular interest for the treatment of pain and chronic inflammation.

• Future of Research on Terpenes and Medicinal Cannabis
  Currently, there is ongoing research into terpenes such as myrcene and caryophyllene for the relief of chronic pain. Other terpenes, including linalool and limonene, are being studied for their potential in alleviating anxiety and mood disorders. Their anticancer potential, as well as anti-inflammatory, autoimmune, and bronchodilatory properties, are also under investigation.

It is clear that research into the role of terpenes in medicinal cannabis is still in its early stages, but findings so far are promising. As the mechanisms of interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids become better understood, it will be possible to develop more effective and personalized treatments.

In fact, the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), in its monograph on cannabinoids, already considers terpenes and classifies cannabis flowers based on the dominant terpene. This could pave the way for a wide range of therapeutic formulations, opening the door to a new generation of medications based on the synergy of multiple plant components, rather than focusing solely on THC or CBD.

In this context, the development of products that combine specific cannabinoids and terpenes could offer safer therapies, tailored to the individual needs of each patient—especially in the treatment of complex conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety, and even certain types of cancer, as previously mentioned.

In summary, terpenes represent a key component in the medicinal use of cannabis, going far beyond the plant’s aroma. Their therapeutic potential and ability to modulate the effects of cannabinoids suggest that they will continue to be a central focus in the research and development of new treatments. The future of medicinal cannabis is, to a large extent, tied to a deeper understanding and integration of these natural compounds.

At Labiana, we are actively working as a certified entity to enable the commercialization of cannabis flowers for therapeutic purposes, and we are already studying the upcoming validation of terpenes.

Francisco Fernández Campos
PhD in Pharmacy and Director of Research and Development
Labiana Pharmaceuticals