Which cannabis terpenes reduce anxiety?

Nowadays the choices offered on the cannabis market are so extensive that selecting premium-quality cannabis seeds has become a difficult task. If you are not familiar with this world and need a marijuana strain to alleviate different complaints, then making your choice may prove to be even more challenging.

In this post we point you in the right direction to help you choose the best strain if you need to grow and use cannabis to reduce your anxiety. On the one hand, we suggest 3 terpenes which are of great interest for therapeutic applications; on the other, 3 strains from Dinafem's catalogue that have proven really effective in the treatment of anxiety symptoms.

3 terpenes that work as tranquillisers

The 3 most effective terpenes for anxiety alleviation are caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene helps reduce stress effectively thanks to its analgesic properties. Scientific research on rats suggests that caryophyllene acts on the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, cannabis strains with high caryophyllene levels help mitigate pain, the effects of colitis, or even the symptoms produced by Alzheimer's disease.

Caryophyllene is found in clove, rosemary, and black pepper. It showcases anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Its aroma and flavour are strong and intense. It is generally present in many Indica-dominant hybrids but can also be found in some Sativa-leaning strains. Caryophyllene can be consumed in high doses as it does not pose any risks to human health.

It seems that caryophyllene plays an important role medically but it is best to proceed with caution for now. What we know for sure is that caryophyllene boosts the effects of morphine. In the future it would be interesting to find out more about the synergy between caryophyllene and other phytocannabinoids, as well as the optimum concentrations required to obtain convincing results.

Myrcene

The terpene myrcene is found in many cannabis strains. It produces relaxing, calming, and anti-inflammatory effects. When THC is present, a synergistic effect takes place between them and significantly intensifies the high, but only when present in high concentrations. Myrcene is found in aromatic plants like bay, lemongrass, hop, thyme, and mango, amongst others.

An urban legend exists which suggests that eating a whole mango before using marijuana strengthens its effects. However, in the last few years our own experience in the development of CBD-rich strains has showed us that most high-cannabidiol (CBD) strains contain enough myrcene to produce physical relaxation by themselves.

In this specific case, an interaction may occur which may enhance the effect, depending on cannabis' age and chosen preservation method. The presence of CBN, which increases as flowers oxidise, could be another factor that directly affects the level of the calming effect of cannabis.

Limonene

Limonene is a cannabis terpene that exhibits great qualities. It has a delicious citrusy aroma and is found in high concentrations in lemon, orange, and grapefruit.

Amongst other things, limonene elevates the mood, and facilitates the absorption of other terpenes and chemical components through the skin, the digestive system, and the mucous membranes. It also helps alleviate stress, reduces heartburn, and showcases antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Some research studies have proven that limonene has a clear antidepressant potential because it effectively stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It may also have anti-cancer properties, firstly by inhibiting tissue growth in breast tumours, and secondly by inhibiting a protein that assists in the propagation of breast cancer.

It has also been noted that limonene favours apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancerous cells, especially in lung and brain cancer cases. This terpene can also improve the immune system and contribute to its general balance. Even when present in high doses, limonene is non-toxic; however, it can occasionally cause allergic reactions.

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3 Dinafem strains that contain calming terpenes

Bubba Kush: an iconic Kush-style, Indica-dominant strain. Bubba Kush enjoyed its golden age in the mid-1990s, particularly in Los Angeles. The members of the rap group Cypress Hill were devoted fans of this legendary hybrid.

This could be due to the complexity and richness of its delicious aroma and flavour: refined and subtle notes of fuel, earth, coffee, spices, and citrus fruits. She produces a calming and relaxing effect, which explains the presence of high concentrations of myrcene and caryophyllene, and lower proportions of limonene and humulene.

 

Dinamed CBD: a CBD-rich marijuana hybrid that reflects the meticulous selection process that we carried out starting with a Dancehall genetic. Dinamed CBD showcases a high cannabidiol (CBD) content and is characterised by notes of dark chocolate and orange that will immediately captivate your smell and taste buds. It is a superb cannabis plant that turns purple halfway through its flowering phase.

Dinamed CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects as its THC content is lower than 1%. Its terpene profile indicates a significant myrcene and caryophyllene content, as well as a small concentration of limonene and linalool. All these components explain the sensation of physical relaxation enjoyed when using this strain.

White Widow: an Indica-leaning cannabis strain that has been really popular since the mid 1990s. This genetic caused a stir in Holland's coffee shops in the golden age of these establishments. It is an exceptional strain whose success is not the result of chance: a very productive plant, with a simply unique flowery and fruity perfume and flavour, with subtle bittersweet hues.

But what has made this strain so incredibly successful is its extremely relaxing effect. It is a genetic that has had a long list of followers for a number of years, who use it to treat insomnia and loss of appetite, or to alleviate pain. Yet again, we find caryophyllene and myrcene in its terpene profile analysis, and limonene and humulene are also found in smaller proportions.