Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is picking up the pace in 2022, with patients registering for medical marijuana cards faster than ever and new products hitting pharmacy shelves.
As more product availability comes online, patients will be able to shop a variety of cannabis products that have different terpenes, THC contents, and CBD levels. One thing many patients look for in cannabis strains is the terpene profile, and specifically which terpenes might benefit their symptoms or conditions.
Not all terpenes are the same, and each one can have different therapeutic properties that change how cannabis works for medical marijuana patients.
In this article, we’ll talk about the terpenes in cannabis that are good for pain management, how they work, and which terpenes to look for with conditions like chronic pain!
Terpenes in Cannabis That May Help With Chronic Pain
Linalool Is a Soothing Terpene With Therapeutic Benefits
Linalool is a floral terpene often found in many perfumes and naturally occurs in mint, cannabis, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has been used in medicine for centuries and offers anti-inflammatory properties, pain relieving properties, and helps funnel the relaxing effects of cannabis.
Linalool has some interesting quirks, too, it can target acetylcholine in the brain, which may help with muscle movement, and there’s even been research on linalool’s ability to enhance narcotics like morphine in mice, which could help reduce the minimum morphine dosage in post-surgery for example.
Linalool may enhance cannabis’ ability to provide critical pain relief, and most importantly it may act to enhance the effects of cannabis overall.
Myrcene May Provide Anti-Anxiety & Pain Relief
Myrcene is one of the most popular cannabis terpenes, and it’s estimated that nearly 40% of cannabis strains contain myrcene.
Myrcene is found in lemongrass, mangoes, hops, and cannabis, and it promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief. Myrcene is commonly thought to help produce the “couchlock” effect from cannabis and many strains containing myrcene as a dominant terpene have powerful physical effects.
If you’re looking for physical pain relief, myrcene should probably be on your shopping list for cannabis terpenes.
Studies in mice have shown that myrcene has a strong potential for pain management, and many patients report the effective pain management produced by strains with myrcene to be life changing.
Alpha-Pinene Is a Calming Terpene Found Nearly Everywhere
Alpha-Pinene is a terpene found in rosemary, orange peels, pine needles, and cannabis.
In fact, alpha-pinene is the most common terpene in nature and its expansive list of benefits make it a prime choice for many cannabis strains.
Like most terpenes, alpha-pinene’s most impressive ability is by working synergistically with cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBN. Alpha-pinene provides anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and even some anti-anxiety effects.
It’s also found in some heavy hitters for cannabis, with strains like OG Kush, Blue Dream, Pineapple Express, and Blueberry all packing this potent terpene.
Limonene for Decreased Stress, Improved Mood, & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Limonene is a citrussy terpene known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects. Limonene is found in oranges, lemons, and juniper and it’s in around 10% of cannabis strains.
You can find limonene in strains like Sour Diesel, Berry White, and Super Lemon Haze, and its pain-relieving properties are demonstrated in studies done with pregnant women.
In the study, limonene was shown to effectively reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain intensity in patients. It’s also been shown to reduce sensitivity to bone and muscle pain in mice, making its potential for medicinal use a strong potential for this therapeutic terpene.
Caryophyllene Acts Similarly to THC in the Brain
While not all terpenes directly bind to receptors in the brain like THC does, caryophyllene is an exception.
Research has shown that caryophyllene can activate CB2 receptors in the brain like THC, which can provide incredible anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Caryophyllene is a peppery, spicy terpene that’s found in hops, cannabis, cloves, and rosemary.
You’ll find caryophyllene in potent strains like Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, and Sour Diesel, and its properties include improved immune system, better digestive health, pain relief, reduced inflammation, and calm and soothing effects.
Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certification
Medical marijuana patients have a variety of cannabis flower to choose from in Louisiana, and a medical marijuana card gives you legal access to purchase and possess cannabis. Patients can consult with one of our qualified physicians who can walk you through the process of getting a medical marijuana card in Louisiana today!
Getting a medical marijuana card in Louisiana is easier than ever, beat the lines and get your medical marijuana certification in Louisiana today, and you can even get certified for medical marijuana online for ease of use and convenience.
For questions about Louisiana’s medical marijuana program, or how to become a medical marijuana patient in Louisiana, consult with one of our trusted doctors and book an online medical marijuana appointment today!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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