Many people turn to cannabis and natural products to alleviate pain symptoms, especially as the opioid epidemic continues to pose a significant threat. However, what if the aromatic compounds found in cannabis could provide relief from chronic pain without the psychoactive effects of THC?
These aromatic compounds, known as terpenes, are responsible for the distinct taste and smell of different cannabis strains. Terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis; they can also be found in various other plants. For example, linalool gives lavender its fragrance, limonene is abundant in lemons, beta-caryophyllene adds spiciness to pepper, and geraniol is present in citronella and rose oil.
A recent study published in Pharmacological Reports revealed that several terpenes have the potential to reduce postoperative pain in mice and alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia. John Streicher, a professor of neuroscience and pharmacology at the University of Arizona, and the senior author of the study, expressed his interest in exploring new and more effective ways to manage chronic pain. According to him, terpenes have shown promising results in relieving chronic pain in previous studies.
Researchers are continuously expanding their knowledge of the hundreds of compounds present in the cannabis plant, including terpenes. Previous research has indicated that terpenes possess anti-inflammatory properties, induce relaxation, and alleviate neuropathic pain resulting from chemotherapy.
In the study conducted by Streicher and his team, mice were subjected to a surgical procedure under anesthesia to simulate postoperative pain. Additionally, the mice were administered reserpine, a drug commonly used in mice to induce fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Subsequent injections of terpenes such as linalool, beta-caryophyllene, geraniol, and alpha-humulene were found to significantly reduce pain levels in the mice, with effects lasting up to two hours.
Ryan Vandrey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, acknowledged the analgesic effects of terpenes observed in the study. However, he emphasized the importance of understanding how these results can be translated to human pain relief scenarios, considering the significant dosage used in the study.
Josh Kaplan, an associate professor specializing in cannabis terpenes at Western Washington University, highlighted the necessity of further research to determine the optimal dosage and delivery methods of terpenes for effective pain management in humans.
While the study’s findings are promising, researchers are still working on elucidating the precise mechanisms through which terpenes alleviate pain. Streicher’s lab is exploring the involvement of a specific type of adenosine receptor in the brain and spinal cord, which seems to play a crucial role in the pain-relieving properties of terpenes.
Overall, the study sheds light on the potential of terpenes as a non-opioid alternative for pain management. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective dosage and delivery methods for safe and efficient pain relief in humans. The findings underscore the importance of regulation in the production and distribution of terpene products to ensure their safety and efficacy for consumers seeking natural pain relief solutions.
