We all know about the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN are well known and extensively researched. Do you know some other compounds are also present in the cannabis plant, known as terpenes and flavonoids? Both terpenes and flavonoids play an important role in cannabis’ specific smell and flavor. They are similar to some extent but offer unique therapeutic effects and interact with the body differently. Terpenes are responsible for the smells in cannabis, while flavonoids contribute to the unique color of strain. Let’s see how they are different or similar and what important roles they play in the cannabis plant and human body.
What Are Flavonoids?
Cannabis plants contain almost twenty flavonoids; there could be more, but they have not been discovered yet. Plenty of flavonoids are present in nature. These flavonoids are responsible for each cannabis strain’s unique flavors and the pigmentation of the plant. Flavonoids like quercetin are present in different fruits and vegetables. Cannflavins are unique to cannabis, which means that they are only found in cannabis plants. They are essential for plants as pigments but not necessary for their survival. Beautiful, deep purple cannabis strains owe their coloration due to the flavonoids known as anthocyanins. Now you may know the reason for the different colors of different cannabis strains.
What Do Flavonoids Do In The Cannabis Plant?
Cannabis flavonoids are responsible for giving cannabis plants their particular pigmentation. Different colors of cannabis plants are just due to these flavonoids. Research shows that flavonoids (including Cannaflavins) may also have different beneficial properties. They act as antioxidants by protecting cells from damage and also reducing swelling. They can improve cardiovascular functions. Each flavonoid found in cannabis is thought to offer different health benefits, but the following are some of the most commonly considered therapeutic uses: They can help in improving cardiovascular function. They are also helpful in managing chronic pain conditions.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds present in plants that contribute to cannabis’ unique flavor and aroma. Terpenes exist everywhere in nature and have their own potential health benefits apart from cannabis. Scientists have identified at least hundreds of different terpenes in cannabis. Terpenes in trichomes of the plant affect the sensory experience of a cannabis cultivar. These are the terpenes that make certain strains smell or taste different from others.
What Do Terpenes Do In The Cannabis Plant?
Terpenes protect cannabis plants from harsh weather and predators. These act as the natural defense system of the plant. The main thing is that the dominant terpenes in different cannabis strains work in synergy with other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, to produce the effects people associate with different strains. Prominent terpenes and flavonoids strains produce different effects when working with cannabinoids. This may help you to understand why two different strains with the same level of THC and CBD produce different effects.
Research has identified plenteous evidence supporting the usefulness of terpenes. Both terpenes and flavonoids are active compounds in cannabis, offering a host of potential therapeutic value, though science has yet to thoroughly research their role in cannabis. You may hear about the entourage effect. Unique cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes work together to produce unique physiological experiences, working on the endocannabinoid system to attend to various ailments. So you can say that flavonoids and terpenes work better in the presence of cannabinoids.
There is a need for more research to explore the true potential of these flavonoids and terpenes. It’s high time to work on different ratios and formulations that will help with particular health concerns. As you know, everyone also has their own unique endocannabinoid system, so a cannabinoid-terpenes-flavonoid profile that is effective for one person may not necessarily work for another. Some other factors like age, lifestyle, body weight, and the use of medications may affect the effects of terpenes and flavonoids. If you are smoking cannabis, then these terpenes and flavonoids can affect your smoking experience. Different profiles and concentrations produce different effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do Terpenes Get You High?
Terpenes do not directly provide euphoric effects, but they may have indirect psychoactive properties via their interaction with THC, other cannabinoids, and other receptor systems. They work closely with other compounds in cannabis to interact with the endocannabinoid system and contribute to shaping the overall sensory experience. Usually, terpenes are not intoxicating, although the presence of high amounts of terpenes like myrcene may contribute to the sedative effects of cannabis.
Q. Are There Flavonoids In Hemp?
Flavonoids are found everywhere in nature, including hemp, a variety of Cannabis Sativa. Flavonoids account for almost three percent of the dry weight of the plant. Flavonoids also contribute to the uniqueness of each strain.
Q. Do Flavonoids Get Me High?
It is only a misconception that cannabis flavonoids make you high. Cannabis flavonoids don’t get you high. They may help other cannabinoids to work in a better way and may help to achieve an entourage effect.
Q. Are Terpenes and Flavonoids More Important Than Other Cannabinoids?
No doubt terpenes and flavonoids have many beneficial properties, but it is not appropriate to say that they are more important than cannabinoids; terpenes could play a significant role in the type of experience associated with each strain. They are important to consider when determining an appropriate strain choice. They play an important role in the entourage effect when all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work in synergy.
To Conclude…
Terpenes and flavonoids both are important and the future of cannabis research. Researchers have begun to metabolically engineer terpenes and Cannaflavins separately from the cannabis plants to unveil their true potential. Different pharmaceutical Companies have already begun to explore commercial opportunities for putting both flavonoids and terpenes into the products. Terpenes and flavonoids both could be the next big thing in medical cannabis science due to their beneficial properties. There is a high need for more research and human studies to unveil their true potential in medical science.
