Top Anti-Inflammatory Cannabis Terpenes

Ozark MMJ Cards in Medical Marijuana September 27, 2023

Inflammation is a natural response by the immune system that protects the body from harm. However, too much of it can be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are natural solutions to reduce this type of inflammation. One of the most promising ones is cannabis with anti-inflammatory terpenes.

Terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to fight inflammation. While there are over 200 identified terpenes, some of them work better than others. Here, we will introduce you to six of the best terpenes for inflammation and the marijuana strains that have them.

First, let’s see what inflammation is all about.

Inflammation and the Human Body

Inflammation is part of your body’s immune response to triggers such as infections or injuries. It can protect your tissues and even save your life. However, if it lingers too long or occurs in healthy tissues, it can become dangerous!

This type of chronic inflammation that benefits from anti-inflammatory terpenes can happen due to exposure to dangerous chemicals, radiation, or an underlying health condition. If you don’t address it in time, it can lead to other health complications such as:

Cancer
Diabetes
Digestive issues
Respiratory problems
Autoimmune disorders
Cardiovascular diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases

Therefore, easing inflammation as soon as possible is vital. Marijuana can be an excellent ally for this purpose.

Marijuana and Inflammation

Most people only know about the pain-relieving and stress-reducing effects of medical marijuana. However, studies show that this natural supplement can do much more than that.

Scientists have found that apart from calming the mind and alleviating chronic pain, cannabis and its anti-inflammatory terpenes can also ease inflammation. This ease occurs from the entourage effect, where the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes work together.

Understanding Terpenes and Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Before introducing you to the best terpenes for inflammation, let us explain what terpenes are.

Terpenes are aromatic components of the cannabis plant that create its distinct scent and flavor. They are also present in other plants and fruits like berries and citrus.

Recent studies show that terpenes can also induce therapeutic effects. For instance, anti-inflammatory terpenes can ease inflammation by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system and blocking specific inflammatory molecules.

Top Terpenes for Inflammation

Scientists have discovered over 200 terpenes. Some of them have more potent anti-inflammatory properties than others. Since each strain of marijuana has a unique combination of terpenes, it’s a good idea to learn more about these fragrant compounds before making a purchase.

Here are six of the best terpenes for inflammation.

1. Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-pinene is a prominent terpene in cannabis, producing fresh pine-like aromas and herbaceous flavors. It’s also abundant in nature in rosemary, basil, and pine needles.

Alpha-pinene is among the most potent anti-inflammatory terpenes. Studies show that this terpene can directly inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways by reducing pro-inflammatory markers.

Alpha-pinene is also one of the best terpenes for anxiety and stress. You can find this terpene in strains like:

ACDC
OG Kush
Big Smooth
Blue Dream
Bubba Kush

2. Beta-Caryophyllene

Another one of the best terpenes for inflammation is the peppery beta-caryophyllene. The spicy aromas of this terpene give plants like black pepper, hops, cloves, and basil their distinctive flavors.

Studies of this terpene’s anti-inflammatory potential are promising. According to recent research, beta-caryophyllene shows anti-inflammatory properties in various conditions. This effect is mediated via the activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptors and has immense potential for medicinal application.

Beta-caryophyllene also has prominent anti-anxiety and painkilling properties. You can find this terpene in strains such as:

Gelato
Sour Diesel
Bubba Kush
Super Silver Haze
Girl Scout Cookies

3. Limonene

Another terpene celebrated for its anti-inflammatory effects is limonene. This citrusy terpene gives a zesty, uplifting energy to cannabis and other plants like lemons, oranges, and limes.

Scientists focusing on anti-inflammatory terpenes have confirmed the potential of limonene for reducing inflammation. According to their studies, limonene lowers the levels of inflammatory cytokines (proteins released by cells that promote inflammation).

Limonene’s effects and benefits go beyond its inflammation-fighting powers. This terpene can also fight oxidative stress, cancer, anxiety, and heart disease. Here are some limonene-rich strains you can try:

OG Kush
Jack Herer
Sour Diesel
Bruce Banner
Durban Poison

4. Linalool

Another one of the best terpenes for inflammation is linalool. Apart from cannabis, you can sense the floral scent of this terpene in mint, lavender, and basil.

Multiple studies point to this terpene’s anti-inflammatory benefits. They suggest that linalool reduces inflammation by directly suppressing the pro-inflammatory response from the cells in the immune system.

Linalool is also terrific for reducing pain and calming the mind. You can find this promising terpene in the following cultivars:

Trainwreck
Purple Kush
Amnesia Haze
LA Confidential
Granddaddy Purple

5. Myrcene

Our list of inflammation-reducing terpenes continues with myrcene, a popular aromatic compound with musky scents. You can find myrcene in most strains of cannabis and plants like eucalyptus, lemongrass, and hops.

According to research, this terpene’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to activate cannabinoid receptors and limit the inflammatory response. Apart from this effect, myrcene can also be used for its muscle-relaxing functions.

Some of the most popular marijuana strains high in myrcene include:

Tangie
Remedy
Jack Herer
Blue Dream
Granddaddy Purple

6. Nerolidol

The last compound on our list of the best terpenes for inflammation is the floral and woody nerolidol. This terpene is abundant in cannabis cultivars and plants like tea tree, ginger, and jasmine.

According to studies, nerolidol suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the release of certain pro-inflammatory enzymes and molecules. Apart from being one of the top anti-inflammatory terpenes, nerolidol is also one of the best terpenes for sleep.

You can find nerolidol in cultivars such as:

Jack Herer
Chemdawg
Blue Dream
Bubba Kush
Skywalker OG

10 Marijuana Strains High In Inflammation-Reducing Terpenes

Now that you know the best terpenes for inflammation, it’s time to meet some of the most popular strains that contain them.

1. ACDC

ACDC is one of the best marijuana strains for chronic pain and inflammation, with terpenes like alpha-pinene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene. It packs 5% THC, 12% CBD, and cherry flavors.

You can use this balanced love child of Cannatonic and Ruderalis throughout the day to relieve inflammation without losing focus.

2. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is another strain rich in anti-inflammatory terpenes, including alpha-pinene, myrcene, and nerolidol. With 18% THC and 2% CBD, this sativa-dominant strain gives you sweet berry flavors.

Use Blue Dream during the day or night to reduce inflammation while entering a dream-like state.

3. Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is the third strain on our list that contains some of the best terpenes for inflammation. This cultivar is rich in alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. Bubba Kush has 25% THC and sweet, nutty flavors.

You can enjoy this indica-dominant strain for a relaxing, inflammation-free night.

4. Durban Poison

Durban Poison is another fantastic strain rich in anti-inflammatory terpenes like limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool. With 15% to 25% THC, Durban Poison exudes citrusy scents.

Try this pure sativa strain in the morning for an uplifting buzz and a relaxed mind.

5. Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is fifth on our list of the best strains for inflammation. It contains terpenes like beta-caryophyllene, linalool, myrcene, pinene, and limonene. With a cookie-like aroma and 28% THC, GSC is one of the strongest marijuana strains.

Try this indica-dominant strain in the evening to lower inflammation and experience whole-body relaxation.

6. Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is another cultivar with high levels of anti-inflammatory terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and alpha-pinene. This strain contains up to 27% THC and 1% CBD. It gives you sweet grape flavors.

Enjoy this indica cross between Big Bud and Purple Urkle during the evening for a stress-free mind and body.

7. Jack Herer

Named after a cannabis activist, Jack Herer has some of the best terpenes for inflammation. Rich in limonene, myrcene, and nerolidol, this strain packs 24% THC and piney aromas.

Use this sativa-dominant hybrid of Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights #5 in the morning for an uplifting high.

8. LA Confidential

LA Confidential is another strain full of anti-inflammatory terpenes like linalool, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene. With 26% THC, this strain exudes the relaxing scents of forests.

Enjoy this indica-dominant descendant of Afghani and California indica strains in the evening to lower inflammation.

9. OG Kush

Another fantastic strain for inflammation is OG Kush. This marijuana cultivar has terpenes like alpha-pinene, limonene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene. With 20% THC and citrusy aromas, OG Kush is also one of the best strains for back pain.

Try this indica-dominant cultivar any time of the day for a euphoric and happy feeling.

10. Skywalker OG

The last strain on our list is Skywalker OG. This strain contains anti-inflammatory terpenes such as nerolidol, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene. It packs 23% THC, 2% CBD, and spicy flavors.

You can enjoy this indica-dominant hybrid in the evening for a couch-locked effect.

Try the Best Terpenes for Inflammation With Ozark MMJ Cards

Do you want to experience the anti-inflammatory effects of these terpenes for yourself? Ozark MMJ Cards can help!

We offer affordable medical marijuana card services in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. With our online appointments, you can get your certification from the comfort of your home and apply for your card. Our application is free, and we provide a full refund if you’re not certified!