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Terpenes are the compounds naturally found in plants which give them their individual aromas and flavours and they are all around us. In the natural world, they have many roles such as helping plants to attract pollinators or deter predators from grazing on them.
Approximately 20,000 terpenes have been identified in plants with over 150 different terpenes identified in cannabis. So, humulene is one of many terpenes in cannabis.
The effects of terpenes are still being studied, and research is ongoing. Some laboratory studies have explored how terpenes interact with other plant compounds. For example, they may have the ability to alter the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids (compounds found in the cannabis plant like THC and CBD). But findings are preliminary and do not confirm proven medical benefits in humans.
THC and CBD are just two of over 100 cannabinoids, which are active compounds that can potentially cause effects throughout the body, found in the cannabis plant.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Please note: Cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
Below we’ll be exploring this terpene, as well as whether or not there is a potential link between medical cannabis and humulene, including how it may contribute to the overall chemical profile of cannabis products used under medical supervision.
What Is Humulene?
Alpha-humulene (often just called humulene) is a naturally occurring terpene found in the essential oils of various plants. As we mentioned above, terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to the scent and chemical profile of plants, and humulene is one of many studied in plant science.
Where Is Humulene Found Naturally?
Humulene occurs in a variety of plants, including hops, cloves, basil, and other herbs, as well as in some cannabis plants. It forms part of the plants’ natural composition and is one of the compounds responsible for their characteristic aromas.
What Does Humulene Taste and Smell Like?
Humulene is commonly described as having an earthy, woody, and slightly spicy aroma, often associated with hops. These flavour and scent characteristics are used to describe how the compound smells and tastes in plants where it is present. They relate only to sensory qualities and do not indicate any medical effect or therapeutic outcome.
Research Into Humulene and Potential Benefits?
Humulene has been studied in early-stage laboratory and preclinical research for properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and appetite-related effects. These findings are preliminary and do not confirm clinical benefits in humans.
So, although humulene effects are being looked into, these studies are typically conducted in controlled lab settings rather than in humans, meaning the findings are still at an early stage.
As a result, these areas of research do not represent established clinical benefits, and further studies are needed to understand any potential medical relevance.
Humulene in Cannabis Terpene Profiles
As we said above, humulene is just one of many terpenes that can be found in cannabis plants, often appearing alongside others such as myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Terpenes contribute to the aroma and flavour profile of each plant, helping to create the unique sensory characteristics of different cannabis varieties.
When it comes to medical cannabis, a humulene strain isn’t the only thing that’s considered. Because terpenes are actually often considered alongside other compounds found in cannabis like CBD and THC. Together they may produce different effects, and this phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. Although research in this area is still developing.
FAQs
Why Terpenes Are Discussed in Medical Cannabis
Terpenes are discussed in medical cannabis because they are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the aroma and chemical profile of many different plants, including cannabis.
Is humulene found only in cannabis?
No, humulene is not found only in cannabis, as it also occurs naturally in plants such as hops, cloves, and basil.
Summary
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.