The definitive guide to terpenes and cannabis aromatherapy

Do you know that there is another unique way that the human body can ingest marijuana without smoking, vaping, or consuming anything edible? It is an unusual way in which the medicinal benefits of marijuana can be obtained. This method is called aromatherapy.

Some users are always initially skeptical of the healing properties of this technique. However, their views often change when they learn that a plant’s aromatic and aromatic terpenes can be inhaled for some of the general benefits of marijuana.

The cannabis plant contains a complex blend of terpenes or essential oils – over 200 – each of which enhances the aroma of the plant. The discovery of the aromatherapy process has given the world the opportunity to take advantage of the essential oils contained in a cannabis plant.

Photo by Chelsea Shapouri via Unsplash

Here I am going to provide a comprehensive guide to terpenes and marijuana aromatherapy: how it works, how it is used, and how effective this unusual practice is.

What is Marijuana Aromatherapy?

The term “aromatherapy” combines two words: aroma and therapy. Aroma means smell, while therapy is defined as treating mental or physical disorders.

Marijuana aromatherapy can be described as the ancient practice of inhaling cannabis-infused essential oils for their healing properties.

Cannabis and its terpenes have healing properties that make the essential oils very powerful. This is also because the olfactory system and endocannabinoid receptors are triggered by the cannabis itself. This practice has been used for several years to help patients with mental disorders such as insomnia, paranoia, and increased anxiety.

Aromatherapists claim that the practice of marijuana aromatherapy uses the reopened plants to stimulate and harmonize a person’s body, mind and spirit.

How marijuana aromatherapy oil is made

Cannabis contains a complex mixture of terpenes. While most plants only contain one or two. These terpenes are isolated and identified. After that, they are extracted and converted into their liquid form.

RELATED: The Importance of Terpenes in Cannabis and Their Powerful Effects on Health

The extraction process is often carried out by steam distillation or using a strong solvent. The concentrated specific terpene liquid can be mixed with another to reproduce the intense scent of the marijuana plants.

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How Marijuana Aromatherapy Works

There are misconceptions that marijuana aromatherapy works in the same way as ingested cannabis. It’s not like this. Aromatherapy does not create the unique internal molecular effect that promotes therapeutic interactions. This is what common cannabis use does.

Instead, it works by interacting slightly with receptors in the brain and central nervous system.

The olfactory receptors in the brain and in the olfactory system are rich in natural receptors for cannabinoids.

The availability of terpenes increases the effectiveness of cannabinoids. The more terpenes that are added, the more effective the mixture will be.

The strange aspect of this practice is that no matter how pleasant it is, patients are always drawn to the complex smell of cannabis-infused oils.

When you inhale these terpene-infused essential oils, the receptors process these scents and cause a relaxing and pain relieving response from the CNS.

Some of the benefits of marijuana therapy are:

• Better skin
• Elevation
• Pain relief
• Reduced insomnia

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Using Marijuana Aromatherapy

There are several ways this process can be done. However, the most promising and effective methods of using marijuana aromatherapy are:

# 1 – massaging

Your chances of relaxing after using the cannabis oil on your skin will increase. Massaging with cannabis oil provides an up close interaction where you can take in the soothing scents for a while. That is for the duration of the process and even after it. During massages, the terpenes stay on your skin for a few hours after the massage.

RELATED: Is Using Hemp CBD Oil Better Than Essential Oils for Massage?

It is important to say that your cannabis oil must be mixed with either water or another massage oil before applying it to your skin. This is arguably the best way to apply cannabis oil and you can do it at home with the help of your loved one.

# 2 – steaming

Inhale the vapor of cannabis oil from a humidifier. You just need to put a few drops of the essential oil in a humidifier.

Experts claim that this method will only produce a calming and therapeutic effect if it is at the right temperature. The steam can be either warm or cold, but not hot.

# 3 – diffuse

Many people prefer this method mainly because it is very stress-free and can be used at home. Put a few drops of cannabis oil in a diffuser. The diffuser releases the aromatic oils into the room at regular intervals, creating a peaceful and therapeutic environment.

When the room is entered, the mood changes and the calming effects of the oil are triggered.

# 4 – spray

You can procure a spray bottle that has been packed with diluted cannabis oil. That way, you are your aromatherapist. You can also buy a cannabis oil and a prayer separately. This way you can dilute the oils yourself. You can spray your couch, sofa, or pillowcase when you feel down and need to be lifted. Another creative option is to spray paint a tissue so you can use it whenever you want.

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Effectiveness of marijuana aromatherapy

Marijuana aromatherapy is an effective technique that works for some (not all) medical conditions. Using aromatherapy alone can only calm you down or stimulate your senses. But when it’s combined with medical marijuana, it has intense effects that make you feel better all round.

RELATED: Marijuana 101: How To Mix Essential Oils With Cannabis

However, it must be used in the right amount in order to achieve satisfactory effects and improve certain aspects of a person’s life. Too much of it can be harmful.

Researchers are actively working on ways to improve aromatherapy using marijuana extracts.

Some of the important terpenes used for this ancient technique include:

Bottom line

Marijuana aromatherapy is an effective practice that creates an uplifting and euphoric pattern. It is smoke free and free from unpleasant odors.

The research on terpenes, which has not been carried out so far, shows that they have a whole range of properties that will be beneficial for medical treatments in the coming years.

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, you can contact your doctor or an experienced budtender to see if you can experiment with aromatherapy.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and was republished with permission.