Cannabinoids and Terpenes: Everything You Need to Know About

When it comes to cannabis, new research shows that cannabinoids and terpenes show strong antipathogenic and antiviral effects. Not only do cannabinoids work with the endocannabinoid system to boost the immune system, but cannabinoids, along with terpenes, have the potential to beat back harmful pathogens and viruses.

Read along to understand how these properties can assist your immune system and harden your defenses against pathogens and viruses.

Cannabinoids and the Antipathogenic Response

Cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, and more, collaborate with the endocannabinoid system in a profound way. Cannabinoids activate the endocannabinoid system and cause an avalanche of effects, such as pain regulation, inflammation response, and an antipathogenic response.

However, what causes this incredible reaction to occur? To understand how a network of responses happens, you must first understand how the immune system responds to a pathogen.

Think of a pathogen as an intruder, and as you can imagine, it’s unwelcome. A pathogen can be a number of things, such as a bacteria or disease. In the event of an intrusion, the immune response sends out a flurry of proteins called antibodies. These antibodies are well-suited to fight antigens (pathogens).

However, not all immune systems are created equal, and some individuals have a weak or delayed immune response. Furthermore, many people have autoimmune diseases, which means the immune system acts against them.

In these scenarios, cannabinoids are ideal for boosting the immune response. This is done via the endocannabinoid system, which directly and indirectly triggers the central nervous system and immune regulation.^[1]

Terpenes and Their Antiviral Properties

Terpenes have long been known by scientists to hold incredible potential. Terpenes are organic compounds that are present in all plants, especially cannabis. There are thousands of terpenes, and only a select few are known to have antiviral capabilities. Let’s take a look at which are ideal for combating viruses and commonly found in cannabis.

Limonene and Pinene

Limonene and pinene are two of the primary terpenes found in sativa-dominant hybrids, and they are responsible for the incredible aromas that countless cannabis enthusiasts have come to know and love. However, limonene and pinene also contain a special antiviral ability.

Studies show that limonene and pinene can reduce viral infectivity by 100% – depending on the virus.^[2] The results from various studies show that limonene and pinene reduce the rate of viral multiplication – thus significantly weakening the virus.

Beneficial Effects During the Age of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Although there has yet to be any studies regarding terpenes’ antiviral capabilities against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – it’s safe to say that cannabinoids can support a strong immune response.

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