Exploring the role of terpenes in medical cannabis treatments
4 min read
Sam North
Taking the first steps into the world of medical cannabis can be slightly overwhelming. With so many new terms to get your head around, the learning curve can feel steep. Don't worry, though - here in our continued "New Patient" guide, we've got you covered.
Terpenes in cannabis play a few key roles, so let's quickly break it all down into manageable chunks.
Contents
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis (and many other plants) their distinctive scents and flavours. You can think of them as the building blocks of essential oils, but they do more than just smell great.
Why are terpenes so important to cannabis plants?
Cannabis-derived terpenes act as:
- The first line of defence for the plant against insects and other pests.
- A natural way to protect cannabis from fungus, bacteria, and other environmental threats.
Cannabis terpenes also:
- Help to attract pollinators, ensuring the continuation of the plant's species.
- Offer their own potential health benefits, adding to the overall therapeutic qualities of cannabis-based medicines.
Which terpenes are commonly found in medical cannabis?
There are over 20,000 terpenes produced by Earth's flora, with the Cannabis sativa L. genus offering up about 400 of them. Some terpenes are found in most medical cannabis strains, while others are a little rarer. Some interact directly with the endocannabinoid system receptors, while others boost the effects of cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
The most commonly found terpenes in medical cannabis are:
Each of these cannabis terpenes has its own set of potential properties and benefits, which we will dive into properly in our upcoming terpene blog series!
For now, just know that different medical cannabis products will contain differing levels and combinations of terpenes, all of which can impact your experience differently. Your prescribing specialist can explain the terpene profile of your prescribed cannabis-based medicine and how it may affect you.
Medical cannabis, terpenes, and the entourage effect
Earlier in our "New Patient" series, we explained the therapeutic importance of cannabinoids (THC and CBD), but the role that cannabis terpenes play shouldn't be overlooked.
The "entourage effect" is a widely accepted theory that states that the various chemical compounds produced by cannabis plants, including terpenes, work synergistically to produce a more significant range of therapeutic effects than any one compound can achieve on its own.
In other words, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes is what may make medical cannabis an effective complementary treatment option for such a wide range of health concerns and conditions.
Final thoughts on cannabis terpenes and their effects
Research into the therapeutic role that terpenes play in medical cannabis treatment is still ongoing, and we cannot claim to have a complete understanding of their effects just yet, but the results so far are pretty conclusive.
Right now, we can confidently say that terpenes are essential to the overall medical cannabis picture, and their potential should not be overlooked.
Over the next few weeks, we will be delving more deeply into each of the more common terpenes produced by medical cannabis and what they might mean for you as a patient. Keep an eye on our blog - and check out our free, quick, and easy eligibility checker to see if medical cannabis might be an option for you.
Share article
Did you like this article?
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Elevate your wellness with medical cannabis
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Authors
Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
Editorial Policy
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
Need more help?
Blog Categories
Further reading
How UK medical cannabis delivery works (and why delays sometimes happen) in 2026
Medical cannabis delivery in the UK follows strict legal safeguards. Most prescriptions arrive within 2 to 5 working days, but compliance rules and courier regulations can occasionally extend timelines. Here’s how the process works, why licensed couriers are required, and what happens if a delivery is missed.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Building inclusive futures
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important date in the ongoing movement to end the Gender Gap. Despite still being a minority in many fields, women have made some of the most influential contributions to scientific development and progression in history. In honour of this year’s event, we’re honouring the women and girls who continue to push the boundaries of science and how their contributions are shaping the world of health care.
UK medical cannabis for chronic pain: what 792 current patients reported
In November 2025, Releaf conducted the largest medical cannabis patient survey ever carried out in the UK. This blog focuses on 792 people prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, sharing patient-reported data on effectiveness, quality of life, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence in real-world settings.