Cannabis plants are one of the first crops our ancestors learned to grow. The presence of cannabis among humankind stretches for thousands of years. Nowadays, the hemp plant maintains its usefulness by giving us fibers to thread, seeds to eat, and flowers to heal.
The many chemicals that the plant develops during its flowering stage are the source of the healing powers of cannabis. These compounds include THC, CBD, and other molecules that interact with our endocannabinoid system. They help our bodies fight pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other health issues. In addition to cannabinoids, the hemp plant is a rich source of terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that most plants (and some animals) secrete. These substances act as deterrents for predators, attractors for pollinator birds and insects, and various medical uses. The cannabinoids in the hemp plant do not have any smell or taste, while terpenes sport a kaleidoscopic array of aromas and flavors. The terpenes present in the different cannabis strains give them their distinctive bouquets.
Besides its aroma and taste, cannabis owes the terpenes much of its medical properties. Terpenes lend their health properties to cannabis flowers, but they also enhance the effects of cannabinoids. We call this interaction the Entourage Effect and it is the primary cause for the widespread benefits of medicinal cannabis.