Best Terpenes for Depression

Cannabis has been shown to provide significant relief for depression. However, with a wide variety of strains and terpene profiles, finding a strain that works for you can be challenging. Some strains may be too energizing, while others might feel too subtle.

It’s important to understand the role terpenes play in managing depression symptoms to identify the best terpenes for depression.

Which Terpenes Help Most With Depression?

As a complex mental disorder, depression can be managed with a range of conventional and complementary treatments, including the targeted use of certain cannabis-derived terpenes. 

Choosing strains for depression involves considering the best terpenes for depression and other related conditions such as anxiety.

Research shows that some terpenes, such as beta-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and linalool, are particularly effective in managing depression symptoms by enhancing mood and reducing stress.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Known for its spicy, peppery notes, beta-caryophyllene has proven to provide relief for depression. A study found that administering 50 mg/kg of beta-caryophyllene orally to albino Swiss mice significantly activated CB2 receptors, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects.¹

Limonene

This citrus-scented terpene is commonly found in strains with a fresh lemon and orange aroma. Research indicates that inhaling limonene may improve mood and reduce stress.² 

In one study, inhalation of essential oils containing limonene led to a notable decrease in salivary cortisol levels and overall mood disturbances.² This reinforces its potential as a therapeutic tool against depression.

Pinene

With its fresh pine aroma, pinene, particularly beta-pinene, targets serotonin and beta-adrenergic receptors in animal models. That’s similar to traditional antidepressants that modulate monoaminergic signaling.³ This action may hint at pinene’s potential to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Linalool

Linalool is commonly found in lavender and is recognized for its floral scent. It has demonstrated antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and cognitive-enhancing effects in various studies. For instance, mice given linalool-rich ylang-ylang essential oil showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors, showcasing its potential benefits for those with depression.³

Which Terpene Combinations Help Most With Depression?

Current research has explored the effects of individual terpenes on depression,including beta-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and linalool. 

These terpenes have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression through various mechanisms, such as activating CB2 receptors, reducing cortisol levels, and modulating monoaminergic signaling. Despite the notable results, studies specifically investigating the combined effects of terpenes are limited.

However, the entourage effect suggests that combining multiple terpenes could enhance their overall therapeutic effects. A range of antidepressant terpenes creates a synergistic interaction that may be more effective than using each terpene individually.

Given the research available on the best terpenes for depression, the best strains for depression contain a combination of these uplifting terpenes, which can potentially maximize their therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis strains contain a mix of terpenes, which may have complementary effects to the primary ones. For example, terpinolene is thought to be energizing, and valencene is said to relax users and enhance their mood.

How to Choose Strains for Depression Based on Terpenes

Choosing the right strains for depression, especially those with uplifting terpenes, involves some research into each strain’s chemical profile. Genetics primarily determine the type of terpenes a strain can produce, but environmental conditions like growth and processing methods also influence the levels of terpenes available.

If you’re considering using cannabis to manage your depression, here are some tips to help you find the best terpenes for depression and anxiety.

Certificate of Analysis

Always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). It provides a detailed breakdown of the terpene profile and cannabinoid content. Look for strains that have a higher concentration of the terpenes mentioned above.

Consider Secondary Terpenes

Secondary terpenes like bisabolol can also contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the therapeutic benefits. Bisabolol, found in plants like German chamomile has shown considerable antidepressant and anxiety-reducing activity in humans.⁴ Using strains with a rich and diverse terpene profile offers a more comprehensive approach to managing depression.

Consider Delivery Method

Different consumption methods can influence a terpenes’ effectiveness. For example, vaporizing can preserve more terpenes. Smoking may expose terpenes to high temperatures, potentially degrading them.

Talk to Your Cannabis Doctor

A medical cannabis doctor can guide you through the selection process and explain how different terpenes may interact with your symptoms. Regular consultations with a cannabis doctor let you fine-tune strains and dosage to manage symptoms effectively as needed.

Monitor Your Response

Keep a journal of your cannabis use, noting the strain, its terpene profile, and how it affects your depression symptoms. This can be useful for tracking which terpenes and strains are most effective for you.

Check for Freshness

Fresher cannabis is more likely to retain its complete terpene profile, which can degrade over time due to exposure to air, light, and heat. Check the harvest date and opt for well-stored, properly cured cannabis to reap the maximum benefits from the terpenes. Store your flower in airtight containers in a cool and dark environment.

The 5 Best Strains for Depression Based on Terpenes

When choosing cannabis strains for managing depression, look for ones high in specific terpenes. Here are five strains renowned for their effective terpene profiles.

Sour Tsunami

Sour Tsunami is high in myrcene, known for its earthy aroma and relaxing effects. It’s complemented by terpinolene for a fruity note and pinene, which adds a pine scent. This blend of terpenes may help reduce pain and stress while promoting focus.

Midnight

Midnight’s primary terpene, myrcene, offers an earthy aroma and calming effects. It’s paired with limonene, which adds citrus notes and may provide stress relief. Linalool, known for its floral scent, provides relaxing properties that may ease anxiety and depression.

Trident

Trident’s dominant terpene, limonene, has a fresh citrus scent that may help reduce stress and anxiety. Caryophyllene and pinene add a peppery and piney undertone, respectively. This blend is especially suited for those seeking focused effects while managing depression symptoms.

Suver Haze

Suver Haze features a terpene profile rich in myrcene, known for its herbal, earthy scent, alongside caryophyllene and pinene, which add peppery and pine notes. These terpenes contribute to its effectiveness in soothing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Special Sauce

Special Sauce is a CBD-rich strain notable for its calming effects. It’s rich in myrcene, which offers a soothing, earthy aroma and helps in relaxation. Caryophyllene adds a peppery layer, enhancing stress relief. Meanwhile, pinene introduces a crisp pine scent, promoting mental clarity and easing depression symptoms.

References

1. Francomano F, Caruso A, Barbarossa A, Fazio A, La Torre C, Ceramella J, Mallamaci R, Saturnino C, Iacopetta D, Sinicropi MS. β-Caryophyllene: A Sesquiterpene with Countless Biological Properties. Applied Sciences. 2019; 9(24):5420. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245420
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2. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021; 26(15):4535. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154535 ↩︎
3. Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211 ↩︎
4. Johnson AL, Verbitsky R, Hudson J, Dean R, Hamilton TJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;168:115760-115760. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115760 ‌
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.