Medical Cannabis

The importance of terpenes is often overlooked - but they play a very essential role and are powerful medicinal compounds. So what exactly are they?​

Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many different plants (and even some animals). There are thousands of different terpenes, and around 150 have been identified in cannabis. They largely determine the aroma, taste, and effects of different strains. Some terpenes such as pinene and terpinolene create an uplifting effect, while others, such as myrcene, will provide sedation and relaxation. Terpenes also have a wide range of medicinal properties. They can be anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and more. For example, in clinical studies, limonene has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, most notably in breast cancer, while pinene has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, and is now being looked into as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s. Terpenes also interact synergistically with cannabinoids, which provide additional benefits!​

To the left is a diagram of some of the many terpenes that are found in cannabis. The aromatic and medicinal properties are listed.

Island’s products are 100% natural and full spectrum. It is essential your cannabis products are full spectrum so your body can receive the highest level of benefit possible. When shopping for cannabis products you may come across some different terms. Here is a brief summary of their definitions and differences. It is important to keep in mind that these terms are not strict standards, but commonly used terms. Even though a business may claim their products are “full spectrum”, that may not always be true. This is why it’s so important to know your farmer!

Full spectrum products contain the naturally occurring compounds in a cannabis plant. Nothing is artificially added or removed. Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids and more may be present. This allows the entourage effect to take place.

Broad spectrum  products have a more limited spectrum of compounds. When referring to broad spectrum CBD products, there is NO THC present.  When there are fewer compounds, the entourage effect is limited and the product’s benefits are lower than a full spectrum product. 

Isolate products have a single cannabinoid present. They have no other components of cannabis, only the isolated cannabinoid. The entourage effect disappears completely, and the medicinal benefits are lowered.

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Full spectrum products not only provide more balanced effects, but also allow you to get more medicinal benefit from less product. Research published by the National Institutes of Health found that patients taking full spectrum CBD were able to take nearly four times less compared to people taking isolated CBD!