Best Cannabis Terpenes for Depression and Anxiety

There’s never been a more important time to look after your mental health. Anxiety affected a staggering 359 million people in 2021. Globally, an estimated 332 million people have depression. For some, it is mildly debilitating. For others, daily medication is a way of life. In response to this, more and more people are turning to natural solutions, like cannabis, to manage anxiety disorders and their mental health. And in this article, we will look at one of the lesser known components of cannabis, terpenes, and their role in alleviating depression and anxiety.

We’re all familiar with THC (the psychoactive compound of cannabis that gets us high) and CBD (the relaxing and health promoting component of cannabis). But do you know about terpenes?

They’re the aromatic compounds found in cannabis, and other plants, that are fast gaining recognition for their calming, uplifting, and mood-supporting effects.

Some of the terpenes in cannabis have been studied for their ability to alleviate depression and anxiety. And these are the specific terpenes you need to know about if you’re interested in what science and folklore say about boosting your mood.

Read on to find out how to incorporate terpene-rich products safely and mindfully into your daily routine.

Please note that this article is for information and education purposes only. You should consult a healthcare professional before using any cannabis products for your mental health.

Understanding Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in all kinds of plants. They’re responsible for their fragrant nature. In fact, you might already know that terpenes are found in essential oils. But they’re most commonly associated with cannabis, and they’re what gives cannabis its rich and aromatic scent and flavour. Lavender, citrus fruits, pine, hops, cloves, ginger, and rosemary are some great examples of terpene-rich plants.

Cannabis contains over 200 terpenes, and each contributes to its unique aroma and potential therapeutic benefits.

Not only do terpenes smell good – they do us good. Research suggests that some terpenes may interact with our own endocannabinoid system, serotonin production, and GABA receptors. This has positive implications for our mood, relaxation, and stress levels.

How Cannabis Terpenes Work with the Body

Cannabis terpenes are thought to work through what is known as the entourage effect. This is a neat synergistic effect where cannabinoids like CBD and THC work together with terpenes to enhance the therapeutic effect of cannabis. In this way, the components of cannabis all work together to look out for your mental health!

Terpenes are also thought to affect the nervous system by modulating neurotransmitters and brain chemistry.

A few early animal studies link terpenes to alleviating depression and anxiety. For instance, limonene (found in lemons and Lemon Skunk) was reported to boost serotonin (1). Linalool had anti-anxiety effects (2). Beta-caryophyllene interacted with CB2 receptors to influence inflammation and stress (3).

Despite this, more studies are needed to give scientists a broad picture of the potential of using cannabis terpenes to treat depression and anxiety.

But it doesn’t take a scientist to tell us that the scent of lemons makes us feel happier, right? Or to crave relaxing in a lavender-scented bathtub to soothe our frazzled nerves after a busy day.

So which terpenes are the best? Roll up, roll up terpenes!

The Best Cannabis Terpenes for Depression and Anxiety

1. Limonene – The Uplifting Citrus Terpene

Profile: Bright, lemony, fresh.

You can find this cheerful terpene in citrus fruits and cannabis strains like Super Lemon Haze and Do-Si-Dos. It’s known to boost the mood, bust stress, and has potential antidepressant properties. Use it as part of your wake-up routine with a nebulising diffuser and CBD flowers. Note: too much limonene can be overstimulating, and can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, so always start with a small dose.

2. Linalool – The Calming Floral Terpene

Profile: Floral, soft, slightly spicy.

This chilled terpene can be found in lavender, basil, and strains like LA Confidential. Use it to promote calm, relaxation, and improve your sleep. Linalool is a well-documented sedative and arguably one of the best terpenes for relaxation. For the ultimate in relaxation, look for CBD blends that combine it with lavender or feature a linalool-dominant profile.

3. Myrcene – The Soothing, Sedative Terpene

Profile: Earthy, musky, herbal.

Now for one you might not know—myrcene, found in hops, lemongrass, mangoes, and cannabis strains like Granddaddy Purple. Like linalool, it is best used in the evening for relaxing, helping to improve restlessness, and restore restful sleep. The best bit? Myrcene has the potential to improve cannabinoid absorption (4). A perfect example of the entourage effect.

4. Beta-Caryophyllene – The Spicy Stress-Reliever

Profile: Spicy, woody, warm.

This warming terpene can be found in black pepper, cloves, rosemary, and many cannabis strains. This terpene is unique in that it directly interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Here, it has shown potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (3).

5. Pinene – The Fresh Forest Terpene

Profile: Crisp, green, woodsy.

As the name suggests, you can find pinene in pine needles, rosemary, basil, and cannabis strains like Jack Herer. Pinene brings about a state of alert calmness, which can counteract the memory fog associated with stress or THC.

Just like a walk outdoors in a forest, pinene may help improve airflow and oxygen levels, aiding relaxation and focus during the day time.

6. Terpinolene – The Gentle Balancer

Profile: Herbal and fruity.

Ah, Terpinolene! Some of the most common strains of cannabis contain this balancing terpene, but it can also be found in apples, cumin, lilacs, and nutmeg. It has a mildly sedative effect, yet it is also uplifting. Great for restoring balance during times of emotional fatigue. This study covers its abilities as a sedative (5). Remember to start with small doses, since terpinolene can become too sedating if over-consumed.

7. Ocimene and Humulene – The Supporting Notes

Don’t forget these lesser-discussed terpenes to add nuance. Ocimene (basil, lavender, cannabis) is energising, and helps to counteract fatigue. Humulene (hops, sage, cannabis) is grounding, anti-inflammatory, and helps to ease tension. Humulene can cause restlessness in some people, so it’s important to go slowly and observe any less than desirable symptoms. Together, ocimene and humulene help fine-tune terpene profiles for both mood elevation and calm focus. Both are being studied for their beneficial use in mental health.

How to use Terpenes

Cannabis wellness comes from a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. The best way to utilise this is to buy what is known as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum cannabis products, depending on what is legal in your country. Full and broad-spectrum cannabis products maintain all the terpenes, while refined products often remove the terpenes to eliminate the taste and smell of cannabis and isolate only the cannabinoids.

Remember to start with low doses to assess your own individual tolerance. You can also consult with a healthcare professional to help you devise a treatment plan.

Smoke or vape?

If you smoke your bud, remember that the high temperatures can destroy terpenes. It’s best to vape your material, since this preserves the precious terpene content.

Certificate of Analysis

To ensure terpenes are present in your CBD, you can check product lab reports. Look for third-party lab certificates (COAs) showing terpene content and purity.

You can also check for any kind of promotion on Mama Kana CBD products.

Remember to trust your nose. If you like the smell of certain CBD flowers or cannabis strains, maybe it’s trying to tell you something!

Mama Kana: Supporting Mindful Relaxation with Terpene-Rich CBD

Mama Kana is a trusted CBD and wellness brand focusing on natural, high-quality hemp flowers and pre-rolls. Their commitment to transparency, cultivation, and purity set them aside from other shops. Their CBD flowers naturally retain rich terpene profiles, offering authentic aromatherapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects.

Mama Kana wants to guide people towards better wellness through the mindful use of plants. Their cannabis comes with terpenes for a holistic experience like no other!

Using Terpenes in Your Daily Routine

There are so many ways to bring more terpenes into your life to ease depression and anxiety, naturally.

For instance, CBD Flowers are just like real cannabis, containing CBD and terpenes, without the THC. Whether you choose pre-rolls or flowers, you’ll get a full on terpene experience.

Or try aromatherapy rituals. Use terpene-rich essential oils or CBD diffusers for mood regulation throughout the day. I really love functional fragrances for another potential uplift.

You can also incorporate CBD body oils or balms containing calming terpenes for tension relief. Use them in your skincare or baths for a mood boosting experience.

You don’t need me to tell you that nature is one of the best mood boosters. A walk in a forest or around trees, which are rich in pinene and phytoncides, can mimic terpene exposure from cannabis. Or why not combine both? A relaxing pre-roll while walking in the forest with yourself or your friends sounds like just the thing to temporarily relieve anxiety and depression.

Final Thoughts: Alleviating Anxiety & Depression Through Nature

Anxiety and depression are serious medical conditions, but cannabis offers a natural way to help to manage your symptoms alongside professional help from your doctor. If you love cannabis, then combine natural cannabis and terpene approaches with wellbeing practices like meditation, therapy, and social connection.

Cannabis terpenes are a fascinating and fun way to support mental and emotional balance. Research is ongoing, but terpenes show so much promise for treating mental health. Just like a walk in the woods, terpenes can help to refresh and rejuvenate our mind, and offer a gentle and mindful way to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

Until next time!