New Research Reveals Pain-Relieving Properties of Cannabis Terpenes

Recent research has uncovered the potential of terpenes, aromatic compounds found in cannabis, to alleviate pain without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. This finding emerges as an alternative solution amidst the ongoing opioid crisis, which has led many to explore natural remedies for pain relief.

Terpenes are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of various cannabis strains. They are not exclusive to cannabis; for instance, linalool is found in lavender, limonene is present in citrus fruits, beta-caryophyllene is abundant in pepper, and geraniol is a component of rose oil and citronella. A study published in Pharmacological Reports indicated that several terpenes demonstrated a capacity to reduce postoperative pain in mice and alleviate symptoms related to fibromyalgia.

John Streicher, a professor of neuroscience and pharmacology at the University of Arizona, emphasizes the lab's focus on discovering innovative methods for chronic pain management. The results from their recent studies suggest that terpenes are highly effective at pain relief for chronic conditions.

Research into the hundreds of compounds found in cannabis continues to expand. Previous studies have shown that terpenes can reduce pain and inflammation, induce calming effects, and relieve neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy.

In their experiments, Streicher and his team simulated postoperative pain in mice through minor surgery and induced fibromyalgia-like symptoms using reserpine, a medication that causes widespread pain and hypersensitivity in mice. Following this, the researchers administered terpenes including linalool, beta-caryophyllene, geraniol, and alpha-humulene to assess their effects on pain relief, comparing results to a control group that did not receive any terpenes.

The findings revealed that geraniol and alpha-humulene notably alleviated pain after surgery, while both geraniol and linalool significantly reduced pain associated with fibromyalgia, with effects lasting approximately two hours.

Ryan Vandrey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, acknowledges the study's findings, noting existing evidence supporting the analgesic properties of terpenes. However, translating these results to human experiences remains a challenge. The terpenes were administered at a dose of 200 milligrams per kilogram in mice, a significantly higher amount than what an average human might encounter. In human applications, terpenes are typically inhaled, applied topically, or ingested in the form of tinctures or as part of cannabis products.

Vandrey highlights that the doses used in the study exceed what individuals would typically encounter in cannabis, suggesting that achieving similar benefits for pain relief could necessitate separate supplements designed to increase terpene exposure.

Streicher mentions ongoing efforts to determine how these results can be applied to humans and notes that the dosages observed in mice may not directly correlate to those appropriate for human use. He points out that while some drugs are effective at higher doses in mice, dosages for human application are usually much lower.

Research into the use of cannabis and its components continues, with teams like Ziva Cooper's at UCLA investigating how individuals respond to cannabis under various conditions. Streicher's lab is also exploring passive inhalation methods for delivering terpenes to mice, simulating the way humans would engage with cannabis products.

Despite the promising data, researchers stress the importance of caution regarding unregulated supplements that may impact consumer experiences with terpene-based wellness products. Preliminary findings have shown variability in terpene concentrations in commercially available products, necessitating careful consideration of product quality.

Streicher's research is pioneering in identifying the specific mechanisms through which terpenes may alleviate pain, particularly through their interaction with adenosine receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This research could pave the way for novel pain management therapies that avoid the pitfalls associated with traditional opioid medications.