The Best Terpenes for Pain
More and more people are choosing cannabis over prescription medications for pain relief. Some even prefer it to opioids. How can cannabis be this effective? You might think it’s just because of cannabinoids like CBD and THC, but terpenes play a part in this effect.
So what are the best terpenes for pain? Keep reading as we look closer at different effective terpenes for pain relief. Terpenes and cannabis have a lot to offer. Learn more about terpenes so you can use them to live your best life.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic components that can be found in different plants. They are responsible for a plant’s pleasant scent and taste. For instance, the uplifting aroma of lemons and the spicy flavor of black peppers come from terpenes. They can also attract pollinators and drive away predators.
Cannabis is one of the richest natural sources of terpenes, with more than 250 types identified. You can find some of the best terpenes for pain in the trichomes of the cannabis flower. Apart from creating the distinctive aroma of cannabis, these compounds give the plant various therapeutic properties.
How Do Terpenes Help Reduce Pain?
Pain relief is one of the main positive effects weed offers athletes and people suffering from chronic illnesses. While most of this therapeutic effect comes from cannabinoids like THC and CBD, some come from terpenes.
Research shows that terpenes mimic the activities of cannabinoids in the body to suppress pain and inflammation. They also enhance the already-existing pain-relieving properties of cannabinoids through the entourage effect. With balanced cannabis dosing and an understanding of different effective terpenes for pain relief, you can also enjoy this benefit.
Best Terpenes for Pain Relief
Cannabis has hundreds of terpenes. Here are some of the most effective ones for pain relief.
1. Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, or caryophyllene, is one of the most popular terpenes for reducing pain. This terpene has a peppery aroma. It’s also abundant in herbs like hops, cloves, rosemary, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Studies show that beta-caryophyllene directly activates the CB2 receptors in the body to induce its pain-relieving effects. It can also enhance the properties of low-strength morphine. So pairing it with other pain-killing medications under the supervision of a physician can be more effective.
Since caryophyllene is one of the best terpenes for pain, you should look for strains with a high level of this compound. Some cultivars rich in beta-caryophyllene include:
- Gelato
- Candyland
- Sour Diesel
- Bubba Kush
- Girl Scout Cookies
2. Limonene
Limonene terpene is another one of marijuana’s compounds with pain-relieving properties. It’s a frequently occurring terpene in nature with a citrusy flavor. You can also find it in peels of fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons.
Studies show that this terpene helps reduce pain by modulating the activity of TRP channels that detect painful sensations. Limonene can also help manage other factors, such as stress and inflammation.
To use limonene terpenes for pain, you should try the following marijuana strains:
- Sour Diesel
- Banana OG
- Berry White
- Bruce Banner
- Super Lemon Haze
3. Linalool
One of the best terpenes for pain is linalool. This compound is also one of the best terpenes for stress and anxiety, giving off a spicy, floral scent. It is abundant in herbs like mint, lavender, and rosewood.
Studies show that linalool blocks pain by affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. It may also work synergistically with opioids and impact those receptors. Some of the most linalool-rich cannabis strains include:
- Fire OG
- OG Shark
- Trainwreck
- Amnesia Haze
- LA Confidential
4. Beta-Myrcene
Beta-myrcene, or myrcene, is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis. It has a spicy, earthy flavor that contributes to its relaxing effects. It’s also abundant in bay leaves, mangoes, hops, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
According to studies, beta-myrcene is one of the best terpenes for pain as it enhances the effects of THC through the entourage effect. This terpene is also an excellent muscle relaxant. Strains high in beta-myrcene are often indicas. Some common examples include:
- OG Kush
- Harlequin
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Granddaddy Purple
5. Pinene
Pinenes are among the most effective terpenes for pain, existing in alpha and beta structures. They have a pine-like aroma and can be found in pine needles, mint, rosemary, and evergreen trees.
Studies show that these terpenes reduce migraines and neuropathic pain independent of cannabinoid receptors. They affect the opioid receptors throughout the body instead. Pinene-rich cannabis strains you can try are:
- AC/DC
- Grape Ape
- Chemdawg
- Cannatonic
- Big Smooth
6. Humulene
The last compound on our list of best terpenes for pain is humulene. This terpene is also known as alpha-caryophyllene or alpha-humulene. It has a pungent, spicy scent. You can also find it in herbs like basil, sage, black pepper, and hops.
Studies show that humulene reduces pain and inflammation through its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This terpene can also calm the mind and boost creativity.
Strains with a high level of humulene include:
- Headband
- Candyland
- Original Glue
- White Widow
- Girl Scout Cookies
15 Marijuana Strains With Pain-Relieving Terpenes
Now that you know which terpenes are best for pain relief, it’s time to learn more about the strains that have them. You can try these different marijuana strains until you find the best one for the most effective pain relief.
1. AC/DC
AC/DC is a balanced cross between Ruderalis and Cannatonic with up to 5% THC. It has cherry flavors with hints of diesel. There are many effective terpenes for pain in this strain, including myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene.
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant cross between Blueberry Indica and Super Silver Haze with around 18% THC. Its sweet citrus and berry notes come from some of the best terpenes for pain, like myrcene, alpha-pinene, and caryophyllene.
3. Bruce Banner
Bruce Banner is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Strawberry Diesel and OG Kush with 27–30% THC. It has an earthy, citrusy flavor due to its linalool, caryophyllene, and humulene terpenes.
4. Candyland
Candyland is a sativa-leaning cross between Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies with 19% THC. It has piney aromas with terpenes such as caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene.
5. Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a balanced hybrid of Reina Madre and NYC Diesel with 8% THC. It has a spicy aroma with notes of lemon. It also has some of the best terpenes for pain, including myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
6. Fire OG
Fire OG is an indica-dominant cross between OG Kush and San Fernando Valley with 15% THC. It has an earthy, citrusy flavor with undertones of diesel. The primary terpenes in this strain include limonene, myrcene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene.
7. Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is an indica-dominant cross between Durban Poison and OG Kush. It’s one of the strongest marijuana strains with 28% THC and earthy, sweet notes. It has the most effective terpenes for pain, including linalool, myrcene, pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene.
8. Grape Ape
Grape Ape is an indica-dominant hybrid of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani strains. It has 18-21% THC and dominant grape flavors. It has some of the best terpenes for pain, including myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
9. Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant combination of Columbian Gold, Swiss, and Thai sativas with 4% THC. It has earthy aromas with tropical undertones. Its terpene profile includes compounds like myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
10. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Sativa Haze, Northern Lights 5, and Shiva Skunk with up to 24% THC. It has earthy and citrusy flavors due to its dominant terpenes, which include terpinolene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
11. LA Confidential
LA Confidential is an indica-dominant cross between Afghani and California indica strains with 26% THC. It has a smooth, piney aroma with skunky undertones. It has some of the best terpenes for pain, including myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene.
12. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant cross between an unknown sativa and Chemdawg with up to 27% THC. Its citrusy flavor comes from its effective terpenes for pain, including limonene, myrcene, and pinene.
13. Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is a sativa-dominant cross between Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze with up to 20% THC. It has a sweet lemony flavor with terpenes like beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and myrcene.
14. Trainwreck
Trainwreck is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Thai and Mexican sativas and Afghani indicas. It has a spicy aroma with hints of sweetness and around 18% THC. This strain also has some of the best terpenes for pain, including myrcene, caryophyllene, and humulene.
15. White Widow
White Widow is an indica-dominant hybrid of a Brazilian sativa and a South Indian indica with up to 20% THC. It has earthy, citrusy flavors with effective terpenes for pain, like myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene.
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If you live in Arkansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma, you can come to us for your certifications and card renewals. Begin the process now to try some of the best terpenes for pain. If you enjoyed this article, visit our cannabis blog for more fun reads!