Author Interviews / 29.07.2025

Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. [caption id="attachment_70082" align="aligncenter" width="500"]cannabis-terpenes-potential FreePik image[/caption] As the understanding of cannabis continues to evolve, the focus on its therapeutic potential has expanded beyond cannabinoids like THC and CBD. One of the most intriguing aspects of cannabis therapy is the role of terpenes, aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. These compounds not only contribute to the distinctive scents and flavors of various cannabis strains but also play a significant role in the plant's therapeutic effects. This article delves into the fascinating world of terpenes, exploring their functions, benefits, and how they can enhance cannabis therapy.

Understanding Terpenes

Terpenes are organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, and they serve multiple purposes in nature. In cannabis, terpenes are synthesized in the same glands that produce cannabinoids, making them an integral part of the plant's chemistry. There are over 100 different terpenes identified in cannabis, each with its unique aroma and potential therapeutic benefits.
Cannabis, Pain Research / 24.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67515" align="alignleft" width="200"]John M. Streicher, PhD Professor, Neuroscience - GIDP Professor, Pharmacology College of Medicine Tucson Pharmacology University of Arizona Dr. Streicher[/caption] John M. Streicher, PhD Professor, Neuroscience - GIDP Professor, Pharmacology College of Medicine Tucson Pharmacology University of Arizona   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We first started studying terpenes around 2019, when my student Justin LaVigne became interested in these molecules and their potential interaction with cannabinoids and other chemicals in cannabis, the so-called “entourage effect.” The literature at the time showed that terpenes could be beneficial in pain relief and other indications, in both animal and human studies; however, there were limits to the literature, such as a lack of investigation into therapeutic features like side effects and a relative lack of detailed molecular mechanisms. We started by testing 5 purified terpenes in mice, geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and beta-pinene. We found they had a “cannabimimetic” effect in that they produced behaviors much like cannabinoids, but not through the cannabinoid receptors. This was published in 2021.