The Difference Between Joints, Blunts and Spliffs
Lots of people overlook terpenes when it comes to cannabis, but they are actually what gives the plant its famous flavour and aroma, as well as holding multiple therapeutic benefits that have recently been discovered. One of these terpenes is called geraniol and is found in not only cannabis, but various other species of flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
New research suggests that terpenes have a huge part to play in the characteristics and effects of different cannabis strains, which means that terpene content actually determines what kind of high a variety can give off. Geraniol is one of these terpenes and is also found in lemongrass, blueberries, lemons, roses, and carrots. It’s also made by bees, who use it to mark their territories.
Treatment
Geraniol is often used as a natural flavoring agent in foods and is commonly found in lotions and soaps due to its pleasant, floral scent. Beyond fragrance and taste, geraniol has also caught the attention of researchers studying its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These are still early, exploratory findings rather than established treatments, but they underline why terpenes in cannabis and other plants are of growing scientific interest, not just for their sensory appeal.
Scientific Evidence
Geraniol has also drawn interest from cancer researchers as an organic antioxidant. Laboratory studies looking at its effects in cell cultures include one published in Biochemical Pharmacology in 2005, which examined geraniol's effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and another in the Cancer Medicine Journal in 2016, which looked at prostate cancer cells. This kind of early-stage, cell-culture research is a long way from a proven treatment, and should not be read as evidence that geraniol - or cannabis - can treat, prevent, or cure cancer.
There is still much more research to be done on geraniol and the more than 200 other terpenes out there. What's been published so far is genuinely interesting, and as legalisation spreads, cannabis science as a whole will keep growing - but any medical use should always be discussed with a healthcare professional, not decided from a blog post.
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Frequently asked questions
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to the plant’s flavor, aroma, and therapeutic effects. They play a significant role in determining the characteristics and effects of different cannabis strains.
Geraniol is a terpene found in cannabis and other plants like lemongrass, blueberries, and roses. It’s known for its floral, fruity scent and has potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Research suggests that geraniol has antioxidant properties that may help inhibit tumor growth, particularly in breast and prostate cancer cells. This makes it a promising compound in the ongoing search for natural cancer treatments.
