The more we study the cannabis plant, the more we learn about its wide-ranging therapeutic potential. For example, a lot of people are now using terpenes for anxiety disorders. That’s right: as it happens, CBD and THC aren’t the only cannabis ingredients with the ability to deliver physical (eg, anti-inflammatory) and emotional relief.
A relative newcomer to the cannabis conversation, terpenes have an important role to play in the context of the “entourage effect.” In other words, they interact with and complement their fellow marijuana constituents, which are natural and organic compounds, contributing to the plant’s overall impact on the human body, affecting both our bodies and minds. But new research also suggests that terpenes carry significant anti-anxiety properties in their own right.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on a few of the best terpenes for anxiety disorders. We’ll also give you a rundown of the best marijuana strains for anxiety, including ones currently for sale atTrue-Blue.co.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, a brief word about terpenes in general.
What are terpenes?
Without getting overly technical, terpenes are organic, aromatic compounds found in plants that lend them their distinctive fragrance and flavor. That includes foods like apples, oranges, basil, and pepper, to name a few.
Terpenes are also the primary component of essential oils, many of which are known to have medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. For instance, we have the terpene linalool to thank for lavender oil’s pleasing scent—and, moreover, for its perceived health benefits. Some studies suggest it may possess anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, though more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these medical benefits.
All told, there are over 200 different terpenes in the many strains of cannabis - two such examples are caryophyllene and myrcene. As we noted above, they work in conjunction with other marijuana ingredients to produce synergistic effects that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties, resulting in both psychoactive and therapeutic effects, from relieving pain and inflammation to managing epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Early-stage research is investigating whether certain terpenes might have neuroprotective properties that could one day play a role in cognitive health support. It’s no wonder they’re routinely included in CBD oil.
Best terpenes for anxiety
If you’re an adult living in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ve suffered from anxiety at some point. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that about 19 percent of American adults currently have an anxiety disorder. That translates to more than 40 million people.
Anxiety comes in a number of different forms and provokes a variety of emotional and physical anxiety symptoms, including excessive worry, restlessness, and tension, some of which can be debilitating. Chronic stress can also contribute to the development or worsening of anxiety disorders. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), each presenting unique challenges and symptoms.
Prescription drugs like SSRIs and benzodiazepines can help, but many people are understandably wary of the long list of possible side effects and the risk of dependency. Fortunately, natural alternatives do exist, and terpenes have emerged as one of the top contenders for managing anxiety and supporting anxiety management strategies.
So which of the hundreds of cannabis terpenes are best when it comes to relieving anxiety? We zero in on three of them below.
Limonene
As its name indicates, limonene is abundant in citrus fruits: limes, lemons, grapefruits, and especially oranges. It’s abundant in marijuana, too—if a strain has strong citrusy notes, you can be sure it contains a high concentration of limonene.
Today limonene is commonly added to foods, beverages, cleaning solutions, soaps, perfumes, lotions, etc. But thousands of years before it was employed as an additive, limonene was being used therapeutically.
Several recent studies suggest this terpene is beneficial to our health. A 2013 study in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior observed anti-anxiety effects of limonene in animal models; however, further research is required to determine if these effects are equally robust in humans.
Other studies have found that limonene has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and ulcers.
Myrcene
About half of all the terpenes occurring in cannabis are myrcene, making it one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis strains. Mangoes, lemongrass, hops, and basil also contain large amounts of this calming terpene. Traditionally, myrcene is used as a treatment for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Myrcene is sought out by users who believe it has calming properties and calming effects. So it's a key calming terpene for those seeking deep relaxation and restful sleep.
It has been studied for anti-anxiety and muscle-relaxing properties. With some suggestion that it helps to reduce muscle tension and promote a profound sense of calm. Research has shown that it has sedative effects and sedative properties on par with the barbiturate phenobarbital, particularly when combined with other terpenes. As a result, cannabis strains high in myrcene are favored by people who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or a combination of the two, and are often chosen to help manage stress.
Research into myrcene has explored its potential role in managing pain and inflammation, with some studies indicating anti-catabolic effects in laboratory settings
Beta-caryophyllene
Famous for its spicy aroma, this terpene is prevalent in cannabis, black pepper, cloves, hops, basil, oregano, and rosemary. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is interesting in that it selectively binds to cb2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, much like THC and CBD do. As a result, it is sometimes classified as a cannabinoid, although, unlike THC, it does not engender any psychoactive effects. BCP is also recognized for its anti inflammatory properties, which contribute to its calming and therapeutic effects.
A 2014 study published in Physiology & Behavior found that BCP reduced anxiety-like behaviors in mice, leading researchers to suggest it as a candidate for future mood disorder research. In their conclusion, the authors wrote: “The possibility that BCP may ameliorate the symptoms of these mood disorders offers exciting prospects for future studies.” This highlights BCP's ability to alleviate symptoms related to anxiety and stress.
Besides anxiety and depression, BCP can be used to treat inflammation, pain, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, colitis, diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, and dementia. Furthermore, it is sometimes included in cancer therapies, as it has been shown to interact with certain chemotherapy drugs to slow the growth of tumors. Overall, beta-caryophyllene offers a range of therapeutic benefits, making it a valuable terpene for those seeking natural support for mental and physical well-being.
Best cannabis strains for anxiety
While exploring different terpene profiles may be helpful, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis-derived products to manage anxiety symptoms.
Cannatonic
This hybrid strain delivers a concise, relaxing high thanks to a relatively low THC content outweighed by its CBD content. Cannatonic features high levels of myrcene as well as beta-caryophyllene—a terrific combination for individuals struggling with anxiety, chronic pain, or insomnia.
Granddaddy Purple
Also known as GDP, this indica hybrid is a far cry from Cannatonic with a THC content of about 17 percent. Like Cannatonic, though, it contains a lot of beta-caryophyllene. The upshot is a strong, enduring high that is also very calming. Fans of Granddaddy Purple go back to it time and again to manage their stress and reduce anxiety. Amnesia Haze is another strain known for its anti-anxiety benefits, thanks to its rich linalool content and relaxing effects.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is another indica strain renowned for its sedative powers. This one ticks all the terpene-profile boxes, boasting high levels of beta-caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene. Expect nothing short of full-body relaxation after ingesting Bubba Kush, which has average THC content and a negligible amount of CBD.
Northern Lights
As with the previous strain, Northern Lights completes the anxiety terpene hat trick. Myrcene leads the way, followed by considerable doses of beta-caryophyllene and limonene. Rounded out by a modest level of THC and very little CBD, this strain transports you to a serene state where anxiety levels melt away.
Remedy
This strain is perfect for folks who want relief minus any psychoactive complications, as it contains almost no THC. The high concentration of CBD is augmented by myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, inducing feelings of relaxation, tranquility and restfulness.
Using terpenes for anxiety
For those who aren’t keen on smoking cannabis, there are a few other ways to derive the anti-anxiety benefits of terpenes. The most popular alternatives are vaping and cannabis extracts.
To vape terpenes, you’ll need to purchase a terpene-infused THC- or CBD-based vape liquid. One major advantage of vaping is that it doesn’t involve combustion, and therefore doesn’t create “tar”—the carcinogenic substance in cigarette smoke. Burning marijuana also creates tar, and while it’s not as harmful as the tar given off by tobacco, it’s not exactly good for you either. In that sense, vaping terpenes is a less harmful option.
As for liquid extracts, they can be found at your local CBD store or marijuana dispensary. When shopping for an extract, keep an eye out for the term “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum.” This means the liquid contains all the active ingredients in the cannabis plant as opposed to just one or two, which facilitates the entourage effect.