Pain can disrupt every aspect of daily life, limiting activities and impacting overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, chronic pain affects an estimated 21% of American adults, making everyday tasks difficult. Opioids, commonly prescribed for severe pain, pose risks due to their addictive potential, pushing medical professionals to search for safer alternatives. Now, new groundbreaking research highlights a natural compound in cannabis—terpenes—that could revolutionize pain management.
Understanding the Research on Cannabis Terpenes
In a recent study published in the journal Pharmacological Reports, researchers analyzed four specific terpenes abundantly found in the Cannabis sativa plant: geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene. Using mouse models for post-operative pain and fibromyalgia—a chronic condition causing widespread musculoskeletal pain—the study revealed significant findings. Each terpene tested offered substantial pain relief, with geraniol emerging as particularly effective.
“Our research suggests that terpenes should be broadly effective for chronic pain relief,” says study co-author John M. Streicher, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson, and member of the University of Arizona Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction.
What Exactly Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants’ leaves, flowers, and stems, explains Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a toxicologist at MedStar Health. They’re the primary ingredient responsible for the aromatic qualities of plant-based essential oils. Cannabis plants, specifically, boast more than 100 different terpenes, according to David Edwards, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University.
Jamie Alan, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, emphasizes variability: “Different cannabis strains contain various terpene combinations, which accounts for their unique aroma profiles.”
Importantly, terpenes aren’t exclusive to cannabis. Streicher highlights, “Terpenes, including geraniol, exist in numerous plants beyond cannabis. Terpenes isolated from other plants contain no THC, eliminating the psychoactive risks associated with cannabis.”
How Terpenes Work to Relieve Pain
Terpenes interact with the human body through multiple mechanisms. For instance, linalool—a terpene prominent in lavender—is known to improve relaxation and sleep quality. Pinene promotes gastrointestinal and cognitive health, while myrcene helps alleviate inflammation and joint pain.
Dr. Streicher notes a specific pathway terpenes utilize for pain relief: blocking the adenosine A2a receptor, similarly targeted by caffeine. “Researchers are actively discovering how terpenes interact with these receptors,” Alan says, pointing out that understanding these interactions is crucial for future therapeutic applications.
Potential Methods for Using Terpenes
“Certain cannabis-derived terpenes, such as geraniol and linalool, can interact with targets in the brain and spinal cord, effectively relieving pain,” says Dr. Johnson-Arbor. However, the optimal method for therapeutic terpene delivery is still under investigation.
According to Streicher, potential delivery methods include liquid tinctures held under the tongue, gummies, chews, vaporized inhalation, or transdermal patches. Still, researchers emphasize many unanswered questions: the correct terpene choice, dosage, and administration frequency remain unclear.
Safety Considerations and Risks
As with any natural remedy, safety is paramount. The main concern with terpenes centers around potential allergic reactions or sensitivities, says Dr. Edwards. Since most terpene research is in early stages and largely animal-based, definitive human safety profiles remain incomplete.
Yet, Streicher’s team has found no toxic or addictive effects from terpenes during their studies. He further reassures that beta-caryophyllene holds a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA, confirming its general safety for human consumption.
Can You Access Terpenes Now?
Terpenes are currently accessible in cannabis products like CBD oils, tinctures, topical creams, and gummies in states where cannabis is legal. However, due to inconsistent product regulation, Dr. Edwards strongly advises physician consultation before usage. “This might be a safer alternative compared to opioids, but expert medical guidance remains essential,” he advises.
Dr. Johnson-Arbor echoes caution: “Always discuss with your healthcare provider potential risks and benefits before considering terpenes for pain relief.”
Despite promising early results, terpenes remain mostly unregulated. Streicher emphasizes the importance of researching suppliers carefully to ensure product purity and safety. His team continues rigorous clinical research to validate terpenes as a robust, natural pain management option.
Dr. Edwards captures the medical community’s optimism: “In the pain management world, we are hopeful terpenes could significantly impact chronic pain care.”
As research evolves, the discovery of terpenes as potential natural pain relievers highlights a hopeful path away from opioids toward safer pain relief.
