Terpenes in Cannabis: Are they therapeutic? with Catherine Cahill, MD

In this episode, Catherine M. Cahill, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA Brain Research Institute, delves into the fascinating world of terpenes—natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants—and their potential therapeutic effects, especially for pain relief. Join us as Dr. Cahill shares her expertise on the mechanisms, research findings, and regulatory status of these promising molecules.es. Key Topics Covered:The basic chemistry and role of terpenes andterpenoids in plantsHow terpenes differ from cannabinoids like THCand CBDThe most studied terpenes in pain relief:myrcene and beta-caryophyllenePreclinical evidence for terpene analgesiceffects in nerve and inflammatory painThe endogenous cannabinoid system and howterpenes may modulate itEvidence for sex differences in terpene responseand receptor distributionThe regulatory status of terpenes as foodadditives and their availabilityEmerging research on terpene interactions withother cannabinoidsPotential for opioid-sparing effects andreducing adverse outcomes Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to cannabisterpenes and their therapeutic promise02:30 - Basic chemistry: what areterpenes and terpenoids?06:00 - The role of terpenes inattracting pollinators and plant defense09:30 - Key terpenes studied:myrcene and beta-caryophyllene13:00 - How terpenes influence theendogenous cannabinoid system15:45 - Differences betweenterpenes and cannabinoids17:30 - Conditions potentiallybenefitting from terpene treatment and current research21:00 - Preclinical findings:analgesic effects in nerve and inflammatory pain models26:00 - Modulation of emotionalaspects of pain through the cannabinoid system27:30 - The entourage effect: doterpenes enhance THC and CBD efficacy?31:00 - Regulatory status andsafety of terpenes34:00 - Sex differences andhormonal influences on terpene receptor expression36:00 - Future directions:combination therapies and opioid-sparing potentials38:00 - Final thoughts